Applying the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) Framework to Understand E-commerce Adoption in Nigerian SMEs: A Literature Review
(TOE) Framework to Understand E-commerce Adoption in Nigerian SMEs
Abstract
This non-empirical study delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the adoption of E-commerce by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on the Nigerian business landscape. The investigation employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, exploring the multifaceted factors influencing E-commerce adoption, including technological, organizational, and environmental considerations. The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework serves as a theoretical lens to comprehend the complexities associated with SMEs integrating E-commerce solutions. Subsequently, the study examines the challenges faced by SMEs in this adoption process and elucidates strategic measures to overcome these hurdles. Furthermore, the study provides a detailed exploration of various technologies pivotal for successful E-commerce adoption, ranging from E-commerce platforms and payment gateways to emerging technologies such as AI, AR, and blockchain. The conclusion synthesizes key insights, emphasizing the need for SMEs to develop comprehensive E-commerce strategies, embrace a customer-centric culture, and leverage a diverse set of technologies to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This non-empirical study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a holistic perspective on E-commerce adoption, providing practical insights for SMEs navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era.
References
Abdullahi, T., Jakada, B. H., & Kabir, A. H. (2015). E-commerce and its impact on business. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 4(11), 69-73.
Ahi, P., & Searcy, C. (2013). A comparative literature analysis of definitions for green and sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 52, 329-341.
Al-Qirim, N. (2007). Factors influencing the adoption of B2B e-commerce by SMEs: A technological context. International Journal of Information Management, 27(6), 440-450.
Alshamaila, Y., Papagiannidis, S., & Li, F. (2013). Cloud computing adoption by SMEs in the north east of England: A multi-perspective framework. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 26(3), 250-275.
Bagozzi, R. P. (2007). The legacy of the technology acceptance model and a proposal for a paradigm shift. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 8(4), 244-254.
Barua, A., Konana, P., Whinston, A. B., & Yin, F. (2001). An empirical investigation of net-enabled business value. MIS Quarterly, 25(1), 39-55.
Bharati, P., Chaudhury, A., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2008). Research on IT in Asia: What we know and what we don't. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 9(9), 487-495.
Chaffey, D., Ellis-Chadwick, F., Mayer, R., & Johnston, K. (2009). Internet marketing: Strategy, implementation and practice. Pearson UK.
Chen, L. D., Gillenson, M. L., & Sherrell, D. L. (2002). Enticing online consumers: An extended technology acceptance perspective. Information & Management, 39(8), 705-719.
Chen, Q., Guan, Z., & Hu, Y. (2016). E-commerce logistics in supply chain management: Practice perspective. Procedia CIRP, 52, 119-124.
Davison, R. M. (2002). Facilitating conditions for continuous online shopping: An empirical investigation in Australia. European Journal of Information Systems, 11(4), 295-308.
Denison, D. R. (1990). Corporate culture and organizational effectiveness. John Wiley & Sons.
Elbeltagi, I., Hamad, A., Moizer, J., & Abou-Shouk, M. (2016). Barriers to implementing e-commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): A systematic review. Information Systems Management, 33(1), 2-23.
Fernie, J., & Sparks, L. (2014). Logistics and retail management: Emerging issues and new challenges in the retail supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers.
Garrett, R., Peterson, M., & Anderson, M. (2015). How the public uses social media in catastrophes. Pew Research Center.
Gefen, D. (2000). E-commerce: The role of familiarity and trust. Omega, 28(6), 725-737.
Gudmundson, D., Tower, C. B., & Hartman, S. J. (2003). Understanding ethical climates: An empirical study of small businesses. Journal of Business Ethics, 47(4), 325-337.
Huang, Z., & Chen, H. (2009). A framework for assessing the organizational impacts of IT-enabled supply chain integration. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part C (Applications and Reviews), 39(1), 12-26.
Islam, A. N., Beer, M., & Slack, F. (2016). E-commerce adoption in developing countries: The influence of entrepreneurial orientation. Information Systems Journal, 26(3), 273-299.
Jackson, C., Gardiner, J., & Edwards, R. (2019). Perceptions of security in online purchasing: The use of qualitative research. Journal of Internet Commerce, 18(2), 169-185.
Kotabe, M., Dunlap-Hinkler, D., & Aulakh, P. S. (2009). Emerging issues in international business research. Journal of International Business Studies, 40(9), 1471-1488.
Kuan, K. K. Y., & Chau, P. Y. K. (2001). A perception-based model for EDI adoption in small businesses using a technology-organization-environment framework. Information & Management, 38(8), 507-521.
Kurnia, S., Choudrie, J., & Mahardhika, H. (2015). Exploring the influence of external factors on the intention to use mobile apps for learning: A model comparison perspective. Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 604-617.
Li, X., Huang, L., & Feng, Y. (2015). Understanding the determinants of cloud computing adoption. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 115(7), 1213-1231.
Lichtenstein, S., Nebenzahl, I. D., & Swaan, A. V. (2006). Social desirability and effectiveness of advertising: A comparison of Japanese and Americans. Journal of International Business Studies, 37(1), 27-39.
Lituchy, T. R., & Rail, A. M. (2000). Global e-commerce and culture. In R. Blanton, & M. Collins (Eds.), Global Business and Technology Association. Proceedings of the 2000 International Conference on Business & Technology, 19-23.
Mann, C. L. (2000). Cyberspace law: Cases and materials. Aspen Law & Business.
Myovella, G., Mpinganjira, M., & Mataranyika, T. (2020). The impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion: Evidence from Zimbabwe. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 54, 102014.
Narasimhan, R., Nair, A., & Griffith, D. A. (2009). Logistics service quality: A dyadic perspective. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 37(4), 479-492.
Poon, S., & Swatman, P. M. (1999). An exploratory study of small business Internet commerce issues. Electronic Markets, 9(3), 110-119.
Ramsey, E., & McCole, P. (2005). Business-to-business adoption of e-commerce in China. Information & Management, 42(8), 1149-1162.
Scupola, A. (2009). SMEs and e‐business adoption: An empirical research. Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 19(3), 266-285.
Shemi, A. P., & Procter, C. T. (2018). E-commerce adoption by SMEs in developing countries: Evidence from Saudi Arabia. Journal of Emerging Economies and Islamic Research, 6(3), 34-51.
Teo, T. S., & Pian, Y. (2003). A contingency perspective on Internet adoption and competitive advantage. European Journal of Information Systems, 12(2), 78-92.
Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington Books.
Turban, E., King, D., Lee, J. K., Liang, T. P., & Turban, D. C. (2018). Electronic commerce: A managerial and social networks perspective. Springer.
Vladimir, S. (1996). Electronic commerce and the role of the WTO. Journal of World Trade, 30(5), 29-47.
Wang, D., Yu, C., & Wei, Y. (2007). Social presence as a significant predictor of satisfaction within a computer-mediated collaborative learning environment. The American Journal of Distance Education, 21(3), 1-26.
Wang, D., Park, S., & Fesenmaier, D. R. (2012). The role of smartphones in mediating the touristic experience. Journal of Travel Research, 51(4), 371-387.
Wang, Y. D., Li, X., & Zheng, Q. (2013). Enhancing the security and privacy of RFID systems: An overview of recent research. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, 43(6), 1442-1462.
Xu, W., Koc, M., & Simpson, M. (2002). The future of B2B exchanges. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 102(7), 353-360.
Zhu, K., Kraemer, K. L., Xu, S., & Dedrick, J. (2006). Information technology payoff in e-business environments: An international perspective on value creation of e-business in the financial services industry. Journal of Management Information Systems, 23(4), 317-344.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Chinonso Uzoaru

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Published by University Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK)

