IDPM Working papers
This Working Paper is part of the Development Informatics series
SMEs and E-commerce in Developing Countries: Frameworks for Assessing the Role of Change Agents
Richard Duncombe and Alemayehu Molla
Abstract
The purpose of this working paper is to understand the role of change agents in the promotion of e-commerce among SMEs in developing countries, an area where there is little research coverage. The paper argues that both SMEs and change agents in developing countries face unique challenges that call into question the applicability of conventional theory of change agency and SME-led e-commerce adoption. Using preliminary data collected from Uganda and the theoretical lenses of change agency and motivation-ability theory, a framework is presented that explains how change agents can fulfil an effective role in assisting SMEs to benefit from e-commerce.
A five point criteria categorises the change agents identified through field research, which are then assessed according to a four-stage SME and change agency-profiling framework. On this basis the paper proposes a role-based change agency intervention model that assesses the potential of SMEs in developing countries to benefit from e-commerce adoption. The paper makes an original contribution to theory of e-commerce adoption, as well as providing an assessment framework to assist practitioners in their work to formulate intervention strategies and to assist both SMEs' and agencies' e-commerce initiatives. The paper concludes by highlighting some of the lessons that emerged from Ugandan experience and outlines future research intentions.
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