E-Business Assimilation in China's International Trade Firms: The Technology-Organization-Environment Framework

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Department

Management and International Business

Abstract

Despite the importance of international trade firms in China's economic development, there is only limited empirical evidence about how these firms assimilate Internet-based e-business in global supply chain operations. Using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, this study investigates technological, organizational, and environmental factors which determine e-business assimilation in these firms. Based on survey data collected from 307 international trade firms in the Beijing area, we found that environmental uncertainty was negatively associated with e-business assimilation, while a firm's internal IT capability, relative advantage of e-business, learning orientation, and inter-organizational dependence were positive determinants of e-business assimilation. The effect of a firm's ownership type was also significant. Environmental uncertainty was the most important inhibitor, and IT capability and inter-organizational dependence were the most salient enablers of e-business assimilation.

Publication Title

Journal of Global Information Management

Volume

18

Issue

1

First Page

39

Last Page

65

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