Abstract

In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, many small businesses have opted to digitally transform to survive the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic. In particular, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have turned to electronic commerce (e-commerce) to keep their firm afloat and maintain revenues amidst government restrictions and national lockdowns. While many SMEs shifted online against the backdrop of these contextual circumstances, the primary determinants which may have played a significant role in the e-commerce adoption decision in small businesses are unclear and cannot be explained by existing literature. Therefore, this paper finds it is the time to revisit this topic to ascertain the underlying determinants of SME e-commerce adoption during COVID-19. In so doing, this research aspires to provide practitioners and policymakers with advice as to how SMEs can counter crises by integrating technological innovations like e-commerce into their businesses and undergoing a rapid digital transformation.

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