Start Date
16-8-2018 12:00 AM
Description
Enterprise systems (ES) are a priority in China. The main literature on ES is dominated by survey-based research on large Western firms, which typically focus on the user firm only and on the before-and-after effects of implementation. Analyses using critical success factors and technology adoption theories feature widely. China-based research on ES although growing is relatively limited and is significantly influenced by Western-based approaches. In contrast, this research examines ES adoption and implementation in Chinese SMEs from a continuous, process perspective using four case studies. It argues that ES adoption and implementation is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, and exploring the interplay among them explains why and how an ES is adopted and implemented. Actor-network theory (ANT) informs the main analysis. Importantly, the unit of analysis (UOA) is the user-SME and the technology provider combined. The findings challenge the dominant user-centred adoption theories and the importance of the technology provider in the sociotechnical role.
Recommended Citation
Xu, Zheng; Brown, David; and Stevenson, Mark, "Enterprise Systems Adoption and Implementation in Chinese SMEs: Exploring relationships between user firms and technology providers through ANT" (2018). AMCIS 2018 Proceedings. 15.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis2018/GlobalDev/Presentations/15
Enterprise Systems Adoption and Implementation in Chinese SMEs: Exploring relationships between user firms and technology providers through ANT
Enterprise systems (ES) are a priority in China. The main literature on ES is dominated by survey-based research on large Western firms, which typically focus on the user firm only and on the before-and-after effects of implementation. Analyses using critical success factors and technology adoption theories feature widely. China-based research on ES although growing is relatively limited and is significantly influenced by Western-based approaches. In contrast, this research examines ES adoption and implementation in Chinese SMEs from a continuous, process perspective using four case studies. It argues that ES adoption and implementation is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, and exploring the interplay among them explains why and how an ES is adopted and implemented. Actor-network theory (ANT) informs the main analysis. Importantly, the unit of analysis (UOA) is the user-SME and the technology provider combined. The findings challenge the dominant user-centred adoption theories and the importance of the technology provider in the sociotechnical role.