Understanding the consequences of adopting the Internet of Things in small- and medium-sized enterprises

Authors

Hannes Reil, University of RostockFollow
Marlen Rimbeck, Technische UniversitätFollow
Michael Leyer, University of Rostock, RostockFollow
Jutta Stumpf-Wollersheim, Technische Universitat Bergakademie Freiberg Fakultat fur WirtschaftswissenschaftenFollow

Abstract

The implementation of IoT offers high potential for adapting existing business models but is a major challenge for SMEs. SMEs often have few resources for a systematic change of business models and rely on fewer employees who thus have to be treated more carefully but are also more flexible. For this reason, this paper focuses on how implementation of IoT affects the organizational and individual levels of SMEs. The findings from qualitative interviews show that IoT on an organizational level is primarily a driver for long-term changes in organizational structures, whereas introduction of IoT has a short- and medium-term impact on the process organization. At the individual level, IoT is very likely to lead to a higher stress and resistance level of employees and requires various competencies. This article contributes to strategic information systems management literature as it provides insights into which aspects SMEs should consider when implementing IoT.

Recommended Citation

Reil, Hannes; Rimbeck, Marlen; Leyer, Michael; and Stumpf-Wollersheim, Jutta, "Understanding the consequences of adopting the Internet of Things in small- and medium-sized enterprises" (2020). PACIS 2020 Proceedings. 227.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2020/227