Small Business Internet Use and Strategic Flexibility

Research on SME Internet use has focused almost exclusively on factors leading to the adoption of Internet technologies. In this study, we focus on the potentially valuable connection between Internet use and strategic flexibility. Specifically, we propose that Internet use for communications will promote greater strategic flexibility for the small firm, but only in a dynamic environment. The results, based on a sample of 160 small Midwest companies, largely support this hypothesis. Environmental dynamism was found to moderate the relationship between Internet use for communications and strategic flexibility. Use of the Internet for communications was found to be positively and significantly related to strategic flexibility in a dynamic environment. As expected, dynamism did not moderate the relationship between Internet use for transactions and strategic flexibility. These findings hold implications for future research and for managers of small firms attempting to effectively leverage the Internet for competitive advantage

SME Internet Use: The Moderating Role of Normative Influence

Of all electronic commerce technologies, the Internet is particularly relevant to SMEs interested in improving efficiency and competitive position. A consistent theme in the SME Internet adoption literature relates to the potential importance of accounting for normative influence. We extend thinking in the area by exploring the potential moderating effect of behavioral normative influence in SME technology acceptance. Consistent with predictions, owner/manager perceptions of normative Internet usage are found to interact with usefulness perceptions, which moderate the relationship between owner/manager perceived usefulness and Internet usage intention. Specifically, when normative influence is not perceived to be prevalent in the SME's environment, perceptions that the Internet could prove useful have a strong positive effect on ow ner/manager intention to increase usage of the Internet. In contrast, when the SME context is perceived to be associated with strong normative influence, usefulness perceptions do not greatly affect owner/manager intention to increase use of the Internet

Strategic Flexibility and SMEs: The Role of Information Technology for Managing Internal and External Relations

The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of information technology on strategic flexibility for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Results of the study show that under conditions of low environmental dynamism, IT capabilities are associated with greater reactive strategic flexibility. Specifically, IT capabilities enabling the management of internal activities was significant. Under conditions of high environmental dynamism, IT capabilities are associated with greater proactive strategic flexibility. Specifically, IT capabilities enabling the management of competitor information was significant. Managerial as well as future research implications are discussed

Understanding SME Intention to Use the Internet for Managing Supplier Information

There is strong consensus that the Internet has the potential to positively impact firms, and SMEs in particular; however, not all firms have realized benefits from adoption. The present study extends research in the area by addressing the need to examine the “chain” of variables explaining Internet adoption. We do this by exploring SME owner/manager Internet-related usefulness and ease-of-use cognitions and intention to use the Internet for supplier information management. We also explore the influence of behavioral norms and two broader strategic perspectives, market and learning orientation, on the Internet-related cognitions. Findings have implications for researchers and practitioners by identifying factors that contribute to effectively leveraging the Internet in an important area for SMEs

The role of the university in accelerated learning and innovation as a regional ecosystem integrator

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptation of a program that is at the intersection of two dynamic force fields. The first relates to imperatives impinging upon and inherent in higher education. The second ties to the concept of ecosystems as spaces for aligning actors and resources to create value. Design/methodology/approach - Tables I-III present pre-test and post-test means and p-values for the paired sample t-tests for the measures. Findings - As expected, post-test means are consistently significantly higher (or lower depending on item wording) for a shift in beliefs away from self-censoring and prejudging ideas during ideation and more toward greater openness in the ideation process. Originality/value - The paper examines the outcome of an educational program

Buyer-Seller Relationships: The Role of Expectations, Communication Behavior, and Appraisal Processes in Problem Solving

The potential benefits of integrated supply chain management are significant, yet pressures to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship can be compromised by the pressures felt within partner firms. Moreover, creating and maintaining successful supply relationships is a complicated process that is very dependent on the interactions of people involved. This paper reports the results of an 18-month longitudinal study of three pairs of powder metallurgy part producers and their customers. Using 62 field interviews from participants at different levels of each organization, the paper develops a model of buyer-seller problem solving based on interpersonal relationship literature

Talk nerdy to me: The role of intellectual stimulation in the supervisor-employee relationship.

This study investigates (1) if communication with one\u27s supervisor is related to empowerment through establishing perceptions of leader integrity, and (2) the extent to which the relationship between leader integrity and empowerment is moderated by intellectual stimulation. Due to the dynamic nature of today\u27s organizational environment, understanding the nuances among these variables is vital to effective performance at the individual and organizational level. Hierarchical multiple regression tests were performed with a sample of 259 nurses in two regional healthcare facilities in the Midwestern United States. The results support a moderated-mediation relationship such that open communication with one\u27s supervisor is positively related to empowerment through perceptions of leader integrity, but the relationship between leader integrity and empowerment varies across levels of intellectual stimulation. Specifically, while supervisor integrity mediates the relationship between patient safety communication and empowerment, this mediated relationship is only significant for followers who experience high intellectual stimulation, and is not significant for followers who report low intellectual stimulation. Thus, open communication and leader integrity will only empower followers if the leader is intellectually stimulating. This research clarifies how leaders in health care environments should communicate with their followers to empower them to think and act by their own initiative. Specifically, followers who communicate openly with their supervisor will feel more empowered, but only if they experience high intellectual stimulation which can improve their job performance and patient safety overall

Benefits management and communication: A marketing orientation

The purpose of this article is to call for a marketing orientation for future benefits research and practice, particularly in the area of benefits communication. Specific marketing content domains examined include service quality management, involvement, values, and cost/benefit trade-offs as they apply to formation usage. The article presents background discussions of each conceptual topic, related exploratory research propositions, and examples of specific applications to employee benefits. © 1994