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Internet Usage in an Emerging Economy: The Role of Skills, Support, and Attitudes

Abstract

The Internet has revolutionized the business environment, enabling the conception of the e-economy. Irrespective of the technology divide between developed and developing countries, it is imperative for multinational corporations, their affiliates, and local businesses operating in these economies to use the Internet to sustain their competitive edge in a global market. Hence, this paper provides theoretical insights into Internet usage progression in an emerging economy. Furthermore, the paper examines empirical factors that influence Internet usage in an organizational context. Data gathered from 224 employees who had access to the Internet at work in 33 organizations in Nigeria were used to examine the relationships between Internet skills, management support, and Internet usage. We also investigated the moderating effects of attitudes on the skills, support, and Internet usage relationships. The correlation and regression results provide strong support for the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that Internet skills (general and advanced) and management support contribute to Internet usage in organizations in the emerging economy. Some moderating effects of attitudes were also found. Implications and directions for future studies are discussed

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