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Electronic networks can assist an organisation discover and share knowledge and learning within the organisation and from entities outside the organisation (O’Toole, 2003), as an innovative instrument for adding business value. The concept of electronic network is rarely mentioned in the networks literature, but used as e-business (Taylor & Murphy, 2004; Fillis et al., 2004; O’Toole, 2003), e-relationships (O’Toole, 2003), or electronic market-place and e-business (Stockdale & Standing, 2004). Therefore, these terms are used interchangeably with e-networks.
Some studies used the terms e-commerce, internet commerce, and e-business in a compatible way (Stockdale & Standing, 2006; Poon & Swatman, 1998). Ramsey et al. (2003) stated that the term electronic business is used broadly and interchangeably with e-commerce and internet commerce to describe the internet activities and process in a business. Moreover, Fillis et al. (2004) confirmed that the terms e-business and e-commerce can be used interchangeably to describe firms’ utilisation of E-technology in their activities and operations.
Most of the previous studies defined the term E-business to represent all electronic activities and process in a business (Liu & Arnett, 2000; Tang et al., 2003; Fillis et al., 2004). For example, Liu and Arnett (2000) considered e-business as a way of conducting business by companies and their customers performing electronic transactions through computer networks. Moreover, e-business is also defined as the enhancement and optimisation of a business’s activities through the usage or creation of new, digital markets and value chains both for strategic and operational benefits (Tang et al., 2003). Furthermore, Fillis et al. (2004) defined e-business as “any business carried out over an electronic network (exchanging data files, having a websites, using other companies’ websites or buying and selling goods and services online” (p. 179).
The above-mentioned definitions used E-business as a broad term to describe all electronic activities that can be adopted in businesses operations in different ways to build relationships management with other parties. Specifically, small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) do not have the skills or time to implement all internet applications. Firm size affects the level of resources available for investment in information technologies and associated training which can support e-business adoption in SMEs (Serbanica & Militaru, 2008).
Currently, the Internet is most commonly used by SME firms in developing countries for communication and research; the Internet is least used for e-commerce. E-mail is considered an important means of communication. However, the extent of use is limited by the SMEs’ recognition of the importance of face-to-face interaction with their buyers and suppliers (Andam, 2003).
In developing countries, there are many barriers and challenges for small business to adopt electronic networks as driver for electronic activities. The previous studies in developing countries have not defined electronic networks in a clear way. For example, Adekunle and Tella (2008) investigated the barriers of electronic networks adoption in Nigerian small businesses. Consequently, they concluded that E-commerce, E-business and e-networks could be used interchangeably.
Up to date, no any empirical study has investigated the use of E-networks in handicrafts sector in Jordan. This paper attempts to make contribution to the recognition of this knowledge gap. It also offers guidance for future research in a field of research.