Adoption and Use of Computer Technology in Canadian Small Businesses: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This chapter examines the impact of company size on the adoption, use and perceived impact of computer technology in Canadian businesses. Such research is critical for several reasons. First, while there is a large body of research that examines the adoption, use and impact of computer technology, most studies either ignore workplace size or focus exclusively on medium and large workplaces. Second, most research on computer use in small business has grouped businesses of various sizes (that is under 99 employees, under 200 employees) into one category for study, with the assumption that all small businesses have similar computing applications needs and adoption practices (e.g., Malone, 1985; Nickell and Seado, 1986). Third, our previous research with small businesses would suggest that owners of Canadian small businesses are becoming more interested in computer technology (Duxbury and Higgins, 1999). Finally, research in this area is critical because of the increasing economic importance of this sector to the Canadian economy.