Can Technology Facilitate Socio-economic Development? Evidence From A Micro-enterprise Context

Micro-enterprises have the potential to serve as the seedbed for economic development. Statistics reveal that in both developing countries and also within underserved regions in developed countries, these very small businesses are a ubiquitous form of business. Even if it is not the primary engine of growth, the micro-enterprise sector is very important for broad-based development, and for basic household economic survival. Yet many micro-enterprises are hindered from growing and functioning efficiently by an inability to use information technology effectively and traditional theories on technology adoption and use do not adequately explain the use of technology in the micro-enterprise context. In order to address this gap, this research investigated the effects of IT interventions in a micro-enterprise on development. This was carried out through an inductive analysis of qualitative data collected through action research methodology within an in-depth case study