Dynamic capabilities approach to information communication technology adoption in SMEs

Since the 1980s, a substantial number of theories have been developed on Information Communication Technology (ICT) adoption. While these theories have contributed extensively, they have always ignored the fact that as decision to adopt progresses at one particular stage, they may be challenged by same or different factors across stages. The paper examines the dynamic process of ICT adoption using the concepts of dynamic capabilities and employs a qualitative approach to investigate how UK services SMEs constantly engage in ICT adoption. A framework was derived based on the concepts of dynamic capabilities with 26 interviews and critical adoption factors were unveiled. The findings suggest that using the concepts of dynamic capabilities to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive and dynamic nature of the process as well as the key factors at each stage. This paper presents the key findings on critical factors affecting the dynamic process of ICT adoption at both single and multiple stages