Impact of organizational learning and knowledge management factors on e‐business adoption

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the impact of organizational learning factors (training available, technical expertise, and knowledge level) and knowledge management processes (knowledge acquisition, knowledge application, and knowledge sharing) on e‐business systems adoption level. Design/methodology/approach: The data from a survey of 202 IS executives in Taiwan were used empirically to test the proposed research model. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and the structural equation modelling technique was used to evaluate the research model. Findings: The analytical results showed that organizational learning factors and knowledge management processes are closely related to the level of e‐business systems adoption. However, knowledge sharing did not significantly affect e‐business systems adoption level. Research limitations/implications: Future studies could seek an enhanced understanding of the impacts on the level of e‐business adoption of the organizational learning and knowledge management factors investigated in this paper through structured interviews and case studies of IS executives dealing with ongoing or recently completed e‐business systems projects. Practical implications: Owner/managers considering e‐business systems adoption would be best to focus on both social and technical factors, and their interaction within and beyond the organization, rather than focusing exclusively on technological considerations. Originality/value: This paper has implications for e‐business managers or policy‐makers in formulating policies and targeting appropriate organizational capabilities to ensure effective adoption of e‐business systems.