Upper echelon theory (UET): A major determinant of information technology (IT) adoption by SMEs in Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of such demographic variables as age composition, gender sensitivity, experience, homogeneity/heterogeneity and educational attainment of top management teams (TMT) on small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)' information technology (IT) adoption behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: The data collection method was primarily field survey guided by the five working hypotheses and research objectives. Analysis of the data was made with multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient as there were five independent variables that entered into the equation, though at different stages/times. Findings: As the study unravelled, the age composition, experience and gender sensitivity of TMT members of SMEs were found to have significantly strong power of predicting the extent of adoption of IT. Group homogeneity, in terms of functional track, has negative impacts and education has weak impacts, contrary to many previous inquiries. Practical implications: The paper takes a sample of subjects across industries from where findings are specifically generalized. Extended data and measures are required for further in‐depth investigation in specific areas and industries not covered by this work in order to build external validity and further expand knowledge. Also, the paper suggests that marketers of IT infrastructures are encouraged to focus more on individual and group idiosyncrasies of decision makers measured by age, gender and experience in order to accurately predict and timely package programmes that win trial, loyal, switching and viral/advocacy behaviours in this global age. Originality/value: The paper bridges a knowledge gap by replicating and complementing upper echelon theory on the extent to which IT adoption is determined and shaped by the demographic factors of members of TMT in Nigeria, where such studies rarely exist.
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The major issue with T-O-E framework is that some of the constructs in the adoption predictors are assumed to apply more to large organizations than to SMEs.
“The major issue with T-O-E framework is that some of the constructs in the adoption predictors are assumed to apply more to large organizations, where clients are sure of continuity and less complaints, than to SMEs (Awa, Eze, Urieto, & Inyang, 2011).”
From Using T-O-E theoretical framework to study the adoption of ERP solution (2016) · cites this paper as Awa, Eze, Urieto, & Inyang, 2011
Innovation adoption is influenced by group heterogeneity and cohesiveness as well as group members' functional tracks, education, age, gender, and experience.
“Awa et al. (2011) submit that innovation adoption is influenced by group heterogeneity and cohesiveness as well as group members' functional tracks, education, age, gender, and experience.”
From Using T-O-E theoretical framework to study the adoption of ERP solution (2016) · cites this paper as Awa et al. (2011)
Cites
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An Empirically Derived Model for the Adoption of Customer‐based Interorganizational Systems*
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“Owner-managers recognize competitive pressure as an IT adoption driver ( Grover, 1993”
BackgroundFactors affecting ERP system adoption: A comparative analysis between SMEs and large companies
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Age Differences in Attitudes Toward Computers
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Using T-O-E theoretical framework to study the adoption of ERP solution
Awa, H. O., Ukoha, O., & Emecheta, B. C. (2016) · Cogent Business & Management · doi:10.1080/23311975.2016.1196571 · Cited by 272 · see citing works
“Awa et al. (2011) observe that a cohort made up of executives with integrated cost-cutting behavior, optimization backgrounds, database management and related areas influences adoption of new technologies.”
BackgroundSelf-citationDemographic determinants of electronic commerce (EC) adoption by SMEs: A twist by location factors
Awa, H. O., Baridam, D. M., & Nwibere, B. M. (2015) · Journal of Enterprise Information Management · doi:10.1108/jeim-10-2013-0073 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Self-citation
- Authors
- Awa, H. O., Eze, S. C., Urieto, J. E., & Inyang, B. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Port Harcourt (NG)
- University of Bedfordshire (GB)
- University of Calabar (NG)
- Venue
- Journal of Systems and Information Technology
- Publisher
- Emerald
- Published
- 2011-05-03
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 144-162
- ISSN
- 1328-7265 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1513652832
- Cited by
- 61
- References
- 7
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 3.82
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Systems and Information Technology (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › Information Technology Governance and Strategy
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › ERP Systems Implementation and Impact
- Keywords
- upper echelons theory, top management teams, information technology adoption, small and medium-sized enterprises, age structure, gender sensitivity, managerial experience, educational attainment, demographic factors, Nigeria
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