IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD International Journal of Economics and Business Management (IJEBM )

E-ISSN 2489-0065
P-ISSN 2695-186X
VOL. 3 NO. 5 2017

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Ethical Concerns in the Adoption of Electronic Commerce Technology by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Ekanem Edem Udo Udo (Ph.D), Adeniyi M. Yusuff, Adeogun Bukola Simeon (Ph.D) and Alhaji Abiso Kabir

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Abstract

The interest and urge of business organizations to take advantage of the growth of internet usage for day to day business transactions continues to increase. The main aim of this study is to investigate on ethical concerns in the adoption of electronic commerce technology by small and medium sized enterprises in Nigeria. The study used a quantitative approach to data collection to gather information from small and medium sized enterprises in 6 classified sectors in Maiduguri, Borno State. In this study, closed-ended questionnaires were designed and distributed to participants in the responding organizations to elicit information pertaining to adoption of electronic commerce technology in their daily operations. The data obtained were analyzed and presented in tabular form with the aid of descriptive statistics. This study found that online transaction is mainly determined by the knowledge of business owners and potential customers coupled with availability of internet and technology infrastructure in the country. This study also revealed that small businesses with online knowledge use the internet infrastructures for the exchange of information and customer support services. However, for those with online presence the use internet facilities for customer support services and checking of new varieties of products and services. Finally, the study reported that some of the factors that determine online transaction among small business owners and customers in Nigeria are; fear of fraud, lack of privacy, lack of rust, unreliability of the system and lack of security. Future researchers could use a qualitative method of data collection to find out real life experiences of business owners and customers as regards the ethical concerns in the adoption of electronic commerce technology in Nigeria

keywords:

Business Ethics, E-Commerce, Technology Adoption, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Nigeria.

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