An investigation into factors limiting the adoption of information communication technology by small and medium sized enterprises in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate factors that limit the adoption of information and communication technologies (JCT) by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana. Four objectives were set for the study. These included the need to measure the extent of usage of ICT by SMEs in Botswana, the determination of drivers of ICT adoption by SMEs in the country, the views of SMEs with regard to adopting ICT in their businesses and the opinions of SMEs if they think they missed out on growth opportunities, markets and profits if they did not incorporate ICT in their business models. Various frameworks guided the study. The main ones being the Theory of Research Action, the Technology Adoption Model, and the Integrated ICT Adoption Framework. Other hybrid models have been proposed by researchers and referred to in the literature review. The study covered the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, which houses the majority of SMEs in the manufacturing sector and is fairly representative of other towns and cities in the country. Purposive sampling was used to draw the sample of participants who provided the information that was required for the study. The study utilized quantitative and qualitative approaches to extract primary data. Data instruments used included questionnaires, and prior to the main study, a pilot study was carried out. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse primary data. The findings of the study showed the reasons that impede information and ICT adoption by SMEs are many and varied. The key ones being the non-existence of proficiencies and expertise, lack of technical and managerial aptitudes, the calibre of business owners and the level of education acquired, poor telecommunications infrastructure, lack of awareness on the part of owners and managers, spontaneous business operations, failure to appreciate the changing business environment and fear of the unknown.