Chapter 3 Societal Factors and the Diffusion of EDI

The work reported in this chapter is part of a research stream to study the interaction between a nation's societal factors and the introduction of information technology. It examines the influence of four societal factors culture, economy, infrastructures and government policyon the diffusion of electronic data interchange in the Netherlands. This single-case study involved conducting semi-structured interviews with participants and ojservers of the diffusion process in the Netherlands along with analyzing ;elevant policy documents. Technology stimulation programs at the national and European Union levels combined with infrastructure developments have helped to shape the introduction and use of EDI in a fashion that is consistent with economic and cultural factors in the Netherlands. The results of this study provide insight into the nature of the linkage between societal influences and information technology diffusion. Further research is needed to examine these societal factors in other countries and to identify additional societal factors which influence the development and use of information technology.