E-Commerce Innovations in Jordan: Theoretical Model Development and Implications for Small Businesses

Electronic commerce (EC) adoption in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries (DC) is confronted with different difficulties. These challenges emanate from the SME itself and from micro and macro forces. By developing an adoption and diffusion model, this research endeavors to investigate the depth of the EC phenomenon in SMEs in developing countries represented here by the case of Jordan. Jordan represents an exemplary case to follow in the region due to its human capital capabilities and leadership in embracing various initiatives and novelties. The research findings and the emerging implications suggested the weakness of the EC phenomenon in the cases and pointed to a unique perspective concerning the adoption context of the SMEs in Jordan. These issues are discussed in this research raising different determinants, SME’s specifics, and theoretical and professional contributions and implications.