A strategic framework for determining e‐commerce adoption

Purpose – Many firms have attempted to adopt e‐commerce to upgrade their formidable competitive capabilities and thereby build their own competitive advantages. However, some firms have achieved great performance, whereas others have failed in competitive outcomes. How can the differences in firms' e‐commerce adoption be explained? This question remains largely unanswered. The purpose of this paper is to help fill this literature gap by developing a framework that incorporates factors determining firms' adoption of e‐commerce. Design/methodology/approach – Through literature review, this paper summarizes ten factors which determine firms' adoption of e‐commerce. Findings – The paper summarizes ten factors which determine firms' adoption of e‐commerce and four significant factors are especially highlighted, including managerial attitudes, corporate strategies, external pressures and firms' technology strengths. Originality/value – The framework developed by this article provides a conceptual basis for further quantitative analysis. It can also guide firms' implementation of e‐commerce strategy. Moreover, this paper should be of great value to the policy makers who encourage firms to build up their competitiveness through e‐commerce adoption.