Researching the adoption of ICT in Ethiopia: a case study of small hotels in Addis Ababa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the difficulties encountered when researching the adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) by small hotels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and to indicate how some of these difficulties were overcome. Design/methodology/approach – The background and theoretical framework of the research project is described, and the research difficulties analysed in the context of the literature and of experience elsewhere in Africa. Issues such as informed consent are considered from different cultural perspectives. Findings – The conclusion is that an understanding of the political, economic and cultural context is essential to the carrying‐out of a successful research project in Ethiopia, and that these same factors are likely to have a major influence on the diffusion of ICT within the country. Practical implications – An Ethiopian case study is of particular interest because unlike Tanzania, Kenya and much of the rest of Africa, the country's telecommunications industry remains in government hands, a broadband connection is very expensive, and the percentage of Ethiopians using the internet is very small – no more than 0.75 percent of the population in 2010 according to the figures of the International Telecommunication Union. Originality/value – Little has been written about small hotels and other small and micro businesses in Addis Ababa, and little or nothing about the setbacks that can occur when researching them. This paper fills some of the gaps in the literature.