Conclusions and Implications

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It is widely recognized that eCommerce represents a critical resource for most business organizations, whether in a role of supporting business operations and managerial decision making or, increasingly, as a means of gaining a strategic competitive advantage. The majority of the participants in this study are cognizant of current structural deficiencies, particularly with regard to payment systems, government regulations, and telecommunications. Yet in spite of these deficiencies, most reported a positive attitude toward implementing eCommerce, agreeing that it is a "good and wise idea." Respondents indicate that enhancing the global presence of the firm, creating new business processes and distribution channels, and enhancing customer satisfaction and business relationships are of key importance. One implication is that current structural conditions should not seriously impede efforts to implement eCommerce initiatives since the current focus targets relationship and process enhancements which do not require radical changes to the current infrastructure. Findings indicate that a better understanding of the organizational plans and policies regarding IT and specific eCommerce technologies is correlated with more positive perceptions about its usefulness, ease of use, and importance. A higher level of knowledge is also correlated with stronger managerial leadership. By juxtaposing executive support and leadership with vision and investment, inferences may be made with respect to organizational commitment to the implementation of eCommerce initiatives. The occasional investments in eCommerce coupled with the absence of a stated vision hampers dramatic technological innovations in the near future. However, this younger generation of Chinese managers seems not only to recognize the potential benefits of eCommerce but to also embrace the opportunities presented by eCommerce activities. One implication is that firms interested in engaging in eCommerce in China will find a knowledgeable and supportive business climate; however, eCommerce initiatives may be hindered by constraints imposed by the current infrastructure. Certainly, increased funding of R&D initiatives will allow organizations to implement eCommerce strategies that suit Chinese business practices while enhancing the ability to meet current and future eCommerce initiatives.

While this study provides a succinct profile of the perceptions and attitudes of young Chinese MBA students employed in a variety of fields, future research would benefit from expanding the sample to include a broader audience base. By doing so, additional validation tests and factor analysis can be performed. In addition, Internet-based surveys tend to have low response rates, particularly when they are not written in the native language of the population being surveyed. Therefore, a more traditional approach to survey distribution may be warranted. Finally, additional external variables must be identified to facilitate a clearer understanding of the antecedents to eCommerce perceptions.



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Advanced Topics in Global Information Management (Vol. 3)
Trust in Knowledge Management and Systems in Organizations
ISBN: 1591402204
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 207

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