The influence of organisation culture on E-commerce adoption

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the influence of different organisational cultures on e-commerce adoption maturity in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach - The data for this study were gathered using postal survey questionnaire and analysed using quantitative analysis methods.

Findings - The result indicates a positive correlation between adhocracy culture and e-commerce adoption. However, those firms with hierarchy cultural characteristics indicate a negative correlation in relation to e-commerce adoption. The organisational culture differences explain these issues.

Research limitations/implications - The analysis is conducted in a single country (i.e. Sri Lanka). Initial findings provide a basis for further research in other country.

Practical implications - This research reveals the significance of organisational culture and how it influences e-commerce adoption maturity, both positively and negatively. The research findings are useful for SMEs that are planning or are in the process of implementing or reviewing their e-commerce, as well as for SMEs policy makers and business support community that engaged with e-commerce initiatives.

Originality/value - This study is the first to research the influence of different types of organisational cultures on e-commerce adoption maturity. It fills the research gap by advancing the understanding between the association of organisation cultures and e-commerce adoption.