ICT Adoption Scale Development for SMEs

Information systems research lacks a validated scale for assessing and measuring the adoption of information communication technologies (ICTs) by small- medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The relevant literature is limited in studies mainly concentrating on developing country settings. Furthermore, emergence new technological elements increasing digitalization digital transformation efforts last two years have changed how an organization utilizes adopts ICTs. Therefore, it inevitable that conceptual dimensions proposed previous definitions these will also alter. Hence, essential to revisit validate prior work enhance based current vitality developments. This study developed ICT SMEs context. researchers followed eight-step development procedure: (1) comprehensive review digitalization; (2) identification level (3) generation items; (4) item refinement through focus group; (5) pretest measurement; (6) purification; (7) data collection; (8) measurement evaluation. Within Turkish setting, was determined sufficient reliability validity. Data this were gathered from 421 respondents 219 SMEs. Supporting multidimensionality adoption, 14 items five (communication, internal integration, integration with customers, interorganizational strategic integration) constituted construct. Considering dominance frameworks countries prevalence unidimensional constructs field, multidimensional expected contribute significantly. Practitioners policymakers can utilize suggested discover areas where specific changes are required SME utilization need attention. outcomes be applied industrial sectors different geographic contexts. By considering stage-based used future investigate effects variables extent impact ICTs several organizational outcomes.