Abstract

Although the research on IT within small businesses is plentiful, there is nearly no direct empirical IT research addressing the issue of e-commerce perception within Small Businesses of Minority Communities (SBMCs) which relates directly to the utilization of technologically-based systems and processes that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of information in a variety of strategic and operational situations. The purpose of the research study is to explore the issues of e-commerce perception within SBMCs. The research intends to explore three main related issues: (a) under what conditions can e-commerce as a form of IT help increase (SBMCs) profitability? (b) the use of e-commerce as a form of IT, overall how would SBMCs perceive IT as a system that may increase (SBMCs) productivity which leads to profitability? (c) In SBMCs' own words, what are the potential obstacles that prevent SBMCs from utilizing IT? The research utilizes qualitative methodology to explore and understand the e-commerce perception situation within SBMCs. The rationale of this research is to explore e-commerce perception challenges and reasons for the challenges, identify preferred solutions and benefits reported by SBMC owners and managers, and also recognize the knowledge, programs, or assistance that must be in place to result in the integration of e-commerce within SBMCs.