Abstract:

This study aims to explore the adoption of digital business amongst SMHs in Malaysia. The methodology of this study is a multiple case study with six SMHs in Malaysia. The scope of the digital business technology is across the enterprise and beyond (extraprise). A conceptual framework was developed to capture elements from extant digital business adoption literature that are defined in the research questions. Furthermore, this research revised existing theory of digital business adoption literature on SMHs which has been inadequate. It provides a socially-constructed view of digital business adoption factors in a developing country context. Methodologically, the study provides an interpretive evaluation of digital business development in a developing country context of Malaysia. Strategies for improving digital business development in the SMHs are presented, as well as the implication of the research findings. This study provides insights in understanding digital business adoption factors in SMHs in other contexts with similar characteristics.