Exploring cultural differences as a means for understanding the global mobile Internet: a theoretical basis and program of research

Abstract

Sets forth a program of research for identifying the pertinent issues that are affecting the adoption and use of mobile electronic commerce applications and collaborative mobile technologies. The primary vehicle for understanding these issues is the observation and analysis of how different cultures utilize these emerging technologies. For example, why is short message service (SMS) messaging so popular in Europe but barely used in the USA? A review of the existing and near-future technologies is provided, along with the differences in national infrastructure as well as culture. The roles of cognitive fit and the technology acceptance model (TAM) in addressing these questions are reviewed, along with other relevant literature. Finally, a listing of research questions and a research plan for testing them is detailed.