Strategic issues of e‐commerce as an alternative global distribution system

TLDR

Global e‑commerce, driven by converging information and communication technologies, has rapidly reshaped the 21st‑century economy, already delivering colossal impact despite its infancy, and is increasingly recognized by individuals, institutions, governments, and nations. The article aims to develop a framework for analyzing e‑commerce issues and to identify key building blocks that influence its growth and role as a global electronic distribution channel, thereby guiding future research. It proposes a structured framework that examines the Internet’s use as a global distribution tool and discusses the key building blocks driving the diffusion of e‑commerce.

Abstract

Global e‐commerce, created by the convergence of information and communication technologies, transcends business boundaries while changing the landscape of the twenty‐first century global economy. Although still in an infancy stage its impact has already been colossal in just a few years. Various constituencies (such as individuals, institutions, governments, and nations) around the world are recognizing its benefits. Given its importance and unprecedented growth potential, there is a need for research addressing various e‐commerce issues, especially the dimensions influencing its growth and role as a new electronic distribution channel. This article provides a framework for analyzing the issues involved in leveraging the Internet as a global distribution tool. While focusing on this theme, the article also presents the discussion of the key building blocks impacting the diffusion of global e‐commerce and future research directions.