Motivation and barriers of ICT adaptation in small and medium-size enterprises

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to emphasize issues connected with adoption of information 
\nand communication technology (ICT) as a strategic tool contributing to further organisational 
\ngrowth. This understanding is based on the results of a qualitative analysis of a group of small 
\nand medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Gradual development of a group of 30 organisations has 
\nbeen monitored over the last fifteen years during their co-operation with the Technical University of 
\nLiberec. These organisations have hosted one-year student placements where students as part of 
\ntheir Bachelor degree course undertake a long term work experience enabling them to integrate 
\nthe practical and theoretical aspects of their course. During this long period SMEs developed and 
\npassed through the different levels of changes that impact their size and style of management. The 
\nresearch focused on SME management‘s approach to ICT, its utilisation for competitive advantage 
\nand its relation to and defining of business and information strategy. Other aspects of the study 
\nlooked at the effect of ICT on organisational performance, knowledge and skills of the employees, 
\ntraining and organisational culture. 
\nThe analysed organisations were divided into five groups according to the level of their develo-
\npment during their business existence. Each group has its specific way of managing the organisa-
\ntion, its organisational structure, presence or absence of the corporate strategy, level of utilisation 
\nof ICT, internal and external integration ICT supporting processes in the organisation and way of 
\nutilisation of knowledge of the employees. The objective of this division is to emphasize changes 
\nof the management information needs and better understand their approach to ICT. The results 
\nindicate that successful and growing companies have gradually established business, information 
\nand knowledge strategies and use ICT as a strategic advantage.