The effect of experience on web procurement: An intersectorial analysis of small firms

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to analyse how important the previous experience of firms with different information technologies is for their acceptance of web procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the different types of experience a study was conducted using structural equation modelling techniques. A multi‐sample analysis was also carried out to test whether there are significant differences in behaviour according to the sector of activity to which the organisation belongs.

Findings

The findings show that using various precursor information technologies, such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or the internet generates knowledge that both facilitates and encourages subsequent web procurement. Once a firm has acquired this knowledge its impact is the same in all sectors.

Practical implications

The work examines the importance of making a continuous investment in IT and shows that previous experience of earlier information systems determines the future technological development of a firm. Thus, firms should be aware that this type of knowledge would help them to obtain competitive advantages and improve their profitability.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study is its analysis of experience from a multiple perspective. First, the use of different applications: EDI, internet, commercial management software and web procurement. Second, to proxy for experience, the paper considers aspects other than intensity of use: perceived ease of use and usefulness. Finally, the relevance of technological experience for any economic activity is empirically tested.

Citation

Hernández‐Ortega, B., Jiménez‐Martínez, J. and José Martín‐DeHoyos, M. (2009), "The effect of experience on web procurement: An intersectorial analysis of small firms", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 7-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550910934431