Adoption of B2B E-Commerce in India: A Theoretical Framework

The authors propose the conceptual B2B ecommerce adoption framework. The framework clearly defines the linkages among the determinant adoption factors and enhance our understanding of online individual and organisational behaviour in India.

The factors in adoption framework are identified using literature review. Results of The opinion survey questionnaire responses are analysed using descriptive statistical analysis to explain the relative importance of factors. The factors are further subjected to confirmatory factor analysis.

In general, the user opinion shows that the B2B ecommerce adoption will increase, if the system helps in the work performance improvement, transaction costs are low, and trustworthiness is attached to the system. In addition, if the required infrastructure with support is in place and users are encouraged to use the new system, then the actual usage of B2B e-commerce will increase in India.

This research has attempted to extend the applicability of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework in the B2B e-commerce area by two additional factors (trust and cost). It also helps answer some of the queries for B2B e-marketplace providers.