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Factors Influencing E-commerce Adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: HRMARS - This paper discusses e-commerce in small and medium enterprises (SME) in developing countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises play a role in decreasing poverty and unemployment. E-commerce benefits SMEs by expanding business activities, boosting rewards, and improving company visibility. However, developing nations are lagging in e-commerce adoption because of internet access limitations, trust issues, and security concerns with online payment options. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review is to identify the factors that influence SMEs' adoption of EC. This systematic study was conducted in 2025 in four databases, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, SpringerLink, EBSCOhost and Google Scholar, and Google Search. The paper collection includes 21 peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2015 and 2025. Using the PRISMA guidelines, the study examines literature from selected databases to identify key determinants. The findings show that technological factors (ease of use, perceived usefulness, compatibility), organisational factors (management support, resources, CEO IT knowledge), environmental factors (competitive pressure, customer demand), and Individual factors (trust, subjective norms, security, privacy, reliability), all are playing important roles in EC adoption. For practical consequences, SMEs should invest in user-friendly technologies, increase social media involvement, and establish customer trust. Policy recommendations include establishing supportive infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and encouraging innovation to facilitate e-commerce adoption. This research improves awareness of EC adoption in SMEs and provides practical recommendations for businesses and governments to maximise the benefits of e-commerce, fostering competitiveness and expansion in the world of digital commerce.

Source: International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

DOI: 10.6007/ijarbss/v16-i6/28566

Authors: Asma Elamin Abdalla, Noor Azlin Binti Ismail, Rosmah Mohamed

Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7166454965