ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that research conducted between 2002 and 2003 and findings are focused on the earlier processes and stages of adoption and use of e-commerce in particular, and of e-business applications more broadly. Individuals get involved in social processes to understand, evaluate, decide whether to adopt or not, or how to improve information and communication technology (ICT) and e-business. The chapter describes the key issues and lessons that have emerged from the findings. These common themes, linking the three sections and it within them, include social influence processes, staged learning and adoption, and risk. The chapter determines whether a consumer or a small business owner embraces the change or flinches from it is still to be found in understanding the processes of social interaction, learning and risk perception. Small firm owners are also influenced by business support agencies. The owners of small and large firms in the same district cluster or forums influence each other.
