ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews research on two psycho-social variables, attitudes towards information and communication technology (ICT) and organizational climate towards innovation. Their influence on ICT adoption, and more generally on organizational behaviour and decision making, has been largely observed in many studies. These two variables were measured in a survey investigating organizational and psycho-social determinants of web site and e-commerce adoption in a sample of small firm entrepreneurs. The adoption of ICT among small firms in Italy, including broadband access and Internet connectivity, is increasing; also online purchasing is growing and playing a significant role in companies, but online selling is stagnating. To achieve the information society targets and to improve European small firms' competitiveness, governments and associations have to invite small firm owners to focus both on financial resources and investment in the equipment side of innovation as well as on beliefs and collective attitudes towards innovation shared within firms.
