Abstract:
PURPOSE : The ubiquitous pace of innovation is spawning a multitude of information and
communications technology (ICT) products that are both redefining the manner in which
organisations operate and have the potential to engender organisations with strategic
advantage through the adoption of these products. However, the challenges that this presents to
organisations include developing agile strategies that cater for market instabilities, determining
what technology to adopt and ensuring that the appropriate technology is adopted. Thus, the
purpose of this article is to perform a critical analysis of ICT adoption in an attempt to determine
the influence that the pace of technology has on organisations in their endeavour to stay abreast
of their market environment and to develop a comprehensive ICT adoption framework.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : This is exploratory research that concentrates on ICT
adoption studied through the strategy-as-practice lens. Through critical analysis, the scientific
literature was analysed to determine ICT adoption factors and to gain a better understanding
of ICT adoption in the modern context. The principles of grounded theory were applied where
repetitive reading of selected articles made it possible to identify factors that are associated
with ICT adoption.
FINDINGS : The study identified three key factors of ICT adoption, namely ‘external’, ‘innovation’
and ‘organisational’. A number of ICT adoption characteristics were identified which were
categorised against the three factors. In addition, the study identified critical management
challenges associated with ICT innovation and the adoption thereof in the modern business
context.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The proposed ICT adoption framework is based on
scientific literature only and no popular writings, blogs or forums were included.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS ractical : Strategists need to understand that developing agile strategies involves
more than discipline; it embraces an in-depth understanding of ICT adoption factors, insight
into the daily operations of managers and an awareness of innovations in ICT.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The article aims to enable organisations to better understand the effects of
ICT innovation and the influence this has on management roles. Additionally, it presents a
comprehensive ICT adoption framework that can aid strategists in understanding the factors
that influence ICT adoption.
