Assessing the Effects of Adoption & Usage of Internet Technologies on the Operations of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana

Abstract

In recent times, internet has become foundational in terms of business strategy and growth plans. Internet usage has been proffered as a panacea to expansion and growth in international markets. It has been argued for academics, researchers and business leaders that advancement in internet could bring benefits to Micro- Small and Medium Size Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana. However, the adoption of internet technologies among MSMEs in Ghana is minimal due to teething challenges emanating from the inadequate development of internet infrastructure, limited areas of reliable connectivity, high set up cost among others. It has been argued that MSMEs could benefit from adoption of internet technologies such as the email, messenger, client services servers, P2P, B2B, web browsing, social media marketing, etc. Benefits such as broader market reach for products, easy of access to information, and swift customer service delivery are attributed to the adoption of internet technologies. The findings of the research work demonstrate the benefits in more practical terms of adopting internet technologies by MSMEs. It is evident from the findings that most MSMEs apply basic level of internet technologies such as email. Few MSMEs in Ghana maintain a well-functioning website though a significant number also use social media in marketing their products, The study further makes recommendations to assist governments and policy makers in setting the pace for internet technologies penetration across the broad Ghanaian society to facilitate MSMEs incorporation of same into their operations.