Proliferation of computers among Taiwanese SMEs

To upgrade the technology and thereby the economy, governments worldwide have actively encouraged their Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt Computer-Based Information Systems (CBIS). SME managers, however, often question the benefit of computer and use their small size as an excuse to avoid using sophisticated computers. Using Taiwan as an example, this study shows empirically the extent of computer success in SMEs. Other than exploring the current and potential uses of CBIS in Taiwan SMEs, this study identified the effects of computer technology on various jobs and organisational performances and explored how these effects were related to the success. Motivators and inhibitors for SME computer adoption are also discussed. The major conclusion is that, while firm size may influence the initial adoption of computers, the costs and effort put into the subsequent implementations are the key factors that determine the success of such use in SMEs.