Challenges on the adoption of electronic commerce by supermarket retailers in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the hurdles hindering the acceptance of electronic commerce (e-commerce) among supermarket retailers in Limpopo, South Africa. Specifically, the objectives were to discern the interrelationships between technological, organisational, and environmental barriers influencing e-commerce adoption, managerial strategies employed to address these challenges and the outcomes of actual implementation of e-commerce. Data collection was executed through online questionnaires distributed to 141 participants via Google Forms. Subsequently, the gathered data underwent analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, with rigorous tests conducted to ensure reliability and validity. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the associations between variables. The findings revealed significant associations between the obstacles impeding ecommerce adoption among supermarket retailers and the managerial interventions aimed at overcoming these barriers. Moreover, a positive relationship was observed between managerial strategies to address challenges and the perceived usefulness and ease of use of e-commerce technologies. Notably, these strategies also exhibited a correlation with the actual outcomes of e-commerce adoption. Based on the results, it is recommended that supermarket retailers in the Limpopo Province consider implementing targeted managerial interventions to address the identified challenges hindering e-commerce adoption. These may include investing in staff training programs, enhancing technological infrastructure, and fostering a supportive organizational culture conducive to e-commerce integration. Additionally, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders and seeking guidance from ecommerce experts could provide valuable insights and resources for navigating the complexities of e-commerce adoption. By proactively addressing these recommendations, supermarket retailers can position themselves more effectively to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by e-commerce and enhance their competitiveness in the marketplace.