Digital Laggards to Digital Leaders – moving the small firm up the Digital Ladder

The proliferation of digital technologies, most notably the advent of social networking platforms are driving new modes of social interaction, dialogue and exchange between small firms and their external stakeholders. To... [ view full abstract ]

The proliferation of digital technologies, most notably the advent of social networking platforms are driving new modes of social interaction, dialogue and exchange between small firms and their external stakeholders. To capitalise on the opportunities presented by an increasingly ‘connected’ and integrated e-marketplace owner-managers are pushed to adopt the role of e-leader. Essentially, according to Catinat (2014) ‘managers, entrepreneurs and business executives must have e-competences to grow, export and be connected to global digital markets. In a digital economy e-leadership skills are essential’ (Catinat, 2014:5)
This working paper provides an overview of digital media practices in small firms, (defined as an enterprise that has fewer than 50 employees with either an annual turnover and/or an annual Balance Sheet total not exceeding €10m (European Commission 2003), with a view to identifying the significant predictors of digital media adoption and usage. The results of the empirical investigation of a dyad of stakeholders, owner-managers and enterprise trainers will inform the design of appropriate interventions to develop relevant e-competencies and e-leadership skills in owner-managers.