Successful e-business initiatives and
strategies depend on the mentalities of managers, their understanding of ICT, and the
organisational implications of the introduction of the Internet. Managerial perceptions
and commitment are critical factors for the successful implementation of e-business
strategies. If positive perceptions and commitment to the pursuit of competitiveness
and growth in the e-business environment is lacking at the upper echelons of an
organisation it is unlikely that commitment and activism elsewhere within it will lead
to the development of e-business strategies. However, awareness and commitment,
though necessary are not the only conditions that ensure ICT uptake and success of e-
business initiatives. The successful implementation of e-business strategies depends
on the capacity of an organisation to generate synergies between technology,
organisational goals and strategies, and people’s abilities and skills. On the ‘e-
business at the SME firm level’ we therefore examine: