Small and mid‐sized businesses and Internet use: unrealized potential?

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Abstract
The findings of a study by Auger and Gallaugher (1997), in addition to suppositions and anecdotal evidence provided in a number of articles, suggest that there may be key areas of difference as well as similarities in Internet usage patterns among small and mid-sized businesses. Since large businesses are both potential customers of and suppliers to small to mid-sized businesses, it is important to understand their Internet usage patterns as well. The study was designed as a preliminary examination contrasting such usage among large and small and mid-sized owner-operated firms. Study findings suggest mid-sized businesses may be at a competitive disadvantage in their current operational use of the Internet. Small businesses in the study were more likely than mid-sized or large firms to have a home page and to reveal computer/technology programs as potential Internet services needed to improve current operations. Future research must continue to examine the role the Internet can play in allowing small and mid-sized businesses to be more competitive in today’s technology based global environment.

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