The factors impacting e-readiness at firms level: A resource-based view of the firm

Although efforts have been taken to study e-readiness of a firm, very little research has focused on Chinese firms. Relying on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, we propose a conceptual model to assess and monitor the e-readiness of a firm, which constructed by three factors impacting e-readiness: leader-capability, technological IT resource and human IT resource. The conceptual model was tested via a questionnaire survey of 95 Chinese firms. The empirical results not only confirmed these factors positively affect the e-readiness of a firm, but also showed that the leader-capability is more important than the other two. It is significant that the relationship of three factors and e-readiness reveals a triangular construction with tight and stable interrelationship as well as interaction between three factors. It indicates that firms should pay more attention to the understanding and readiness of utilizing and taping internal resource and capabilities during their e-readiness. The results can provide a practical guidance on how organizations will manage and begin e-business initiative in current condition of China.