Differentiating the Effects of Internet Usage and Wireless Usage on Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer E-commerce

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has contributed to global electronic commerce. In this study, researchers examine the effects of two types of ICT usage (Internet and wireless) on two types of e-commerce, namely, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C). Based on panel data of 31 countries over six years (2005–2010), researchers' analysis confirms that both B2B and B2C e-commerce are positively affected by a country's economic growth but are affected differently by the two types of ICT usage. Moreover, ICT exerts a stronger effect on e-commerce in less wealthy countries than in wealthy countries. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• business-to-business
• business-to-consumer
• electronic commerce
• global market
• information and communication technology (ICT)
• internet
• wireless