Factors influencing corporate web site adoption: a time-based assessment

Although the World Wide Web (Web) has become one of the most widely used information technologies, research indicates that there are many firms that are still considering whether to establish a Web presence. This study presents results from a survey of 286 medium-to-large US firms that have adopted corporate Web sites. Findings reveal significant differences in the reasons that these firms decided to adopt Web technology depending on when the firm made the adoption decision; early adopters placed more emphasis on perceived benefits and compatibility of the Web with existing technology and organizational norms than did later adopters. This paper also discusses findings for practitioners. Finally, some implications for the future of the field are discussed.