ABSTRACT

This research investigated how mobile apps influence the dynamic capabilities of service sector micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Using an abductive method, data from 388 service sector MSEs was examined through exploratory factor analysis. The resultant model suggests that mobile app usage barely increases the absorptive capability (integrating new learning into the organization) of MSEs; rather, it strongly influences the ability to seize opportunities. The result implies that mobile app usage by service sector MSEs in Lagos deviates from the conventional views on the micro foundations of the dynamic capability framework, which argues that sensed opportunities are first analysed (shaped) before resources are deployed towards their maximization. These findings suggest that the service sector MSEs in Lagos seldom scrutinize opportunities before deploying resources to seize them. This study extends IS literature on how mobile apps help MSEs to exploit business opportunities in resource-constrained contexts.

摘要

这项研究调查了移动应用程序如何影响尼日利亚拉各斯的服务业微型和小型企业（MSE）的动态能力。使用探究方法，通过探索性因素分析检查了来自388个服务部门MSE的数据。结果模型表明，移动应用程序的使用勉强提高了MSE的吸收能力（将新的学习整合到组织中）；相反，它极大地影响了抓住机遇的能力。结果表明，拉各斯服务部门MSE对移动应用程序的使用偏离了对动态能力框架的微观基础的传统观点，后者认为，在对资源进行最大化利用之前，首先要分析（确定）所感测到的机会。这些发现表明，拉各斯的服务业中小微企业很少在部署资源之前抓住机会。这项研究扩展了关于移动应用程序如何帮助MSE在资源受限的环境中利用商机的IS文献。