Despite the importance of international trade firms in China’s economic development, there is only limited empirical evidence about how these firms assimilate Internet-based e-business in global supply chain operations. Using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, this study investigates technological, organizational, and environmental factors which determine e-business assimilation in these firms. Based on survey data collected from 307 international trade firms in the Beijing area, we found that environmental uncertainty was negatively associated with e-business assimilation, while a firm’s internal IT capability, relative advantage of e-business, learning orientation, and inter-organizational dependence were positive determinants of e-business assimilation. The effect of a firm’s ownership type was also significant. Environmental uncertainty was the most important inhibitor, and IT capability and inter-organizational dependence were the most salient enablers of e-business assimilation.

This study examines the impact of affiliation motivation on the intention to use a groupware system. Building on attachment theory, one personality attribute, affiliation motivation, was incorporated into the Technology Acceptance Model to explore groupware use. A study using a group of MBA students that were just beginning to use groupware was conducted to determine if affiliation motivation influences perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use. The results indicated that affiliation motivation was significantly associated with behavioral intention and perceived ease of use when use was voluntary. Implications for instructors who are using or planning to use groupware in their classes are discussed.