Silver Surfers adoption, use and diffusion of smartphones: an SME perspective

In a global and knowledge-rich economy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become critical for organisations. Smartphones have impacted society and organisations alike with varying adoption and use across age groups. Due to recent legislation in many countries, older adults are now working to a higher age, but appear to lag behind younger users in terms of adoption and use of novel technologies. Smartphones are also important for older adults with extended working lives - they will need to keep abreast with the times. In this research-in-progress paper, we aim to examine, identify and explain how silver surfers owned micro enterprises diffuse, adopt and use smartphones in United Kingdom (UK). For this, a conceptual model based upon the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB) and Roger Everett’s Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory will be used. A combined qualitative and quantitative approach involving surveys and interviews will be employed. A unique contribution of this research is to examine the research aim within the context of SMEs owned by silver surfers, thereby providing a conceptual framework exclusive to older business owners. For industry, it will also provide an identification of factors specific to older users.