Strategies for Integrating Technological Innovations in Small Businesses

Strategies for Integrating Technological Innovations in Small Businesses by Petra Samuel MIT, American InterContinental University, 2008 BS, Andrews University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Abstract The effective integration of technological innovation is vital to the success of small businesses and can catapult growth and profitability. Some business managers and supervisors, however, may not have a firm understanding of strategies for integrating technological innovations in businesses; this lack of knowledge may result in employee frustration and costly roadblocks to achieving business objectives. This case study was conducted to identify the strategies used by business managers and supervisors to integrate technological innovations in small businesses. Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation and Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovation served as the conceptual framework. Ten business managers and supervisors from Castries, St. Lucia, participated in semistructured interviews. Participants who were selected using purposive sampling worked in a small business in St. Lucia for atleast 5 years, were part of senior management, and used strategies for integrating technological innovations in a small business. Two of the themes that emerged from data analysis were integration challenges relating to technological innovation complexity, and technology cost regarding hardware, upgrades and software procurement. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by providing business managers and supervisors insight about strategies and innovative solutions they can use to develop better business practices, increase tax revenues, and employment opportunities, improve profitability, and boost the economy.The effective integration of technological innovation is vital to the success of small businesses and can catapult growth and profitability. Some business managers and supervisors, however, may not have a firm understanding of strategies for integrating technological innovations in businesses; this lack of knowledge may result in employee frustration and costly roadblocks to achieving business objectives. This case study was conducted to identify the strategies used by business managers and supervisors to integrate technological innovations in small businesses. Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation and Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovation served as the conceptual framework. Ten business managers and supervisors from Castries, St. Lucia, participated in semistructured interviews. Participants who were selected using purposive sampling worked in a small business in St. Lucia for atleast 5 years, were part of senior management, and used strategies for integrating technological innovations in a small business. Two of the themes that emerged from data analysis were integration challenges relating to technological innovation complexity, and technology cost regarding hardware, upgrades and software procurement. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by providing business managers and supervisors insight about strategies and innovative solutions they can use to develop better business practices, increase tax revenues, and employment opportunities, improve profitability, and boost the economy. Strategies for Integrating Technological Innovations in Small Businesses by Petra Samuel MIT, American InterContinental University, 2008 BS, Andrews University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my husband, Mekus Dylan Samuel, for his unwavering love, support, and sacrifice in helping me achieve this goal. I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to my patient daughter, Chloe Melladie Samuel, and son, Kyle D’mitri Dylan Samuel. I dedicate my dissertation to the St. Lucia Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Academy where the foundation of my education was cemented from 1985 to 1990. To the students of the St. Lucia SDA Academy, I encourage you to continue dreaming big and to reach for the stars. Acknowledgments Barring the mentorship and contributions of a few key individuals in my life, it would not have been possible for me to attain the highest level of education. I thank my hardworking chair, Dr. Gregory Uche, for his patience and excellent direction. To my second committee chair member, Dr. Jamiel Vadell, and my URR, Dr. Roger Mayer, thank you for your support and guidance during my doctoral journey. To my sister, Martha Alexander-Felix, thank you for your unconditional support. To my nieces, Waveney Isidore, Christina Cornibert, Kadia Cornibert, and nephew, Chester Alcee, thank you for your invaluable assistance. I also acknowledge the encouragement of my cousin, Gordon Florent, and Dr. Lawrence Arnold. I am grateful for the support of Barbara Innocent from the Small Enterprise Development Unit in St. Lucia. Ultimately, I give all the thanks to God for allowing me health, strength, and mental fortitude to achieve such a stupendous feat in my life.