Leong, CML, Pan, S-L, Newell, S & Cui, L 2016, ‘The emergence of self-organizing ecommerce ecosystems in remote villages of China: a tale of digital empowerment for rural development ‘, MIS Quarterly, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 475-484. Introduction The given report is devoted to the in-depth analysis of the research paper by Leong, Pan, Newell, and Cui (2016) to achieve the improved understanding of issues covered by it and peculiarities of the study performed by the authors. For this reason, attention will be devoted to such critical aspects as the utilised methodology, critical analysis of research findings, and their discussion. At the end of the paper, the conclusion summing up all information will be presented. Research Question, Hypothesis, and Framework The given research revolves around the idea of information communications technology (ICT), or e-commerce and its impact on remote areas or marginalised societies. The authors are interested if this modern approach to business can help various communities to evolve and promote people’s self-development. Resting on the idea presented in the relevant research literature, Leong et al. (2016) assume that ICT can contribute to the blistering rise of local ecosystems and promote their gradual improvement by introducing new practices. For this reason, they formulate the following research question: “How does ICT create and empower critical actors in a marginalized community?” (Leong et al. 2016). Methodology The research question outlined above impacts the choice of particular methods that can help to collect data and attain credible results. Regarding the nature of the investigated phenomenon, the authors conduct exploratory research via the investigation of case studies as they consider it to be the most effective approach in the given context (Leong et al. 2016). The authors also utilise archival data to strengthen their findings and support their conclusions. In such a way, the combination of an archival and case study approach can be noted. To achieve the higher credibility of results, the investigators analyse two villages which are Suichang and Jinyun in Zhejiang Province. From the archival data, similar economic factors peculiar to settlings can be admitted. Leong et al. (2016) also interviewed the local marginalised actors to determine the impact e-commerce has on them and compare results. Semi-structured and focus group interviews were selected as an appropriate tool for the data collection. Due to the implementation of this very research paradigm, the authors managed to analyse e-commerce leaders’ behaviours and the degree to which ICT impacts their development and self-actualisation which is critical for the paper and helps to answer the research question. Results and Conclusions Utilising data acquired in the course of research, the authors formulate the following results. First of all, e-commerce should be considered a factor promoting the development of communities and giving rise to local ecosystems (Leong et al. 2016). Information from interviews and case studies provide the idea that individuals engaged in this practice acquire more opportunities for self-development and, at the same time, cultivate the establishment of new practices beneficial for local societies and their gradual growth. In such a way, the positive impact of ICT approaches is proven in the course of