Global benchmarking for internet and e-commerce applications

Purpose ‐ To examine issues related to the development of the internet and e-commerce (EC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach ‐ Two surveys were sent out following a pilot project to gather data on the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. The first survey was sent to 60 internet users, a total of 48 responded with a rate of 80 per cent. The second was sent to 60 managers and accountants within organisations in Saudi Arabia, a total of 44 responded with a rate of 73 per cent. Findings ‐ The key challenges identified for Saudi's organisations are the continuing relying on face-to-face contact principles, problems with information overload, charges still expensive, the need for technical support and expertise, lack of a management commitment and understanding the potential role of information technology (IT) on the country's future and middle aged and older people were more reluctant to use IT. Research limitations/implications ‐ Difficulties in reaching the right people to answer questions. This paper was relying on the subjective opinions and generlisability issues and it could benefited from further analysis. Practical implications ‐ For executives, the implications of the findings are that those factors identified can be used as a checklist to assist companies in their effective adoption of e-business and the maximisation of opportunities. Originality/value ‐ This paper is an initial phase of an on going research, which will contribute to the body of knowledge in the EC domain from different cultural perspectives.