Factors Affecting Intention to E-commerce Business among Knowledge-based Companies of Sistan and Baluchistan Province

In recent years, along with the increasing development of information and communication technologies, many interactions in the real world have been transferred to the virtual world. The routine activities of different societies are being mechanized at an unexpected speed over time due to the global trends. So, the effects of microprocessor revolution are clearly visible everywhere, at home, work, and businesses. Determination and analysis of factors affecting the intention to e-commerce business among the knowledge-based companies of Sistan and Baluchistan province was the main purpose of this study. The sample of research included 162 members of knowledge-based companies who were independent or located in Science and Technology Park of Sistan and Baluchistan province, which were selected through stratified random sampling method. The required data was collected with questionnaire. The content and face validity were checked by a panel of professors of Department of Agricultural Extension and Education at Shiraz University. The reliability was also confirmed through a pilot study conducted with a sample of 30 individuals who were the members of knowledge-based companies in Science and Technology Park of Fars province. According to the results of the SEM, the variables of knowledge about the e-commerce laws, computer and internet literacy, attitude towards e-commerce, subjective norms, and perceived usefulness were the factors that had direct effects on the respondents` intention to e-commerce startup. Computer and internet literacy had the highest effects on the entrepreneurs` intention toward e-commerce. Finally, some applicable suggestions were presented to increase the intention of business owners to start e-business, based on research findings.