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 the research.
Second, resting on interview’s results, the authors outline different ways how the same ICT can be used in various situations by the actors in the evolution of rural e-commerce environment. For instance, due to the rapid rise of this practice, the investigated community has the higher level of autonomy for their own development; however, it can be achieved only with the help to the commercially conductive environment (Leong et al. 2016). In such a way, ICT impacts marginalised societies and their actors in ways suggested by the authors at the beginning of the research.
Finally, the authors conclude with important suggestions on how to utilise ICT and various e-commerce practices to improve the rural development and achieve better evolution rates. Using the data collected in the course of the study, they outline such aspects as the commercially conductive environment and the use of new approaches as the key factors promoting growth. This information becomes critical for the research, as it helps to understand the direction of the would-be investigation.
Critical Analysis
In general, conclusions made by the authors can be considered valid. The utilisation of the selected research methods contributed to the increased credibility of data and provided researchers with the most potent tool of its collection. For this reason, all results acquired in the course of the investigation can be taken as appropriate for the given setting and valid.
Reliability of the research also cannot be doubted. There are several factors that can support this statement. First, the authors use the case study approach describing really-existing rural areas to prove the credibility of their findings and eliminate any doubts related to the nature of the project. Second, conclusions formulated by them rest on answers of the local marginalised actor which can be considered one of the main factors proving the high relevance of the research.
At the same time, the comparatively low level of generalisability can be admitted. From one hand, findings can be used to prove the positive impact of e-commerce on the development of communities. At the same time, this investigation is relevant for the rural area, while other regions are understudies. Or this reason, there is the need to continue research of the given topic.
The paper has some strengths that increase its value. First of all, the use of two datasets from different villages help to achieve the higher credibility and relevance of data. At the same time, the adherence to the case study method and utilisation of interviews can also be considered an advantage as it helps to formulate a valid conclusion and discuss them.
The paper’s drawback is the lack of attention devoted to the investigation of the possible problems associated with the evolution of e-commerce in rural areas and negative shifts that might emerge due to the extensive adherence to this model.
Conclusion
Altogether, the given paper manages to conduct an in-depth analysis of how e-commerce might influence various marginalised societies and contribute to their development by promoting the improvement of self-realisation patterns. The authors use the effective and relevant methodology to collect data related to the case and formulate results. The utilisation of credible information contributes to the validity and relevance of their findings.
Reference List
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.