Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between marginalization, Web presence and firm performance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies upon interviews and surveys of managers and/or owners of SMEs. Using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the authors tested an integrated model of the relationship between marginalization, Web presence and firm performance.

Findings

Findings indicate that marginalization enhances the risk perceptions entrepreneurs assign to internet use. This enhanced risk perception then limits the extent to which an entrepreneur responds to online customer feedback, which has implications for the SME’s relationship and reputation management efforts with buyers, ultimately impacting the enterprise’s performance.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the overlooked phenomena of marginalization and internet avoidance among entrepreneurs. The findings provide insight for entrepreneurs on the deleterious consequences associated with lacking an online presence.

中文翻译：

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边缘化对企业家在线形象和公司业绩的影响

目的

本研究旨在探讨中小企业 (SME) 的边缘化、网络存在和公司绩效之间的关系。

设计/方法/方法

这项研究依赖于对中小企业经理和/或所有者的采访和调查。使用验证性因素分析和结构方程模型，作者测试了边缘化、网络存在和公司绩效之间关系的综合模型。

发现

研究结果表明，边缘化增强了企业家对互联网使用的风险认知。这种增强的风险认知限制了企业家对在线客户反馈的响应程度，这对中小企业与买家的关系和声誉管理工作产生了影响，最终影响了企业的绩效。

原创性/价值

这项研究揭示了企业家中被忽视的边缘化和互联网回避现象。调查结果为企业家提供了与缺乏在线形象相关的有害后果的见解。