The contribution of technology competencies and usage in promoting inclusive business of women-owned enterprises in Uganda

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish whether technology usage mediates the relationship between technology competencies and inclusive business. Design/methodology/approach The study employed an explanatory design and a quantitative approach to gather data from 186 women entrepreneurs operating in Luwero District, Uganda. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire, and analysis was supported by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS. Findings Study results indicate that technology usage fully mediates the relationship between technology competencies and inclusive business among women-owned SMEs. This indicates that technology competencies alone, without usage, don't promote inclusive business. Therefore, women entrepreneurs must possess both soft and technical skills to effectively utilise technology in their businesses, thereby enabling their businesses to employ marginalised people, making their products accessible and affordable, as well as increasing business profitability. Originality/value The study provides initial empirical evidence on the mediating role of technology usage in the relationship between technology competencies and inclusive business, using evidence from Uganda, where the government is still struggling to ensure that people at the grassroots are equally involved in productive activities as a conduit for attaining social and economic transformation. Theoretically, the study confirms the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model in explaining the study phenomenon.