eBusiness in the U.S. hardwood lumber industry

This article examines eBusiness adoption and use in the U.S. hardwood lumber industry. The data analyzed in this study come from a mail survey administered in August 2001 to all 1,700 members of the National Hardwood Lumber Association. The research first explores eBusiness implementation strategies, successes, benefits, and impediments specific to the hardwood lumber industry. The authors then explore the concept of eBusiness adoption within the framework of technology clusters. Results indicate that more than half of the respondents were using the Internet for business purposes, with corporate strategy listed as the most influential reason for adoption. Respondents were also found to adopt, or plan to adopt, certain eBusiness technologies together, most specifically communication and order support capabilities. Previous adoption of certain technologies was also found to positively influence adoption of other eBusiness technologies.