Haider, Anif Raza and Maulan, Suharni (2025) Digital readiness among Malaysian retail SMEs- a conceptual examination in the post-pandemic context. Advanced International Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship and SME's, 7 (24). pp. 387-403. E-ISSN 2682-8545
|
PDF
- Published Version
Download (5MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation across industries, compelling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt rapidly to technological change. Among retail SMEs in Malaysia, digital readiness has emerged as a critical capability influencing business continuity, innovation, and competitiveness in the evolving digital economy. However, the construct of digital readiness remains conceptually fragmented, often conflated with digital adoption or maturity. This paper undertakes a conceptual examination of digital readiness among Malaysian retail SMEs in the post-pandemic context, aiming to clarify its dimensions, antecedents, and implications. Drawing on recent literature from digital transformation, SME capability building, and technology management, this review highlights the multidimensional nature of digital readiness, encompassing technological infrastructure, human capital, organizational agility, and external support mechanisms. The paper critically reviews how contextual factors—such as Malaysia’s policy frameworks, socio-economic conditions, and consumer digital behaviour—mediate digital preparedness in the retail SME sector. It further identifies conceptual ambiguities in existing scholarship and advocates for a more coherent theoretical foundation to guide future research and policy development. By offering a comprehensive lens through which digital readiness can be understood, this paper contributes to the conceptual advancement of digital transformation research in emerging economies. It also provides practical insights for SME stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers seeking to foster sustainable digital enablement in the post-pandemic era
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Digital Readiness, Retail SMEs, Post-Pandemic Transformation, Conceptual Review, Technology Adoption |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HF Commerce H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration > HF5428 Retail trade |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration |
| Depositing User: | Dr Suharni Maulan |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Nov 2025 16:50 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Nov 2025 16:50 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124212 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
Download Statistics
Download Statistics