Adopting the Internet in franchise systems: Australian franchisors' perceptions

Abstract

The relevance and impact of the internet on the business-to-business market is widely acknowledged. However, little academic attention has been paid to the adoption of internetbased technology in the Australian franchising sector. Thus this paper addresses the problem: 'how and why Australian franchise organisations use internet-based technologies in their franchise systems?' This research uses convergent interviewing to investigate the benefits and barriers associated with adopting internet-based technologies in Australian franchise organisations. The findings will serve as the foundation for future empirical analyses. The analysis revealed that adoption of internet technologies is still in its infancy in Australian franchise systems with the major uses of franchisor websites being providing information to consumers and as a means of attracting potential franchisees.