This study aims to analyze the resistance to adoption of social media technology in SMEs in Yogyakarta. This research was conducted through a survey of respondents in SMEs using a questionnaire. The number of respondents in this study was 150 SMEs. Data analyser using SEM-PLS. The results of this study indicate that adoption resistance is influenced by manager support, organizational readiness and knowledge of SME managers. Manager support is the most substantial determining factor for SMEs in adopting the technology. The contribution of this research is to add theoretical support to adoption resistance. The resistance to social media adoption in SMEs is unique because the adoption of social media technology is needed during difficult times such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many SMEs do not want to adopt it.

Keywords:  adoption, resistance, attitudes, manager support, organizational readiness, knowledge.

The development of the Internet and its related technologies, such as platforms social media, have also rapidly changed the way people communicate with one another. Today’s consumers prefer to use online channels to traditional channels (Aspasia & Ourania 2014). In the last two decades, more and more companies and companies have adopted electronic communication to carry out their marketing activities, thus providing a platform for e-marketing to grow at a faster rate. Social media has revolutionized the way marketing activities are carried out (Ndekwa & Katunzi, 2016). Information Systems (IS) has many benefits for the organization, namely being able to increase performance, productivity, and organizational growth. Information Systems not only make employee tasks more straightforward, more comfortable to perform, and more standardized, they also assist stakeholders and managers in making increasingly competitive strategic decisions that impact the overall vision, mission, and results of the organization. The Technology Organization Environment (TOE) is a general framework that identifies various factors that influence organizational technology adoption (Chong & Olesen, 2017). TOE is a company-level theory (Baker, 2012). The TOE framework is based on the concept which states that technology, organization, and the environment are factors that must be considered for companies when deciding to adopt innovations. Technological factors include relative advantages, complexity, compatibility, information technology capabilities and technological competencies (Seethamraju, 2015). Organizational factors refer to the size of the organization, organizational readiness, and employee attitudes towards technology and ownership type (Jackson et al., 2013;). Environmental factors include competitive pressure, pressure from trading partners, support from the government and environmental dynamics (Tsai et al., 2013).

SMEs are an essential component of a country in poverty alleviation and are significant contributors to the economic development of many nations (Muriithi, 2017). Smaller companies make it possible to create more jobs. Thomason, Simendinger, and Kiernan (2013) note that small companies are an intrinsic part of the economy that have contributed significantly to the success of the country’s economy. Senff, Cavalho, Veiga, Duclos, and Pancote (2015) also emphasized that small businesses account for more than half of all companies and jobs in developed countries. Also, small firms are an essential source of income, accounting for a large number of industrial jobs in developing countries (Hyder & Lussier, 2016). SMEs face tremendous challenges in their pursuit of technological innovation and their survival often depends on the use they make of information systems to develop new organizational models, compete in new markets or improve their internal and external communication relationships. Information systems are considered as important and rapidly evolving technological innovations that provide opportunities for businesses to increase their efficiency and effectiveness and even gain a competitive advantage (Porter, 2012). Compared to big companies, small businesses have been slow to adopt technological innovations.

On the other hand, one of the main criticisms of technology adoption research is that adoption is primarily viewed as a dichotomous outcome (adoption or not adoption). However, the adoption versus non-adoption approach does not fully explain technology adoption. This research takes the side of adoption rejection. Although reports suggest that social media does enhance the development of SMEs, there is still little empirical evidence on their adoption and use of this category of companies (Abeysinghe, 2013). This study aims to analyze the resistance to social media adoption in SMEs in Yogyakarta. Initial exploratory studies conducted by researchers show that most SMEs have not adopted digital marketing even though they desperately need this technology as a solution to recovering sales during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is also important to do to answer the question of why resistance SMEs to adopt social media? Although SMEs know they need this technology. Information about the factors inhibiting the adoption of social media is also urgently needed to help SMEs transact successfully through digital marketing platformse.

2.1. Technology Adoption Resistance

The leading technology adoption behavior theory finds the tendency of companies to reject or adopt information technology based on attitudes and beliefs. Planned behavior theory (TPB) is most commonly identified as predictive behavior theory (Ajzen, 1991). TPB from Ajzen’s (1991) postulates that attitude correlates in influencing behavioral intention. Rogers’ (2003) Diffusion of Innovation Theory minimizes the uncertainty of technology adoption behavior when introducing technology as a new way of solving complex problems. Another form of resistance or rejection of innovation was put forward by Joseph (2010). There are two forms of resistance, namely: active resistance and passive resistance. Active rejection occurs when an individual makes a decision not to adopt an innovation. Rejection usually occurs in operational resistance conditions. Rejection occurs when an individual processes available information and decides that he will not adopt an innovation. Forms of active rejection Another form of resistance or rejection of innovation was put forward by Joseph (2010). The second form of active denial is postponement. Procrastination occurs when an individual decides to delay the adoption of an innovation. An innovation delayer will wait for the right time to adopt a design. Passive resistance usually occurs more smoothly than active resistance. Passive resistance occurs in two ways, namely: first, there is no attention and second, not realizing there is an innovation. Interested individuals are usually aware of innovations but do not pay attention to these new innovations. Meanwhile, unaware individuals are individuals who do not have knowledge of innovations and even these individuals never know of existing innovative products (Sugandini et al., 2019).

2.2. Attitude

A more contemporary definition of an attitude refers to someone who has an affective and instrumental evaluation of behavior done. The benefit of the concept of attitude allows researchers to examine not only individual preferences but also social and cultural group dispositions and preferences. The formation of individual attitudes comes from information obtained by reviewing the actions of others. TPB is one of the most researched and influential theories used to explain attitudes towards technology, positive subjective norms for general use and the value of technology (Wright, 2017). If a company believes that a particular technology has desirable attributes that enhance their performance, they are likely to develop favourable attitudes towards its use. Perceived benefits are factors that can influence a company’s intention to adopt the use of new Internet technologies (Alford & G, 2015). Praveena and Thomas (2014) and Shen (2015) agree that attitude is an important factor influencing the intention to continue using Web technology. That knowledge of technical or technical knowledge will moderate the relationship between the use of social media marketing and the intention to continue to use social media marketing. Matikiti, Mpinganjira & Roberts-Lombard (2018) conducted a study to determine the factors that influence attitudes towards the adoption of social media marketing by travel agencies and tour operators in South Africa. This research adopts a quantitative approach through the use of a questionnaire. The results showed that managerial support and managerial level of education were two main internal factors that influenced attitudes towards the use of social media marketing. Praveena and Thomas (2014) and Shen (2015), who concluded that there is a positive relationship between attitude and intention to continue using social media sites. Praveena and Thomas (2014) and Shen (2015) agree that attitude is an important factor influencing the intention to continue using Web technology. That knowledge of technical or technical knowledge will moderate the relationship between the use of social media marketing and the intention to continue to use social media marketing. According to El-Gohary (2012), inadequate technical knowledge is one of the main obstacles to adoption e-commerce among SMEs.

Hypothesis 1: Attitudes influence resistance to adoption social media

 2.3. Management Support

Technology adoption relies on the acceptance of information technology by SME leaders. If leadership does not see technology as useful or does not understand its potential, corporate leaders are reluctant to adopt it. The problems affecting technology adoption also have to do with the organization itself. Current technologies used in organizations can simplify or hinder the adoption process. The challenge emphasizes the ambiguity of technology investment and adoption processes in SMEs. More critical is the challenge of investing in and adopting the right technology for organizations to reduce managers’ perceptions of control, self-confidence, and effort (Pavlou & Fygenson, 2006). The results of research by Matikiti et al. (2018) show that managerial support affects attitudes towards the adoption of social media marketing. This means that if top management supports the idea of ​​adopting new technology, the attitude of the entire organization towards the adoption of the latest technology will be positive. This is consistent with previous studies: Dahnil et al. (2014) concluded that top management influences attitudes towards project adoption e-commerce, while Matikiti et al. (2012) found that managerial support influences the adoption and implementation of initiatives e-commerce and Internet technology. Initial research conducted by researchers shows that SMEs managers are not yet supportive of adopting social media. Most of SMEs managers are still afraid to adopt because they are not sure about the benefits of social media. So the hypotheses proposed in this study are:

Hypothesis 2: Top management support affects the attitude of social media adoption.

2.4. Organizational Readiness.

The technology context includes the characteristics and usefulness of innovative technology; Organizational context includes internal problems within the company, such as management, employees, products and services, and the environmental context related to competitors and business partners (Piaralal et al., 2015). The TOE framework is widely used in the adoption of various innovative and proven technologies (Chiu et al., 2017). Chang (2010) defines organizational readiness as the availability of the company’s financial and human resources. Pearson and Grandon (2005) note organizational readiness is the main reason technology adopters differ from non-adopters. Kloviene and Gimzauskiene (2009) note that environmental problems are important for the continuity of an organization is facing the environment so that it affects technology choices and the perceived benefits of information technology. Chong & Olesen (2017) found that technology readiness which includes strong support for information technology infrastructure, perceived direct benefits, top management support, and competitive pressures, affect information technology adoption.

Hypothesis 3: Technology readiness affects attitudes to adopt social media

2.5. Knowledge of SME Managers

Galliers & Leidner (2014) states that organizations established with standard operating procedures, clear targets, and transparent management policies can better adopt and implement information system technology. Than organizations have less clear business and information technology strategies. Thong (1999) points out the importance of information systems knowledge from CEOs and CEO innovations as key elements of technological innovation adoption. Executives and managers take on many different roles in SME organizations, even though managers in SMEs do not have knowledge or experience related to new information technology. These constraints have a negative impact on the SME’s technology adoption rate, leaving them behind from larger organizations. Hugoson, Magoulas, & Pessi (2010) said that knowledge is exposure to the existence of technology and understanding its function, which will form a favorable attitude. According to Awa et al. (2010), In the context of technology adoption, SMEs have the right skills to increase the knowledge and ability of SME executives in evaluating technology to improve technology adoption investment decisions. Chong et al., 2014; Ghobakhloo et al., 2011 showed that the characteristics of CEOs related to information technology knowledge are the determinants of SMEs in becoming technology. Molla and Licker, (2005) based on the research results, the most significant element of the organizational context in adopting technology, one of which is CEO knowledge. The technology context is described as the technical knowledge required to implement social media marketing (Matikiti et al., 2018); Chandra & Kumar (2018)

Hypothesis 4: Knowledge of SME managers affects attitudes toward adopting social media.

2.6. The Research Model

The research model proposed in this study can be seen in Figure 1.1

This study is a survey involving 150 SMEs in Yogyakarta. This study uses a questionnaire as a data collection tool. The questionnaire was adopted from Maltikiti et al. (2018) and Chamdar & Kumar (2018). Data analysis techniques using structural equation modelling with Partial Leat square software 3.2.8. the results of validity and reliability testing indicate that not all instruments used are valid and reliable. The X₂₁ and Z₁₄ instruments were removed from the model because they had a value of less than 0.7 and invalid. The results of the reliability test after removing the items X₂₁ and Z₁₄ can shown support the reliability of the items used in this study.

The results of the research showed that all hypothesis is supported. Resistance to the adoption of social media in SMEs is due to the lack of support from top managers, SMEs unpreparedness in adopting information technology, and lack of knowledge of managers about social media technology. This causes SMEs in Yogyakarta to not be able to adopt social media technology for marketing their products. According to Matikiti et al., (2018), managerial support is very important for the effectiveness of information systems in SMEs and is an obstacle to the acceptance of e-business in SMEs. Lin (2014) also found that top management support has a positive influence on technology adoption cloud computing so that the low support for SME managers means that the attitude towards low adoption and the decision to adopt social media technology from these SMEs is low. The results of this study support Dahnil et al. (2014); Matikiti et al. (2018) who show that managerial support affects attitudes towards the adoption of social media marketing (Matikiti et al., 2012). The readiness of SMEs in adopting social media technology also shows unfavourable results. Yogyakarta is not ready to adopt social media technology. SMEs in Yogyakarta is not yet able to provide a human resource that can handle social media applications. SMEs owners and managers feel that their organization is not ready to fully adopt social media platforms. Information about marketing through social media platforms not well understood, so the attitude of SME managers is less responsive to social media. Many SMEs complain about fraud through social media that they experience and their organizations are not ready to handle it. This causes them to be reluctant to adopt social media technolog (Support by Piaralal et al., (2015); Chiu et al., (2017); Pearson and Grandon 2005). Chong & Olesen (2017) also show that technology readiness which includes technology infrastructure and perceived benefits, directly affects the adoption of information technology.

The knowledge of SMEs owners and managers about social media technology is still low. Many SME managers and owners do not understand the use of social media platforms to market their products. Knowledge of how SME managers do not yet understand social media works, about the benefits of social media and the information technology used. Low knowledge of social media technology causes low attitudes towards adoption. The low attitude causes the decision to adopt social media technology to be low. SMEs tend to be resistant to adopting social media. The results of this study support Galliers & Leidner (2014); Thong (1999) which shows that the importance of information systems knowledge from CEOs on the adoption of technological innovations. Hugoson, Magoulas, & Pessi (2010) also state that management knowledge will form a favorable attitude. Awa et al. (2010); Chong et al., (2014); Ghobakhloo et al., 2011 showed that CEO knowledge is a determinant of technology adoption in SMEs (Matikiti et al., 2018); Chandra & Kumar (2018).

This research results in the findings that many SMEs in Yogyakarta during the Covid-19 pandemic are not yet willing to adopt social media technology. The main reason that emerges is that SMEs managers have not supported the adoption of social media technology. Several obstacles cause SME managers not to adopt them because they feel they are not ready, they do not have human resources to manage, and the technology infrastructure is also inadequate. The manager’s lack of knowledge about the benefits of using social media technology is also the reason why SMEs do not want to adopt social media. The results of this study indicate that the four proposed hypotheses are accepted.

• Contribution and Suggestions for Future Research

This study was conducted during the Coronavirus pandemic. During the Covid-19 pandemic, SMEs are in a challenging position in carrying out operations and marketing of their products because there is work from home regulations. The results of this study indicate that although social media technology is very helpful for SMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic, this technology has not been fully adopted by SMEs. This is because there is no support from SME managers, SME organizations are not ready to adopt social media technology and the risks it poses, and lack of knowledge of SMEs managers. This research contributes to the theory which states that not all innovation adoptions are well accepted by its users, even though the technology is indeed prepared to solve the problem.

Future research is expected to be able to explore further about the rejection of the adoption of social media technology with the characteristics of SMEs managers more fully. Such as the level of education, socio-economic background, the number of assets owned and the type of production process that is carried out. For the type of production process carried out is related to whether SMEs carry out the production process continuously or only carry out production processes based on orders. This could lead to findings that differ from this research and will add new insights to research on the resistance to the adoption of social media technologies.