The Impact of Internet Banking on the Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises in Costa Rica: A Randomized Controlled Experiment

Arbeitspapier

This paper uses a randomized controlled experiment in Costa Rica to determine whether IB use by Banco Nacional de Desarrollo`s micro and small enterprise (MSE) clients has an impact on their performance, measured in terms of productivity, increase in sales, and cost reduction. Results from the intervention group surveys indicate that Internet use is limited in MSEs` daily operations because of limited access to computers and the relatively low penetration of Internet services in employees` activities. In addition, firms have limited knowledge about the uses of the Internet as a business development tool. These results contrast with the reported benefits obtained by a small group of firms. Those benefits include reduced costs, higher sales, and better contact with customers.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IDB Working Paper Series ; No. IDB-WP-242

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis ; Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness ; Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology ; Technological Change: Government Policy

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Monge-Gonzalez, Ricardo ; Comisión Asesora en Alta Tecnología (CAATEC)
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
• (where): Washington, DC
• (when): 2011

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/88971
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET