Building resilient supply chains: e-procurement’s role in shaping small and medium enterprises

Purpose This study examines how perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use affect the intention of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) attitude to adopt e-procurement. Additionally, it investigates the role of information sharing in shaping the relationship between perceived usefulness and supply chain resilience, and perceived ease of use and supply chain resilience. The study used the “technology acceptance model” (TAM) to conceptualise “perceived usefulness” and “perceived ease of use” that influence supply chain resilience, which impacts SMEs' attitudes toward adopting e-procurement. Design/methodology/approach Study 1 adopted an online questionnaire to collect and analyse data, using SPSS Amos 25 and PROCESS Macros. Applying thematic analysis, Study 2 sought to probe the attitudes of SMEs towards adopting e-procurement. Findings The findings reveal that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use positively influence supply chain resilience and contribute to favourable attitudes toward e-procurement adoption among SMEs. Supply chain resilience mediates the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude towards e-procurement adoption. The results further show that information sharing significantly moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and supply chain resilience; however, the moderation effect is attenuating rather than strengthening. This suggests that although perceived usefulness remains positively associated with supply chain resilience, its effect becomes weaker at higher levels of information sharing. The moderating effect of information sharing on the perceived ease of use–supply chain resilience relationship was not significant. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to SMEs and focuses on e-procurement adoption, which may not fully generalise to other sectors or digital technologies. Additionally, the cross-sectional design of the quantitative study limits the ability to capture dynamic changes in attitudes over time. Practical implications The findings provide actionable insights for SME managers seeking to adopt e-procurement tools. By enhancing perceived usefulness and ease of use, managers can foster greater supply chain resilience and encourage positive adoption attitudes. Emphasising the importance of information sharing can further strengthen the relationship between technology perceptions and adoption behaviours. Social implications Adopting e-procurement in SMEs can lead to broader societal benefits by fostering more resilient and efficient supply chains. Improved supply chain resilience can enhance the ability of SMEs to withstand disruptions, contributing to economic stability and community sustainability. Originality/value This is the first study in the supply chain resilience domain that would explore how perceived usefulness and ease of use in SMEs can affect SME managers' experience in encouraging SMEs’ attitude towards adopting e-procurement. This study extends TAM by incorporating supply-chain resilience as an organisational perspective mediating technology adoption attitude. By doing so, the study contributes to bridge the gap between behavioural and strategic perspectives in e-procurement research. It provides guidance for SME managers on leveraging e-procurement to improve visibility, collaboration and adaptability under resource constraints.