Abstract

During the summer of 2003, researchers from The Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky developed measurement scales to test 1) rural retailer beliefs about the usefulness of the Internet for business, and 2) intention to use the Internet for business.  The scale items were developed based on previous research in the area of technology adoption and the Internet, as well as results of interviews with rural retailers.  A survey was sent to retailers in Kentucky in 2003 to pilot test the scales.  An updated version of the survey was sent to 800 Ohio rural retailers in February of 2004. Response rate was 20.1%. Survey results are presented within the business characteristics portion of this website.