Big data for small businesses: Abstracting security and decision-making tools

Abstract

The study delineates the understanding of big data as an emergent phenomenon that has brought a notable shift in the relationship between technology and business decision- making. Using grounded theory techniques, the study espouses opportunities and alternative perceptions from small businesses regarding the value that big data may offer in contrast to usage experience by big businesses. Information security lies at the heart of these consideration. The study draws on concepts and tenets from the discipline of information security to support a theoretical underpinning for big data usage in small businesses. A substantive theory has been developed from this work with three distinct concepts emerging that show that financial consideration, management mindset and size consideration play a big part in influencing small business perceptions.