Implications for Improving Accessibility to E-Commerce Websites in Developing Countries

Abstract

This research explores the accessibility issues with regard to the e-commerce websites in developing countries, through a subjective study of Sri Lankan hotel websites. A web survey and a web content analysis were conducted as the methods to elicit data on web accessibility. Factors preventing accessibility were hypothesized as an initial experiment. Hazardous design elements are identified through web content analysis, the results of which are utilized to develop specific implications for improving web accessibility. The hypothesis tests show that there is no significant correlation between accessibility and geographical or economic factors. However, physical impairments of users have a considerable influence on the accessibility. Especially, visual and mobility impaired users experience poor accessibility. Poor readability and less navigable page designs are two observable issues, which pose threats to accessibility. The lack of conformance to W3C accessibility guidelines and the poor design process are the specific shortcomings which reduce the overall accessibility. Guidelines aim to improve the accessibility of sites with a strategic focus. Further enhancements are suggested with adherence to principles and user -centered design and developing customizable web portals compatible for connections with differing speeds. A need for developing new design models for differencing user groups and implementing web accessibility strategy are emphasized as vital steps towards effective information dissemination via e-commerce websites in the developing countries.

Individual level culture influence on online consumer iTrust aspects towards purchase intention across cultures: A S-O-R model

“…The significance of web accessibility standards in e-commerce has been known around the world (Bernard and Makienko, 2011;Sohaib and Kang, 2012). Sambhanthan and Good (2012) believes that the lack of conformance to accessibility guidelines in e-commerce website reduce the overall accessibility and hence results in poor readability and less navigable page designs. The purpose of web accessibility is to help make the webpages operable for consumers of all ages and with disabilities such as colour blindness.…”

Commitment to sustainability: A content analysis of website for university organisations

“…In addition, according to Zuo, Zillante [14], in a study of 50 international contractors, they found that almost 80% of the companies revealed their sustainability policies through their websites. Moreover, websites are used to publicise information relating to organisational matters [15] and have been chosen as a data source by many researchers for measuring sustainability practices [16]; identifying corporate social responsibility among the top 10 universities [13]; exploring e-commerce in developing countries [17]; investigating market orientation in local government [18]; investigating hotel information quality [19]; investigating tourism [15,20,21]; and examining government sustainability policy [22]. Therefore, this study ascertains that web content analysis is a legitimate research tool.…”

Website development by nonprofit organizations in an emerging market: a case study of Thai websites

“…Considerable research has been conducted on businesses' development and use of websites (Rotchanakitumnuai, Kaewkitipong, & Ractham, 2011) and on government websites (Bertot, Jaeger, & Grimes, 2010;Shareef, Kumar, Kumar, & Dwivedi, 2011;United Nations, 2008), but previous research on nonprofit websites is outdated in the fast-paced information and communications technology (ICT) field (Tuckman, Chatterjee, & Muha, 2004); has focused on adoption of websites (Clerkin & Gronbjerg, 2007;Manzo & Pitken, 2007); or has concentrated on particular segments of web technologies, such as social media (Nah & Saxton, 2012;Waters, Burnett, Lamm, & Lucas, 2009) and online fundraising (Goecks, Voida, Voida, & Mynatt, 2008). Very few studies, business or nonprofit, even focus on website evaluation in less developed nations (Hasan, Morris, & Probets, 2013;Sambhanthan & Good, 2013). Research on nonprofit websites in less developed areas often focuses on particular case studies, such as crowdsourcing (Gao, Barbier, & Goolsby, 2011).…”