In addition, many companies struggle to integrate their siloed data and capabilities with e-commerce services to merge and work together seamlessly. Both e-commerce in general and e-commerce in particular can help increase value for customers. In the case of e-business, the transition of operations to digital technology can increase productivity, reduce or eliminate duplicate processes, streamline supply chain management and enterprise resource planning, improve customer and supplier relationships, improve business intelligence, increase and improve internal collaboration, and do the same with external business partners. In any case, the customer, supplier and business partner should derive added value from the business relationship with the company in terms of increased efficiency, speed of information flows and transactions and overall satisfaction. Most organizations have at least some e-commerce capabilities to support their core competencies and ancillary functions, but the scope of e-business conducted within a business varies. Companies that have emerged from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are increasingly using digital services to support a variety of functions and capabilities. These organizations could be classified as e-commerce businesses or complete e-businesses, but tend to be classified in traditional terms. With such nebulous data applications, it can be hard to know where to start to tighten your protocol. Fortunately, regulations adopted by governments and businesses around the world offer useful tips for building customer trust through an ethical business model. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for example, is a European Union law that contains a number of important ethical principles to keep in mind when collecting customer data.
Many workers find this inappropriate and unethical. Companies are constantly rethinking and rethinking their business models, influenced by advanced technologies, a hybrid workforce, increased customer expectations and, in particular, the ever-changing availability, reach and capabilities of the Internet. The growth of e-commerce in recent decades has led to new business requirements. Consumers expect businesses to provide self-service options for transactions, personalized experiences, and fast, secure interactions. New regulatory laws and best practices for electronic data security have been introduced. Companies have adopted strict security protocols and tools, including encryption, digital certificates, and multi-factor authentication, to protect against hackers, fraud, and theft. IBM was one of the first companies to use the term e-business in October 1997, when it launched a thematic campaign to eliminate confusion among many consumers about Internet-based businesses. The company spent about $500 million on an advertising and marketing campaign to show the value of the e-commerce model and show that IBM has the “talent, services and products to help customers take advantage of this new way of doing business,” according to the company`s website. By 2000, IBM`s e-business revenues had grown from $64 billion in 1994 to more than $88 billion, and net income had nearly tripled.
This is one of the most important aspects of ethical data collection. A transparent data policy ensures that customers are informed about what data is collected and for what purpose. This builds trust between customers and businesses. Because no one wants their data to be used to harass them with unsolicited offers or, in the worst case, to commit fraud. By providing your data policy directly, you are accountable to your customers who expect you to act accordingly. From there, you can build a reputation as a trusted ecommerce platform. Over the past two decades, e-commerce has become an important channel for selling products and services worldwide. This type of doing business has led to many conflicts between buyers, sellers and sellers due to unexpected challenges and ethical issues. Understanding these issues is crucial when trying to build a reputable online brand.
E-commerce is the marketing, sale and purchase of goods and services online. It generates revenue that e-commerce does not have. E-commerce is generally associated with e-marketing, but most of this chapter is devoted to the operational and non-marketing dimensions of e-commerce. While not all small businesses choose the path of digital technology and the e-environment (e-business and e-commerce), it was highlighted on many fronts that small businesses are seriously considering creative ways to integrate them all into their operations. Digital technology is hard to avoid, whether it`s computers, smartphones or iPads. Even on a small scale, digital technology can help improve business processes and keep costs low. As soon as an exchange of value takes place, e-commerce becomes e-commerce. [12] E-commerce is the source of revenue for businesses that use the Internet to sell their goods and services. Some small businesses depend on the internet to grow and survive. Many small businesses also use e-commerce for their own business needs, such as computers and office equipment, capital goods and supplies, office furniture, inventory for online sales, or other business-related goods.
[13] This is not surprising given the prevalence of the Internet for commercial transactions of all shapes and sizes. Some competitors` ads advertise high-fiber grains that have the potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The grain company in question wants to gain more market share, but the marketing department cannot make questionable health claims on cereal boxes without the risk of litigation and fines. Even if competitors with larger market shares in the grain industry use questionable labelling practices, this does not mean that all producers should behave unethically. Unfortunately, the checks can take too long and the window of time for on-time shipping could pass, which could delay the customer`s product release. Quality control can ship parts in the hope that they are not all defective, or delay shipping and test everything. If the parts are defective, the company buying the components could face a storm of consumer reactions, which can lead the customer to look for a more reliable supplier. This is where strict ethical guidelines come into play.
Establishing a framework for the ethical use of data can support customer trust and success. This leads to your success. But what ethical guidelines should you follow? This list is not exhaustive. However, it illustrates the many ways in which e-business and e-commerce can have a positive impact on a small business` cash flow. It`s important for small businesses to understand the nature of e-business and how it can facilitate both operations and growth – if growth is desired. It has been said on other occasions, and will continue to be said, that not all small businesses aspire to growth and instead choose to remain happy. However, for small businesses that want to grow, e-business can help them do so via the internet and online technologies to create operational efficiencies and thus increase customer value. [1] A small business` cash flow should benefit from all of the above sources of value, as it is expected to result in reduced operating costs, improved customer relationships and higher revenues. In particular, cash flows are expected to increase for the following reasons: It is important to protect intellectual property, as companies will not reap the full benefits of their inventions and would be inclined to focus less on research and development. In addition, without intellectual property protection, exporters face “unfair competition abroad, non-exporters face counterfeit imports domestically, and all businesses face legal, health and safety risks when counterfeit products enter their supply chains.” [56] Unfortunately, U.S. small businesses are at a disadvantage because:[57] But transparency is only ethical if your claims are honest.
Honesty in the use of data is key to building trust among online shoppers who have other options to choose from if the experience you offer disappoints them. For example, when Volkswagen was caught deceiving customers about vehicle emissions, it resulted in fines and legal fees of more than $30 billion. These are costs that most ecommerce businesses can`t afford. Instead, honesty is an ethical and safe approach. Consumer to administration (C2A) refers to transactions made online between consumers and the public administration or government agencies. The government rarely buys products or services from individuals, but individuals often use electronic means in the following areas: Jeanne knows she needs more information before moving forward. She asked you to create a report that answers the following questions: How does her physical business compare to her online business? In other words, where will things be the same and where will they be different? What business model should it use? What are the specific challenges and barriers it will face as it transitions from traditional to e-commerce? What is Web 2.0 and should it deal with it? She expects you to do more research on gourmet foods to support your ideas. Business and digital authorities still often classify e-commerce as B2B, B2C, C2B and C2C.
Some offer additional categories of e-business, such as business-to-government and business-to-employee activities. These ethical guidelines are crucial for online businesses that strive to retain customers and advertise positively. Understand their importance before implementing them in your ecommerce operations. Business-to-administration (B2A) refers to transactions carried out online between companies and public administrations or government agencies.