RFID implementation strategy: perceived risks and organizational fits

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organizations perceive the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) on business performance in relation to the perceived technology-organization fit and the perceived risk of the technology. Design/methodology/approach - A survey is conducted with professionals involved in RFID implementation initiatives in their organizations. The survey results in usable responses from 350 firms. The survey instrument consists of questions for demographics, organizational fit factors, risk factors, and expected performance measures. Findings - The results suggest that management of organizational fit factors in connection with perceived risk levels has a significant effect on the perceived impact of RFID on business performance. Research limitations/implications - The sampling process is not completely scientific and random. As a result, some findings may not be applicable to the general population. Another limitation of the paper is that most research constructs and variables measure perceptions and expectations of respondents rather than objective, factual data. Practical implications - This paper identifies several organizational factors that the company must assess prior to implementing RFID to ensure that the technology is properly aligned with its business. This paper should also help managers better understand various risk issues associated with RFID. Originality/value - Few studies have systematically looked into these organizational and risk factors for successful RFID implementation. This empirical study should make a significant contribution for the research and practitioner communities by systematically and empirically investigate organizational and risk factors for adopting RFID and their impact on business performance.