Examining client tech-readiness in the digitization of Microfinance

Abstract

The study on “examining client tech readiness in the digitization of microfinance” was taken up during the periodin October to March 2021 in India, first and the most literate district of most literate state namely Kerala. The periodcoincided with the peak of COVID-19 and the data on the readiness of 500 clients were collected using a pretested structurequestionnaire developed for the purpose. Statistical analytical methods used were exploratory factor analysis, confirmatoryfactor analysis and goodness of fit. Among the most influencing factors were the use of ATM counters with their own card,a feeling of insecurity among the clients that it will be difficult to avail microfinance if they don’t switch over to technologyuse; all services are integrated with suitable technologies; loss of optimism- “A feeling that more things are going wrong” andthe natural urge to know about the technologies before fellow clients which is a factor of innovativeness. This study is ofutmost relevance as digitalisation has been felt as an imperative and inevitable need and these aspects serve as directiveprinciples and need to be prioritised in the process of implementation