Examining the factors affecting technology continuance and its role in economic growth of emerging economies

Abstract

Technological developments have been thought to portray a pivotal role in promoting economic growth, particularly within the financial sector in developing economies which has been reported significantly influenced by users' perceptions of technology usability, which are shaped by their technology usage experiences. This study integrates antecedents of the UTAUT model with the Innovation Diffusion Theory to empirically assess the perceived usability of Internet banking and its role for economic growth. Post-experience data were collected from 315 banking clients in Lahore, Pakistan. After validating the sample's reliability, validity, adequacy, and sphericity, a structural equation model (SEM) was employed to test the study's hypotheses. The findings revealed that the perceived usability of bank clients was positively influenced by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which in turn impact their intention to continue the use of Internet banking. Mediating role of perceived usability did not support by the results. However, the presence of ease of use and usefulness exhibited a positive moderating effect of financial risk on users' intention to continue using Internet banking. These findings provide valuable insights for academics seeking to comprehend users’ experience and usability about the use of technology. Additionally, the results steer policymakers to formulate effective policies that maintain users’ engagement in Internet banking, thus contributing to economic growth through effective use of technology. Notably, this study contributes new perspectives based on data collected from functioning Internet banking users in developing economies.