Factors influencing the adoption of sharing economy in B2B context in China: Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA

Abstract

The birth of the sharing economy (SE) has been linked to a paradigm shift towards sustainable consumption, resulting from economic, environmental, and societal pressure. As a disruptive innovation, the SE presents both opportunities and challenges to businesses. However, prior studies on the SE have predominantly focused on the business-to-consumer (B2C) domain. To examine the factors that influence business-to-business (B2B) SE adoption, we developed a research model based on the diffusion of innovation theory, the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, and the social exchange theory. We empirically analyzed a sample of 127 Chinese companies by applying partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The results from the PLS-SEM indicate that motivations affect a firm's intention to adopt the SE indirectly through top management support, whereas constraints affect a firm's adoption intention directly. It also suggests that reciprocity benefits are a salient motivating factor. The fSQCA findings reveal that there are three causal conditions that lead to high adoption intention.