The mediating effect of attitude on adoption of mobile payment services in small island developing states. The case of Mauritius

Abstract

PurposeThis study assesses the factors that impacts on an individual's adoption (ADOP) of mobile payment services (MPS) in the setting of a small island developing state (SIDS), Mauritius. Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical model for this study draws upon prior research, synthesizing elements from various established theories, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), as well as its variants, UTAUT 1, UTAUT 2, and Meta-UTAUT. These theories are augmented with factors pertinent to MPS ADOP. A significant contribution of this study lies in the inclusion of attitude (ATTI) as a mediator, elucidating its role in mediating the direct effects on ADOP. The study's sample comprises of 186 participants hailing from densely populated regions in Mauritius. To assess the influence of the various constructs on MPS ADOP, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed. Main findingsThe findings indicate that, while Perceived Trust (PT) and Perceived Risk (PR) were not directly associated with the Adoption (ADOP) of MPS, there exists a direct relationship between Subjective Norms (SN), Compatibility (COM), and Intention to use (INT) with MPS Adoption. Furthermore, it was observed that Subjective Norms (SN), Compatibility (COM), Perceived Risk (PR), Perceived Trust (PT), and Intention to use (INT) are directly linked to Attitude (ATTI). Moreover, this analysis reveals that Attitude (ATTI) partially mediates the relationship between Subjective Norms (SN), Compatibility (COM), Perceived Risk (PR), Perceived Trust (PT), Intention to use (INT), and the Adoption (ADOP) of MPS. Practical implicationsThe outcomes provide a clearer understanding of the theoretical understanding of MPS ADOP and also enhance our understanding of important variables influencing adoption of MPS by customers. Recommendations are also made based on the research findings. Originality/valueThe primary motivation behind this study is to bring to light an unexplored and pivotal dimension in the existing research landscape. While previous studies have examined the direct connections between SN, COM, PR, PT, and INT with respect to consumers' adoption of MPS, a significant research gap exists in comprehending the role of ATTI as a mediator within these associations. This study endeavors to unveil the intricate underpinnings of the adoption process among consumers in Mauritius. By concentrating on this aspect, the study aspires to bridge a substantial void in the scholarly literature, offering a nuanced perspective on the adoption of MPS.