Understanding the relationship of self-service technology quality with user adoption using SSTQUAL

Abstract

PurposeThe study aimed to examine the antecedents to self-service technology (SST) adoption behavior and the relationships between the constructs using empirical research.Design/methodology/approachBased on synthesis of the extant literature, a model was hypothesized, hypotheses were framed. Field data collected were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsFew interesting findings were noted in this research. First, SST service quality had a direct positive linkage with perceived value, but no linkage with e-satisfaction. Second, strong positive linkage existed between perceived value and e-satisfaction. Therefore, the connection between SST service quality and satisfaction was completely mediated by perceived value. Third, no relationship existed between perceived value and behavioral intentions, but a direct positive relationship existed between e-satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Thus, the relationship of perceived value with behavioral intentions was fully mediated by e-satisfaction. Fourth, no direct connection was found between SST service quality and behavioral intentions. Rather, the connection was fully mediated by perceived value and e-satisfaction. Fifth, direct positive association was found between behavioral intentions and actual adoption of SST.Research limitations/implicationsThis empirical research was conducted primarily on the young population.Practical implicationsThe study will benefit managers in making better decisions on how to make SST work successfully for their organizations.Originality/valueFirst, this research further refined the SST adoption process of a customer, thus making a meaningful contribution to the literature on SST. Second, the research validated SSTQUAL scale in a different geographical setting.