Theory Of Acceptance Research Articles

Investigating the Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Islamic Mobile Banking Services

The adoption of Islamic Mobile Banking (IMB) services remains a challenge in Pakistan, despite the increasing global growth of Islamic banking. Shariah compliance, security concerns, and trust issues significantly impact the acceptance of IMB services. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with Islamic compliance to explore key factors influencing consumer adoption. Previous research suggests that regulatory confidence and performance expectancy play a pivotal role in technology acceptance (Venkatesh et al., 2012; Nasri, 2021; Hassan & Lewis, 2020). However, in the context of Islamic banking, additional variables such as financial security, awareness, and government regulations significantly shape user perceptions and adoption decisions (Mensah & Khan, 2024; Yusfiarto et al., 2024). A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a structured survey to collect primary data from 400–500 respondents in Pakistan. The study applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and SPSS for data analysis, ensuring validity and reliability (Hair et al., 2019). The results indicate that Government Regulation (GR) (β = 3.51, p < 0.01) and Performance Expectancy (PE) (β = 1.74, p < 0.05) are the strongest predictors of IMB adoption. Interestingly, Awareness (AWN) showed a negative impact (-3.20, p < 0.01), suggesting that consumer skepticism toward Shariah compliance and security may hinder adoption (Khan et al., 2023; Zouari & Abdelhedi, 2021). The findings highlight the critical role of regulatory transparency, perceived usefulness, and trust-building measures in driving IMB adoption. The study suggests that mere awareness campaigns are insufficient; rather, efforts should focus on strengthening Shariah governance, financial literacy, and cybersecurity measures to enhance user confidence (Ali & Hassan, 2022; Windasari et al., 2022). Future research should explore trust, risk perception, and ethical banking concerns as moderating factors influencing IMB adoption. Policymakers and financial institutions must adopt a holistic approach, ensuring that Islamic banking services align with consumer expectations while maintaining regulatory compliance. Expectancy (PE) (β = 1.74, p < 0.05) are the strongest predictors of IMB adoption. Interestingly, Awareness (AWN) showed a negative impact (-3.20, p < 0.01), suggesting that consumer skepticism toward Shariah compliance and security may hinder adoption (Khan et al., 2023; Zouari & Abdelhedi, 2021). The findings highlight the critical role of regulatory transparency, perceived usefulness, and trust-building measures in driving IMB adoption. The study suggests that mere awareness campaigns are insufficient; rather, efforts should focus on strengthening Shariah governance, financial literacy, and cybersecurity measures to enhance user confidence (Ali & Hassan, 2022; Windasari et al., 2022). Future research should explore trust, risk perception, and ethical banking concerns as moderating factors influencing IMB adoption. Policymakers and financial institutions must adopt a holistic approach, ensuring that Islamic banking services align with consumer expectations while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Exploring farmers’ psychological perspectives on multimedia-based agro-advisory services

Agro-advisory through multimedia plays a crucial role for improving farmers’ access to information and serves as a ready reckoner for the stakeholders to make better and informed decisions. Although there is existing research on multimedia-based agro-advisory services (MAS), there remains a significant gap in understanding the psychological factors that affect their usage behaviour (UB), especially among agricultural stakeholders. This demands further investigation through region-specific studies to comprehensively address this gap and devise target-based interventions for their uptake. The current study developed a conceptual model by adapting a well-established framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to elucidate the psychological elements that impact agricultural stakeholders’ MAS usage behaviour. The developed model included constructs such as effort expectancy (EE), self-efficacy (SE), credibility (CR), risk perception (RP), and perceived benefit (PB), which was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis followed by the covariance-based Survey Weighted Structural Equation Modeling (SWSEM) approach from the responses of 225 farmers from Indo-Gangetic plains of India. The findings suggested that EE, SE, and CR of the sources of MAS are the significant determinants of the perceived benefits of MAS with Comparative Fit Index = 0.942, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.933, and RMSE of Approximation = 0.063 and SRMR = 0.069 and perceived benefit is positively associated with usage behaviour of MAS. The outcomes contribute to the literature on MAS and offer valuable insights for the researchers, policymakers, academicians, and extension advisory service providers.

Exploring the Role of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation in Health Professions Education: Thematic Analysis.

Although technology is rapidly advancing in immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation, there is a paucity of literature to guide its implementation into health professions education, and there are no described best practices for the development of this evolving technology. We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured interviews with early adopters of immersive VR simulation technology to investigate use and motivations behind using this technology in educational practice, and to identify the educational needs that this technology can address. We conducted 16 interviews with VR early adopters. Data were analyzed via directed content analysis through the lens of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. The main themes that emerged included focus on cognitive skills, access to education, resource investment, and balancing immersion. These findings help to clarify the intended role of VR simulation in health professions education. Based on our data, we synthesized a set of research questions that may help define best practices for future VR development and implementation. Immersive VR simulation technology primarily serves to teach cognitive skills, expand access to educational experiences, act as a collaborative repository of widely relevant and diverse simulation scenarios, and foster learning through deep immersion. By applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology theoretical framework to the context of VR simulation, we not only collected validation evidence for this established theory, but also proposed several modifications to better explain use behavior in this specific setting.

Effects of source factors for creating swift guanxi in live stream e-commerce in China

PurposeThis study empirically investigates how source factors of the streamers affect swift guanxi between the streamers and consumers and their subsequent impacts on consumers’ purchase intentions in live stream e-commerce in China.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on source credibility theory (Weiss, 1974) and source attractiveness theory (McGuire, 1985), our study hypothesizes that the expertise, similarity, familiarity and likability of streamers are such source factors. For this empirical investigation, the study conducted online surveys with 428 adult Chinese consumers with previous purchasing experience on live-streaming platforms.FindingsThe study found positive effects with source expertise, familiarity and likeability on swift guanxi and purchase intentions; however, we found no such positive effect for source similarity. Overall, our findings suggest that source factors can have significant effects on swift guanxi and that swift guanxi constructed with source factors can have subsequent effects on purchase intentions.Originality/valueThis study conceptualizes and empirically tests the role of streamer credibility and attractiveness in live stream e-commerce.

Drivers of metaverse adoption among children and youths: a UTATU2 perspective

Introduction. Despite increasing commercial and research interest in the metaverse, its adoption has been limited due to challenges such as technological complexities, usability issues, cost, and privacy concerns. This study investigates factors influencing metaverse adoption from the perspectives of children and youths in Asian countries. Method. Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 individuals aged 13 to 24 to understand their metaverse usage habits and the perceived drivers of adoption. Analysis. Audio recordings of all interviews were transcribed. The transcripts were manually content analysed through an iterative process. Themes were based on the UTAUT2. Results. Entertainment, socialization, and education were primary activities conducted within the metaverse. Adoption was mainly driven by performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social factors.

Efficiency of information and communication technology adoption by entrepreneurs

PurposeThis study seeks to improve the understanding of the motivation driving the entrepreneurs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to integrate ICTs and why this process is easier for some. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is a suitable framework for this analysis. Our research aims to establish an explanatory typology based on the optimization of individual perceptions of entrepreneurs and usage intentions which enables identification of those groups that possess a greater intention to use ICTs in their businesses. This sheds light on how these factors influence their information and communication technology (ICT) adoption intentions within their businesses.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts an alternative approach and methodology to contribute new insights into academic discourse regarding the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Building upon the theoretical foundation of the UTAUT, the present study pioneers the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to a dataset encompassing 436 Spanish entrepreneurs. The objective is to examine the combination of diverse UTAUT perceptions that optimise the intention to implement ICTs in their companies while minimising anxiety associated with the adoption of new technologies (the outputs). Based on the results obtained, an explanatory typology is established that combines perceptions and usage intentions.FindingsWhen applied to our group of entrepreneurs, DEA reveals that certain individuals can optimise their intentions with their current perception levels. This discovery has enabled us to create an explanatory typology through an examination of the efficiency of various perception-intention and/or anxiety combinations. Our proposed typology aims to shed light on the debate as to why not all perceptions translate into intentions and why certain entrepreneurs have a greater intention to use ICTs. An investigation of these efficient entrepreneurs reveals a wide range of combinations, which encompasses both those in harmony with effective usage behaviour and those deviating from such behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsDEA provides a snapshot of efficiency at a specific point in time and does not account for dynamic changes or adjustments over time, and DEA efficiency scores are relative measures that depend on the efficiency of other decision-making units in the dataset. The identification of appropriate benchmark units for comparison can be challenging, especially in heterogeneous datasets and cross-cultural analysis. In this respect, the UTAUT literature is lacking in cross-technology and cross-cultural comparisons.Practical implicationsOur methodology and results have implications for business management, business accelerators and economic policy. A detailed study of these clusters could reveal potential barriers and obstacles hindering the effective implementation of ICTs in MSMEs, thereby enabling researchers to focus on individuals who do not align with the model. Entrepreneurs classified in the most unfavourable typologies can take steps to enhance their perceptions, while administration and business accelerators can focus their efforts on these entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe application of the UTAUT model on individual entrepreneurs receives limited coverage in the existing literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilise a DEA methodology within the framework of the UTAUT model (in contrast to the prevalent use of structural equation modelling in previous studies related to UTAUT). This analysis contributes fresh empirical evidence to the academic discourse on technology adoption models among individual entrepreneurs. Our methodology is a tool that reveals potential barriers and obstacles in individual perceptions that hinder the effective implementation of ICT in certain types of entrepreneurs.

Oncology Provider and Patient Perspectives on a Cardiovascular Health Assessment Tool Used During Posttreatment Survivorship Care in Community Oncology (Results from WF-1804CD): Mixed Methods Observational Study.

Most survivors of cancer have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, increasing their risk of poor cardiovascular and cancer outcomes. The Automated Heart-Health Assessment (AH-HA) tool is a novel electronic health record clinical decision support tool based on the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 cardiovascular health metrics to promote cardiovascular health assessment and discussion in outpatient oncology. Before proceeding to future implementation trials, it is critical to establish the acceptability of the tool among providers and survivors. This study aims to assess provider and survivor acceptability of the AH-HA tool and provider training at practices randomized to the AH-HA tool arm within WF-1804CD. Providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) completed a survey to assess the acceptability of the AH-HA training, immediately following training. Providers also completed surveys to assess AH-HA tool acceptability and potential sustainability. Tool acceptability was assessed after 30 patients were enrolled at the practice with both a survey developed for the study as well as with domains from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology survey (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, attitude toward using technology, and facilitating conditions). Semistructured interviews at the end of the study captured additional provider perceptions of the AH-HA tool. Posttreatment survivors (breast, prostate, colorectal, endometrial, and lymphomas) completed a survey to assess the acceptability of the AH-HA tool immediately after the designated study appointment. Providers (n=15) reported high overall acceptability of the AH-HA training (mean 5.8, SD 1.0) and tool (mean 5.5, SD 1.4); provider acceptability was also supported by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology scores (eg, effort expectancy: mean 5.6, SD 1.5). Qualitative data also supported provider acceptability of different aspects of the AH-HA tool (eg, "It helps focus the conversation and give the patient a visual of continuum of progress"). Providers were more favorable about using the AH-HA tool for posttreatment survivorship care. Enrolled survivors (n=245) were an average of 4.4 (SD 3.7) years posttreatment. Most survivors reported that they strongly agreed or agreed that they liked the AH-HA tool (n=231, 94.3%). A larger proportion of survivors with high health literacy strongly agreed or agreed that it was helpful to see their heart health score (n=161, 98.2%) compared to survivors with lower health literacy scores (n=68, 89.5%; P=.005). Quantitative surveys and qualitative interview data both demonstrate high acceptability of the AH-HA tool among both providers and survivors. Although most survivors found it helpful to see their heart health score, there may be room for improving communication with survivors who have lower health literacy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03935282; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03935282. RR2-https://doi-org.wake.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100808.

Mediated and moderating variables between behavioral intentions and actual usages of fintech in the USA and Bangladesh through the extended UTAUT model

This study explores the behavioral intentions and actual use of FinTech services in Bangladesh and the USA, utilizing an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. It aims to examine the role of mediators, such as trust, and moderators, such as information richness, in influencing FinTech adoption. A quantitative approach was employed through online surveys, collecting 320 responses from FinTech users in both Bangladesh and the USA. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data with SPSS 25 and AMOS. Trust and Effort Expectancy were found to significantly impact users' behavioral intentions to adopt FinTech services. While performance expectancy had a less significant role, information richness acted as an indirect moderator, enhancing trust and user experience. Trust and Ease of Use are critical in driving behavioral intentions toward FinTech adoption. This emphasizes the need for FinTech companies to prioritize security, transparency, and user-friendly interfaces to encourage usage, especially in emerging markets. FinTech platforms should emphasize building trust through secure features and provide comprehensive, easily accessible information. Improving user support systems and enhancing privacy policies will further aid in increasing adoption rates from the perspectives of the USA and Bangladesh.

Development of a Patient-Centered Symptom-Reporting Application in Pharmacy Settings Using a Hierarchical Patient-Friendly Symptom List: Developmental and Usability Study.

Effective symptom identification, a key responsibility for community pharmacists, requires patients to describe their symptoms accurately and comprehensively. However, current practices in pharmacies may be insufficient in capturing patient-reported symptoms comprehensively, potentially affecting the quality of pharmaceutical care and patient safety. This study aimed to construct a new, hierarchical symptom list derived from the Patient-Friendly Term List of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) and to develop and evaluate a mobile app incorporating this list for facilitating symptom reporting by patients in pharmacy settings. The study also aimed to assess the usability and acceptance of this app among potential users. Subjective symptom-related terms were extracted from the Patient-Friendly Term List version 23.0 of the MedDRA. These terms were systematically consolidated and organized into a hierarchical, user-friendly symptom list. A mobile app incorporating this list was developed for pharmacy settings, featuring a symptom selection interface and a free-text input field for additional symptoms. The app included an instructional video explaining the importance of symptom reporting and guidance on navigation. Usability tests and semistructured interviews were conducted with participants aged >20 years. Interview transcripts were analyzed using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to evaluate factors influencing the acceptance of technology. From the initial 1440 terms in the Patient-Friendly Term List, 795 relevant terms were selected and organized into 40 site-specific subcategories, which were then grouped into broader site categories (mental, head, trunk, upper limb, lower limb, physical condition, and others). These terms were further consolidated into 211 patient-friendly symptom terms, forming a hierarchical symptom list. The app's interface design limited options to 10 items per screen to assist with decision-making. A total of 5 adults participated in the usability test. Participants found the interface intuitive and easy to use, requiring minimal effort, and provided positive feedback regarding the potential utility of the app in pharmacy settings. The UTAUT analysis identified several facilitating factors, including ease of use and the potential for enhanced pharmacist-patient communication. However, concerns were raised about usability for older adults and the need for simplified technical terminology. The user-friendly app with a hierarchically structured symptom list and complementary free-text entry has potential benefits for improving the accuracy and efficiency of symptom reporting in pharmacy settings. The positive user acceptance and identified areas for improvement provide a foundation for further development and implementation of this technology to enhance communication between patients and pharmacists. Future improvements should focus on addressing usability for older adults and simplifying technical terminology.

Influence of celebrity endorsements in advertisements on the purchasing intentions among higher education students

PurposeThis study explores the influence of celebrity endorsements on the purchasing intentions of higher education students. Understanding this impact is crucial as the use of celebrity endorsements in marketing continues to rise.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is adopted, drawing on source credibility theory, social identity theory, elaboration model and theory of planned behavior. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select participants from various colleges. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed using reliability tests, percentage analysis, chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA.FindingsSignificant associations were identified between exposure to celebrity endorsements, attitudes toward endorsements and purchasing intentions. Social media influencers emerged as the most influential, followed by sports figures and actors, highlighting the role of celebrity endorsements in shaping consumer behavior among young adults.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to a specific demographic group, which may affect generalizability. Future research could expand to include diverse regions and educational levels.Practical implicationsMarketers and advertisers can leverage these insights to create more effective celebrity endorsement strategies and enhance marketing campaigns.Social implicationsThe study highlights the significant role of celebrity endorsements in influencing young adults’ purchasing decisions, shaping consumer culture and social identity formation.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the dynamics of celebrity endorsements and their impact on purchasing intentions, offering valuable information for marketers, advertisers and policymakers to develop effective advertising strategies.

Patient Adoption of Digital Use Cases in Family Medicine and a Nuanced Implementation Approach for Family Doctors: Quantitative Web-Based Survey Study.

Digital use cases describe the application of technology to achieve specific outcomes. Several studies in health care have examined patients' overall attitudes toward digitalization and specific use cases. However, these studies have failed to provide a comparison of patient acceptance criteria between inherently different digital use cases in family medicine. To address this research gap, this paper aimed to assist family doctors in selecting digital use cases by comparing the underlying patient adoption factors and in driving usage of these use cases by presenting a differentiated implementation approach. Adapting an established Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaire to 4 digital use cases in family medicine, we surveyed a large cross-sectional sample of adults living in Germany. The results of the web-based survey were then analyzed via descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression models to compare the effects of sociodemographic and technology acceptance factors on the intention to use a specific use case. Our web-based survey included 1880 participants. Of these 1880 participants, only 304 (16.2%) agreed that the degree of digitalization is important when selecting a family practice. However, more digitally literate participants attributed greater importance to this criterion (B=0.226, SE 0.023; β=.223; P<.001), and digital literacy was found to be dependent on age (Welch F3,968.29=53.441; P<.001). Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, only digital literacy demonstrated a significant effect on the intention to use for all use cases, particularly scheduling doctor appointments online (B=0.322, SE 0.033; β=.408; P<.001). Furthermore, performance expectancy was the strongest predictor of the intention to use for all use cases, while further effects of technology acceptance factors depended on the use case (receiving medical consultations via video: B=0.603, SE 0.049; β=.527; P<.001; scheduling doctor appointments online: B=0.566, SE 0.043; β=.513; P<.001; storing personal medical information via electronic health records: B=0.405, SE 0.047; β=.348; P<.001; and providing personal information before consultation digitally [digital anamnesis]: B=0.434, SE 0.048; β=.410; P<.001). To illustrate, perceived privacy and security had an effect on the intention to use electronic health records (B=0.284, SE 0.040; β=.243; P<.001) but no effect on the intention to use video consultations (B=0.068, SE 0.042; β=.053; P=.10). In the selection and implementation of digital use cases, family doctors should always prioritize the perceived value of the digital use case for the patient, and further criteria might depend on the digital use case. Practice owners should therefore always harmonize the introduction of digital use cases with their own patient care strategies. Not every digital innovation fits every strategy and therefore every practice.

Mindsets Matter: A Mediation Analysis of the Role of a Technological Growth Mindset in Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage in Higher Education

In the digital era, generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is increasingly used in higher education, yet the psychological factors influencing its adoption are underexplored. This study examines the role of a growth mindset towards technology, defined as the belief that technological abilities can be developed in predicting GAI usage among Chinese undergraduates. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study explored the mediating roles of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and technology anxiety. A total of 500 students participated in an online survey. Mediation analysis showed that a growth mindset predicted GAI usage through performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and technology anxiety, even when perceived external resources and gender were statistically controlled. The findings underscore the importance of psychological readiness, alongside technical skills, in fostering GAI adoption in education. Future research should use longitudinal and experimental designs to validate these results.

Exploring librarians’ social media use intentions: Insight into university libraries online service readiness

The successful adoption of technology in organizations requires an adequate understanding of the end-user’s perception and intentions regarding the use of such a system, as ignoring these factors leads to avoidable resource wastage. This phenomenon underscores the overall objective of the current study, which is to examine librarians’ social media use intentions in university libraries, employing performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), and facilitating conditions (FC) from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework. The survey research design and multistage sampling procedure guided the study. Data were collected from 286 (88.8%) out of the 322 librarians surveyed in the selected university libraries in Southwest Nigeria. Findings revealed that PE had the strongest effect on librarians’ intentions to use social media tools in university libraries, while EE had the weakest effect. In between these two extremes is FC. While each construct moderately predicted librarians’ social media use intentions independently, the composite effect of the three constructs yielded a low prediction of the dependent variable. The study concludes that widespread adoption and use of technology by library stakeholders are more likely when individuals perceive the technology to have high-performance potential, find it easy to use, and benefit from adequate and sustainable institutional support.

Factors Influencing College Students’ Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage Behavior in Mathematics Learning: A Case from China

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has attracted attention in education as a tool to help college students learn mathematics. This study analyzed the factors influencing their use of GAI by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and focusing on mathematics motivation. This study involved 331 Chinese college students and used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results showed that college students’ behavioral intention to use GAI to support their mathematics learning was directly influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, personal innovativeness, and mathematics motivation. Mathematics motivation, facilitating conditions, individual demand, and behavioral intention, had direct effects on college students’ use of GAI in mathematics. The most significant factor influencing both intention and behavior was mathematics motivation. Effort expectancy and individual demand did not affect the intention to use GAI in mathematics learning. In addition, there were important positive moderating effects, including individual demand, of mathematics motivation in the structural model on usage behavior and behavioral intention regarding usage behavior. The results of this study could help to identify the key influences on college students’ use of new technologies in mathematics learning and provide informative insights for the application of AI technologies in mathematics learning in the future.

Pengaruh Kredibilitas Sosial Media Influencer Akun TikTok @dosenskincare Terhadap Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Informasi Perawatan Kulit Wajah Pada Followers

The increasing interest and awareness of Indonesian society about skincare issues drives the fulfilment of the need for right information about it. Along with this, social media influencer is one of the important communicators who fulfill the need for information about facial skincare. This study aims to find out the influence of social media influencers on tiktok @dosenskincare accounts on fulfilling facial skin care information needs based on source credibility theory. This research used quantitative methods. The data source was collected through a survey with a sample of 400 followers of the @dosenskincare tiktok account. Data analysis used simple regression with the assistance of SPSS software. The results showed that the credibility of social media influencers of the tiktok @dosenskincare account influenced the fulfilment of facial skin care information needs. This study confirms that social media influencer is an important communicator in the digital era who is a reference for information about skin care.

A Study on The Acceptance of Digital Payment Systems

Digital Payments are the fastest increasing mode of payment in today‘s digital world. Digital payment is a new idea that includes a monetary transaction between two or more persons using an internet or digital platform rather than physically exchanging money. It is a platform where no physical interaction is necessary to pay or receive money, which can be done by mobile or computer around the world at any time. The initiative of Digital Payments was taken by Government of India after the announcement of demonetization on 8th November 2016. Digital Payments was initiated to bring transparency in transactions and eliminating black money. It was actually a move towards cashless economy. Further, digital payments was encouraged to provide sufficient cash availability to the banks for providing credit to people. Till date, a considerable part of society has started using Digital mode of Payments, but still people feel scared of using Internet Banking, debit cards, e-cash etc. The purpose of this research is to focus on the actual usage (AU) of digital payment systems in India. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and innovation resistance theory serve as the conceptual framework for this research. The findings suggest that behavioural intention (BI) to adopt digital payment systems and innovation resistance (IR) have a significant relationship. Keywords: UTAUT, Digital payment systems, Innovation resistance, Uncertainty Avoidance.

Connecting the Dots: Exploring the Interplay of Visual and Non-Visual Cues in Social Commerce for Jordanian Entrepreneurial Lodgings

This research investigates how visual and non-visual cues impact information seeking in Jordanian entrepreneurial lodgings listed on social commerce platforms. This study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey of 293 Jordanian customers who have experience with social commerce platforms for lodging bookings. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the study examines these cues’ effects on customer trustworthiness, attractiveness, and green consumption value. Findings reveal that both visual and non-visual inputs significantly influence attractiveness, trustworthiness, and booking intentions, extending source credibility theory to entrepreneurial technology use. While offering practical implications for lodging entrepreneurs and stakeholders, the study's focus on a specific context presents limitations. The research highlights the importance of visual and non-visual cues in enhancing user experiences, building trust, and fostering online hospitality entrepreneurship. Its social implications include fostering trust in online transactions, promoting eco-friendly choices, empowering entrepreneurs, enhancing digital literacy, and contributing to economic growth.

The Growth of Online Retailing in India

Industrial experts have agreed that India’s small-scale industries are intensely competitive due to globalization, domestic economic liberalization, and digitization. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to evaluate the relationship between transaction costs, customer satisfaction, and customer trust in online shopping with the growth of online retailing in India. The theoretical foundation for this research study was the theory of planned behavior, and the unified theory of acceptance and the use of technology. The research questions examined India’s online retailing growth due to transaction costs, customer satisfaction, and customer trust. The study used a quantitative correlational research design. The data collected by the survey research method were analyzed with the software package IBM SPSS. The results indicated that customer satisfaction and transaction cost are significant predictors and can explain 59% (adjusted R2 = .589) of the variance in online retailing growth in India. The previous research had not empirically verified the relationship between transaction costs, customer satisfaction, and customer trust in online shopping with the growth of online retailing in India. The recommendation was to include environmental factors and to increase sample size in future research. Closing the gap may contribute to a positive social change by preparing small business owners to compete against online retail growth by understanding which factors affect the growth of online retail in India. With online shopping support, small business owners can implement measures to retain and attract customers of specific demographic groups.

Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Education: Academics Beliefs, Concerns and Pathways for Integration

Although globally there are mixed perceptions regarding the academic integrity of chatbots, existing research has mainly focused on developed nations, neglecting the unique perspectives of academics in developing countries, with different contextual, environmental, and technological settings. This study presents lecturers’ perceptions of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots in education. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), this research collected quantitative and qualitative data from 140 lecturers and three administrators from a STEM-based Zimbabwean university. The research confirmed that performance expectancy (belief in improved efficiency and personalised learning) and perceived value and social influence drive adoption. Contrary to previous studies, there was no significant link between effort expectancy (reduced workload) and chatbot use. Demographics like gender, age, and qualifications did not impact chatbot use. Academics were cautiously optimistic, recognising benefits like personalised learning and routine task management but concerned about ease of use, technical expertise, and ethical considerations. To effectively integrate AI chatbots into higher education processes, there is a need for funding, technical support, training, strengthening IT infrastructure and establishing frameworks for responsible use. Emphasising efficiency, personalisation, and robust support will help overcome barriers and maximise AI chatbots’ potential in education.

Acceptance and Use of App‐Based Language Learning Among Young Adolescents in a Self‐Directed Context

AbstractApp‐based language learning has gained attention for its potential to promote L2 learning beyond the classroom. However, few learners use L2 learning apps long enough to fully benefit from this learning method. Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, I explored the acceptance and use of a commercially available language learning app among young English as a foreign language (EFL) learners (N = 297, aged 12–13) in a self‐study context. Structural equation modeling revealed two key findings. First, the more students perceived a focal app as a useful tool and felt supported by socially important others, the more likely they were to accept the app. Second, this acceptance, combined with favorable environmental conditions, increased their actual app usage out of class. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications discuss how teachers can enhance young adolescents' app‐based language learning in self‐study settings.