Uncertainty avoidance and acceptance of the digital payment systems: a partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants that likely influence the intention of using digital payment systems such as the Jordan Mobile Payment (JoMoPay) system among public sector employees in Jordan. To achieve the purpose of the current study, the authors developed a new research model based on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), with one of Hofstede’s cross-cultural dimension scales [uncertainty avoidance (UA)] to provide a further understanding of the JoMoPay system acceptance in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach A partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the data collected by self-administration from the 270 employees working in the Jordanian public sector located in Amman city, the capital city of Jordan. Because most main public sectors are located in Amman and because of the cost and time considerations, the current study applied a non-probability sampling with the purposive sampling technique. Findings The empirical results reveal that the evident drivers of behavioral intention to use the JoMoPay system are significantly and positively influenced by social influence, UA, performance expectancy, price value and effort expectancy; therefore, the H1, H2, H3, H5 and H6 were supported. Conversely, the results show no significant relationship between facilitating conditions and the behavioral intention to use the JoMoPay system, and hence, the related hypothesis (H4) was not supported. Practical implications The results of this study provide beneficial information to the Central Bank of Jordan and other service providers in Jordan about employee intentions to adopt JoMoPay system and increase decision-makers’ knowledge on factors that have an important impact in UTAUT2 model. Social implications The results of this study enable policymakers to understand the important factors that will enhance savings, investments and living standards, create job opportunities as well as reduce the poverty, the paper money printing cost, risks of money transportation cost and the risk of human errors. Originality/value The outcomes obtained will help both practitioners and researchers elucidate and understand the situation of digital payment systems acceptance among Jordanian public sector employees, as well as help them formulate plans to expedite the adoption process of digital payment systems in the case of UA.