Title: The mediating role of consumers' perceived trust in relation to the intention to use digital wallets during Lebanon's financial crisis

Authors: Charbel M. El Khoury; Karen P. Bou Doumit; Adel F. Al Alam

Addresses: School of Business, American University in Dubai, P.O. Box 28282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates ' Business and Operations Department, Lycée Français International d'Al Khobar, P.O. Box 34434, Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ' Faculty of Business and Management, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon; USEK Business School, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate the drivers and factors that affect consumers' intentions to use digital wallets during Lebanon's financial crisis. Respondents totalling 414 participated in the survey. Outcomes reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions are factors that are positively associated with the intention to use digital wallets. In its turn, financial freedom is considered a factor that has a positive impact on future intentions. Only the positive association between social influence and consumers' intentions has been supported. This study also confirms that the positive correlation between social influence, facilitating conditions, financial freedom drive, and the intention to use digital wallets is mediated by consumers' perceived trust. Finally, the presence of family members abroad and tech savviness are considered proven moderators when linking consumers' intentions to effort expectancy and social influence, as well as performance expectancy and effort expectancy, respectively. This research serves as an extension of the UTAUT model in the context of the Lebanese financial crisis.

Keywords: digital wallets; consumers' perceived trust; financial freedom drive; tech savviness; family members abroad; UTAUT model; financial crisis; Lebanon.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMKT.2024.141865

International Journal of Technology Marketing, 2024 Vol.18 No.4, pp.424 - 453

Received: 07 Jun 2023
Accepted: 02 Feb 2024
Published online: 02 Oct 2024 *

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