This article evaluates the factors involved in the acceptance of Blended Learning (BL) with executives based on the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model in executive education. The empirical analysis uses data from 307 responses to an online questionnaire by senior and middle-ranking managers. The confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling demonstrated the applicability of the UTAUT2 model in BL in executive education. The results showed that hedonic motivation, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy predict the intention to adopt BL. Results also prove no significant effect on social influence and habits. The relevance of this article is to contribute to the understanding of the factors that influence the intention to adopt BL in a group not typically considered in higher education research.
This chapter delves into the dynamics of technological adoption in emerging economies, specifically focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean region. Understanding technical adoption patterns and drivers is crucial for researchers and practitioners promoting inclusive development. While previous studies have explored technological adoption in these regions, there is a need for a deeper examination of low-income consumers, who represent a significant segment of the population. Uncovering insights into their behavior and decision-making processes can illuminate the challenges and opportunities for bridging the digital divide. Drawing on a rich body of empirical evidence, this chapter investigates the factors influencing the adoption of technologies, such as mobile phones, internet access, and digital services, among low-income consumers in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, it explores the role of affordability, infrastructure, digital literacy, social networks, and cultural factors in shaping adoption patterns. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and organizations seeking to enhance technological adoption and digital inclusion in emerging economies, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and social development.
Automated banking services rely on the so-called fintech technologies. These technologies, however, represent an opportunity to enhance financial inclusion indicators among low-income customers. This paper aims to develop a new conceptual framework to analyse low-income consumers’ disposition to use automated banking services. The work consists of an omnibus study conducted in eight major cities of Colombia. A survey aiming to measure the disposition to use automated banking services as a function of technology disposition provided by bank firms was developed and validated with a sample of 483 Colombian low-income residents. An exploratory analysis was applied, estimating items variance and co-variance matrices. Sampling adequacy and assumption evaluation were evaluated through the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, Tau-equivalence test, and homogeneous items test. Robust parameters were estimated via Structural Equation Modelling following the standards of reproducible research. Statistical, robust, and significant relationships between technology disposition and use of automated banking services in low-income Colombian consumers were confirmed, suggesting the potential success of deploying these services as a means to boost financial inclusion in this segment. This study provides fresh conceptual insights on low-income customers’ disposition to adopt and use ever-changing technologies for the financial and banking sector. It is among the first empirical studies that provide empirical evidence that breaks the stereotype that low-income customers are reluctant to use new technologies in the financial sector.
Dark tourism is roughly understood as travelling to places historically associated with death and tragedy. However, the determinants of such a specific type of tourism are not well explored. Therefore, this research aims to determine the possible relation between the intention variables, particularly perceived risk and the values of sensation-seeking and hedonism. For this purpose, an online questionnaire of eight subscales was applied to 821 participants, with ages corresponding to generations Y and Z. The results of a structural equation modelling revealed the existence of seven latent variables whose goodness-of-fit suggests that dark tourism is mainly related to the intention to visit and search for information on the Internet. This study is novel compared to previous research in that it suggests that the destination does not have a direct relation to the intention to share information on social media.
Word-of-mouth behavior is one of the most effective marketing communications. Despite not being able to be controlled by the company, it can be influenced. Its importance lies in its effectiveness in repeat sales and attracting new customers. However, in the study of consumer behavior, it has been shown that the differences between subgroups can be relevant for the business sector, allowing it to generate specific strategies for each segment. In that respect, this research aims to find the determinants of WOM in generations X and Y to know the meanings these consumers give to the elements proposed within the SOR paradigm. A quantitative study was conducted using a sample of 537 e-commerce customers surveyed with a structured questionnaire to test the proposed relationships. Results are analyzed with structural equations, and a multigroup analysis is presented to find the differences between generation X and generation Y. The results indicate that, for millennials, the ease of use of electronic stores is essential to enjoying the shopping experience. Implications are discussed in the paper.
14 June 2024 in Environment, Development and Sustainability