English Abstract
Abstract :
Purpose - Mobile wallets can be used as a key tool in replacing traditional payment methods and bringing economies closer to achieving cashless societies. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, an increasing number of consumers are moving towards using mobile wallets. However, consumers have not yet fully accepted this shift to mobile wallets. This research seeks to study the factors influencing mobile wallet adoption in the Kingdom of Bahrain by exploring various constructs, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, perceived trust, lifestyle compatibility and social influence.
Design/methodology/approach This research is based on various extensions to the
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The study adopts a quantitative approach through the collection of primary data by employing a self-administered online survey form that was duly filled and submitted by 250 respondents across the Kingdom of Bahrain. The data gathered was then analyzed in SPSS software using multiple regression analysis.
Findings - The findings revealed that the key element affecting the usage of a mobile wallet is lifestyle compatibility, followed by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk. On the other hand, perceived trust and social influence were found to be insignificantly affecting mobile wallet use.
Research limitations/implications - Research limitations include the sample size which
may be considered small. Moreover, the lack of previous research conducted on mobile wallet usage in the Kingdom of Bahrain presented an issue in deriving sufficient relevant background data.
Practical implications - The study indicated that the key factor affecting mobile wallet
use is lifestyle compatibility. Therefore, mobile wallet providers are advised to pay great attention to mobile wallet services and features that go hand in hand with consumers' changing lifestyles and purchasing behavior.
Originality/value - The research can be regarded as a significant addition to the resources focusing on mobile wallet usage and it is unique as it analyzes factors not yet studied in the Kingdom of Bahrain such as social influence, perceived trust and perceived risk.
Recommendation The research puts forward various recommendations and practical
implications for increasing mobile wallet adoption. However, the research does not provide an action plan for implementation. Further research is necessary to investigate and confirm factors affecting mobile wallet adoption in the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as other developing countries.
Keywords - Mobile wallets, mobile payment, technology adoption, behavioral intention, lifestyle compatibility, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived risk.
