User trends of electronic payment systems adoption in developing countries: an empirical analysis

Abstract

Purpose Electronic payment (e-payment) systems literature analysis reveals that they are growing in developing countries; however, they are limited in the Arab countries and, more importantly, scarce in Iraq in particular. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the intention of users to use e-payment systems in Iraq. Additionally, this study proposes an e-payment adoption model based on technology usage models to identify user trends toward e-payment systems. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach is adopted to test the proposed model. The proposed model is based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology theory. The proposed model is validated using survey data from 339 e-payment system users. Using Amos software, this study used structural equation modeling (SEM), a statistical technique for analyzing factor relationships. Findings The findings of the study indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and price saving orientation influence Intention to accept the e-payment system. Similarly, habit, technology security, trust, innovation resistance, psychological empowerment also affect intention to accept an e-payment system. However, hedonic motivation and perceived risk do not affect e-payment system adoption. Originality/value The identified factors play a major role in user intentions toward the adoption of e-payment systems for financial transactions and addressing these factors will make e-payment acceptable in the future. The results of this study contribute to assisting governments or e-payment firms and decision-makers in building strategic decisions or policies that will increase the adoption of e-payment by individuals.