Information communication technology acceptance and usage in the microfinance sector: The perspective of least developed countries

Abstract

This study aims to identify the determinants that influence the acceptance and usage of ICT among microfinance employees in the least-developed countries. It extended the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with the inclusion of Innovativeness (IN) from the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. The quantitative approach was adopted, with a survey questionnaire distributed online to microfinance employees in Yemen, completed by 195 respondents. Both measurement and structural data analyses were employed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), using Smart PLS software. The results show that the UTAUT variables Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Conditions (FC) and IN were significant predictors of Behavioural Intention (BI) to accept and use ICT by microfinance employees, but not Social Influence (SI). The results also reveal that the most significant factors affecting BI were EE followed by PE, IN and FC respectively; BI was the most significant factor affecting Use Behaviour (UB) of ICT among the tested relationships in the study model. Significantly, the results show that IN was a crucial factor as it significantly affected PE, EE and BI to use ICT. The outcomes of the study will assist decision makers to make appropriate interventions for the effective use of ICT by employees in a flourishing and infant industry like microfinance. Consequently, it will help in eradicating and eliminating poverty, a global issue.