{"title":"Unveiling the digital desire: UTAUT analysis of NFT investment intentions in Malaysia","authors":"Faezal Bin Ramly, Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri","doi":"10.1108/cfri-06-2023-0143","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Purpose</h3>\n<p>This study pioneers the investigation into the determinants influencing Malaysian investors' intentions towards Non-Fungible Token (NFT) investments, utilizing an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. It explores the burgeoning interest in NFTs within the Malaysian market, an emerging economy, and identifies the behavioral adoption determinants critical for NFT investment decisions.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Design/methodology/approach</h3>\n<p>Adopting a quantitative methodology, the research engaged 183 experienced Malaysian investors through a structured online questionnaire survey. The study employed regression analysis to assess the impact of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Usefulness, Social Support and Perceived Trust on NFT investment intentions.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Findings</h3>\n<p>The findings reveal that Performance Expectancy and Social Support significantly predict the intention to invest in NFTs, accounting for 47% of the variance in investment intentions. The study highlights the crucial role of perceived benefits and community support in shaping Malaysian investors' engagement with NFTs, amidst the complexities of the digital asset landscape.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Research limitations/implications</h3>\n<p>The study acknowledges the limitation posed by its sampling method and size, suggesting the need for broader investigations that include a more diverse demographic to enhance the generalizability of the findings. Future research could further delve into the specific behaviors, motivations and challenges of NFT investors and creators.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Practical implications</h3>\n<p>The significant predictive power of Performance Expectancy indicates a primary financial motivation among Malaysian NFT investors, suggesting policymakers consider regulations that foster innovation and growth in the NFT sector while safeguarding investors. The study also underscores the importance of community support, pointing towards the development of platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing among NFT enthusiasts.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Social implications</h3>\n<p>By demonstrating the pivotal role of social support in the NFT investment decision-making process, the research implies a powerful sense of community among investors in the digital asset space. It suggests the potential of NFTs to foster a more inclusive and accessible market for creative industry entrepreneurs, facilitating direct engagement and profit realization.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->\n<h3>Originality/value</h3>\n<p>This research marks a significant departure from existing studies by tailoring the UTAUT model specifically to the NFT investment context in Malaysia. It unveils the nuanced dynamics influencing NFT investment intentions, emphasizing the unique contributions of Performance Expectancy and Social Support, thus providing a fresh perspective on NFT adoption in emerging markets.</p><!--/ Abstract__block -->","PeriodicalId":44440,"journal":{"name":"China Finance Review International","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.0000,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"China Finance Review International","FirstCategoryId":"96","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1108/cfri-06-2023-0143","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BUSINESS, FINANCE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
This study pioneers the investigation into the determinants influencing Malaysian investors' intentions towards Non-Fungible Token (NFT) investments, utilizing an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. It explores the burgeoning interest in NFTs within the Malaysian market, an emerging economy, and identifies the behavioral adoption determinants critical for NFT investment decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a quantitative methodology, the research engaged 183 experienced Malaysian investors through a structured online questionnaire survey. The study employed regression analysis to assess the impact of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Perceived Usefulness, Social Support and Perceived Trust on NFT investment intentions.
Findings
The findings reveal that Performance Expectancy and Social Support significantly predict the intention to invest in NFTs, accounting for 47% of the variance in investment intentions. The study highlights the crucial role of perceived benefits and community support in shaping Malaysian investors' engagement with NFTs, amidst the complexities of the digital asset landscape.
Research limitations/implications
The study acknowledges the limitation posed by its sampling method and size, suggesting the need for broader investigations that include a more diverse demographic to enhance the generalizability of the findings. Future research could further delve into the specific behaviors, motivations and challenges of NFT investors and creators.
Practical implications
The significant predictive power of Performance Expectancy indicates a primary financial motivation among Malaysian NFT investors, suggesting policymakers consider regulations that foster innovation and growth in the NFT sector while safeguarding investors. The study also underscores the importance of community support, pointing towards the development of platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing among NFT enthusiasts.
Social implications
By demonstrating the pivotal role of social support in the NFT investment decision-making process, the research implies a powerful sense of community among investors in the digital asset space. It suggests the potential of NFTs to foster a more inclusive and accessible market for creative industry entrepreneurs, facilitating direct engagement and profit realization.
Originality/value
This research marks a significant departure from existing studies by tailoring the UTAUT model specifically to the NFT investment context in Malaysia. It unveils the nuanced dynamics influencing NFT investment intentions, emphasizing the unique contributions of Performance Expectancy and Social Support, thus providing a fresh perspective on NFT adoption in emerging markets.
期刊介绍:
China Finance Review International publishes original and high-quality theoretical and empirical articles focusing on financial and economic issues arising from China's reform, opening-up, economic development, and system transformation. The journal serves as a platform for exchange between Chinese finance scholars and international financial economists, covering a wide range of topics including monetary policy, banking, international trade and finance, corporate finance, asset pricing, market microstructure, corporate governance, incentive studies, fiscal policy, public management, and state-owned enterprise reform.