The mediating influence of perceived usefulness on consumer behaviour towards driving e-wallet adoption in Jordan

Abstract

The growing dependence on mobile technology and the drive for financial inclusivity in the developing world are driving the use of e-wallets as a key agenda for governments and FinTech solution providers. The objective of this research is to examine the factors that influence consumers' intention to adopt e-wallet services in Jordan, with Perceived Usefulness (PU) serving as a mediating variable. Based on the extended TAM Model, the study examines the direct and indirect impacts of trust, PEOU (PEOU), and perceived security on behavioural intention through PU. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design utilizing a pre-tested, self-administered. A sample of 400 Jordanian smartphone users experienced in using the MFS. SPSS was used for descriptive statistical analysis, and Smart PLS 4.0 was used for the SEM. Validity and reliability tests supported the soundness of the measurement model, with all constructs demonstrating Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability values that exceeded the recommended benchmarks. Trust and PU had a significant positive effect on behavioural intention (trust: β = 0.370, p < 0.001; PU: β = 0.314, p < 0.001). Trust (β = 0.550, p < 0.001) and PEOU (β = 0.293, p < 0.001) also had a significant effect on PU. The results of the mediation analysis by bootstrapping (See Table 2) demonstrate, on the one hand, that PEOU and trust influence BEI through PU (p < 0.001). The results highlight the significance of enhancing PU to increase adoption levels in Jordan and similar settings. This paper adds value by extending TAM Model through the centrality of PU as a mediating factor in digital finance adoption. Theoretically, this has implications for both positive technology and technology adoption theories, as well as for studies that adopt the UTAUT framework. From an analytical viewpoint, it provides practical thoughts for FinTech developers, marketers, and policymakers to close the gap between technological availability and user adoption.