The role of innovation attributes, knowledge-based trust, perceived risk and behavioural intention in the adoption of mobile banking among South African students

Abstract

The objective of this study was to: (1) to determine the relationship between mobile banking adoption, innovation attributes, perceived risk, knowledge-based trust and behavioural intention; (2) to assess whether innovation attributes, perceived risk and knowledge-based trust predict mobile banking adoption; (3) to determine what recommendations can be made for banking practitioners. A non-experimental and cross-sectional survey design was used in this research, using 202 students at a South African higher education institution. The majority of participants in this research were black women, at a relatively early stage of their studies, aged 20 years and younger. 69.8 percent of participants had a matric certificate and 92.1% were single. Data was analysed by the mean of descriptive statistics, correlational and multiple regressions. Significant relationships were found between innovation attributes, knowledge-based trust, perceived risk, attitudes, and behavioural intention. Innovation attributes, knowledge-based trust, perceived risk predicted attitudes and behavioural intention and adoption to mobile banking. The results of this study indicate that positive relationships exist between students’ perceptions of innovation attributes, knowledge-based trust, perceived risk and attitudes/behavioural intention, and that innovation attributes, knowledge-based trust and perceived risk influenced students’ attitudes and behavioural intention to use (or continue using) mobile banking. It is recommended that the banking industry invest in the diffusion of innovations, build their trust and integrity which could drive customer’s attitudes and behavioural intention towards use or continued use of mobile banking.