Does consumer empowerment influence e-payment systems adoption? A digital consumer-centric perspective

The exponential rise of Information and Communication Technology in recent years has brought e-payment systems to the forefront of businesses. Hence, several e-payment options have emerged for consumer and commercial transactions perspective. However, it has led to few challenges for consumer's decision making with respect to the adoption of e-payment system. Therefore, we developed and tested a model of e-payment adoption with respect to consumer empowerment theory. The study also examined the mediating role of consumer empowerment on the relationship between consumer digital awareness (CDA), consumer digital literacy (CDL), consumer digital engagement (CDE) and adoption of e-payment systems. We used a purposive sampling method to collect data from 390 techno savvy respondents from India who used digital payment services. The study found that CDA, CDL and CDE have positive effects on consumer empowerment. This result further partially mediated the relationship between its determinants and adoption intention of the e-payment systems. The findings contributed to the understanding of the dynamics of e-payment system adoption of consumers for developing countries, especially Indian consumers. The empirical results would provide a guideline for decision makers to develop suitable measures that can encourage the adoption of e-payment systems.