Understanding consumer behavior toward adoption of e-wallet with the moderating role of pandemic risk: an integrative perspective

PurposeOver the last few decades, electronic banking has been used widely to manage financial transactions worldwide. More recently electronic wallet (e-wallet) banking has been identified as an innovative mode of e-payment and enhances e-banking customer experience. Although e-wallet banking service is more secure, fast, convenient and cost effective, compared to conventional web-based banking, adoption of e-wallet application is limited among e-banking consumers. To address this issue, the current study has conceptualized task technology fit (TTF) model, diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and protection motivation theory towards adoption of e-wallet service. Moreover, pandemic risk is studied as moderating factor between the relationship of e-wallet and use of e-wallet banking among banking consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe research design of this study is based on positivism research paradigm. This study is cross-sectional and used deductive level of theory to formulate hypotheses. Research survey was conducted towards e-banking users. For statistical findings research framework is tested with 280 numerical responses. Data are estimated through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach.FindingsStatistical results demonstrates that collectively factors underpinned protection motivation theory, TTF and DOI have shown large variance R-2 65.7% in adoption of e-wallet. The effect size f(2) analysis has revealed that compatibility is one of the most influential factors in determining individual behavior to adopt e-wallet. Similarly, Geisser and Stone Q(2) analysis has disclosed substantial predictive power to predict adoption and use of e-wallet service.Practical implicationsTheoretically, this study integrates protection motivation theory, DOI theory and TTF model toward adoption of e-wallet service and hence contributes to information system literature. To practice this, research has suggested that factors such as pandemic risk, perceived severity and compatibility are most influential factors and hence need policy makers' attention to boost e-wallet adoption.Originality/valueThis study is original as the study develops an integrative research model to investigate e-banking user behavior to adopt of e-wallet service. Moreover, pandemic risk is tested as moderating factor between adoption and use of e-wallet which, in turn, enhance the value of this study and directs how to deal with existing and future pandemic crisis.