A Multi-Dimensional Theory of Transparency, Trust, and Risk in Technology Adoption

Märtins, Julian; Kehl, Robin; Westmattelmann, Daniel; Schewe, Gerhard

Abstract

With regard to the complexity of emerging technologies, technology acceptance research examines the role of transparency, trusting beliefs, and perceived risks in individuals’ technology adoption process. However, IS research lacks an established theoretical explanation of the interrelationship of those multi-dimensional constructs. Referring to organizational science, an integrative model considering transparency, trusting beliefs, and perceived risks is developed. To obtain generalizable results, we collected quantitative survey data for two different technologies: A banking app and a foodsharing app. The proposed research model was then tested using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. The results indicate that transparency should be understood as an antecedent of trusting beliefs. This relationship is technologyindependent, whereas the relationship between trusting beliefs and individuals' intention to use depends on the technology in question. The study also suggests that perceived risks are context-specific and should not generally be considered as moderators.