Determinants of Mobile Apps Adoption in SMEs of Bangladesh

The Role of Digital Financial Literacy

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the key determinants influencing the adoption of mobile apps among SMEs in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the role of digital financial literacy.

Methods: The research gathered data using a structured questionnaire and probability-stratified random sampling methods. A total of 302 data were collected and analyzed with PLS-SEM. Two urban cities, Chattogram and Cumilla, along with their semi-urban areas, have been selected as the study areas.

Results: The study found that relative advantages, competitive pressure, and organizational readiness are significantly correlated with behavioral intentions to adopt mobile payment systems. Nonetheless, compatibility and perceived security do not substantially influence the adoption of mobile apps in SMEs. Simultaneously, digital financial literacy moderates the interaction among competitive pressure, compatibility, and the adoption of mobile apps by SMEs in Bangladesh.

Originality: This study contributes to the field by extending the TOE framework with digital financial literacy as a moderating factor, providing new theoretical and practical insights into how TOE dimensions influence the adoption of mobile payment systems by SMEs in Bangladesh.