Scholarlink

<p>Purpose – Financial inclusion has emerged as an overriding objective for emerging economies. But access does not equate with participation. This research examines the influence of perceived usefulness of financial instruments on financial inclusion among Indian consumers on the basis of the behavioural aspect of usage habits (duration, frequency, and regularity) and the moderating role of influential demographic variables such as education, income, occupation, and migration status. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a quantitative design with a structured questionnaire distributed to 500 respondents from southern India. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the relationships hypothesised in an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and financial inclusion conceptual framework. Findings – The findings reveal that the perceived usefulness of debit cards, digital wallets, and life insurance significantly facilitates financial inclusion whereas bank loans have an insignificant impact. Usage-pattern variables, such as duration, frequency and regularity, exerted significant positive effects and confirmed that consistent usage of financial services is the driver of inclusion outcomes. Of the moderating variables, only income level was significant in enhancing the usefulness-inclusion relationship. The model accounted for 67.1% of variance in financial inclusion, indicating good predictive validity. Practical implications – The findings point to the need to move away from access-based policies and financial marketing approaches, towards usage-based inclusion. Banks should emphasise the functional utility of digital tools, encourage regular usage and design differentiated schemes for weaker segments. Credit processes can be simplified and the perceived value of digital tools can be enhanced to greatly enhance the depth of inclusion. Originality/value – This research extends the TAM by integrating behavioural and socio-economic determinants within the financial inclusion framework. It provides extensive insights on perceived usefulness and its realisation as inclusive financial behaviour with theoretical contributions and practical implications for policymakers, banks, and fintech entrepreneurs.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Perceived usefulness and usage patterns of financial instruments: implications for financial inclusion

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月9日

查看全文
  • Vandana Tokas,
  • Kavita Indapurkar

摘要

Purpose – Financial inclusion has emerged as an overriding objective for emerging economies. But access does not equate with participation. This research examines the influence of perceived usefulness of financial instruments on financial inclusion among Indian consumers on the basis of the behavioural aspect of usage habits (duration, frequency, and regularity) and the moderating role of influential demographic variables such as education, income, occupation, and migration status. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a quantitative design with a structured questionnaire distributed to 500 respondents from southern India. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the relationships hypothesised in an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and financial inclusion conceptual framework. Findings – The findings reveal that the perceived usefulness of debit cards, digital wallets, and life insurance significantly facilitates financial inclusion whereas bank loans have an insignificant impact. Usage-pattern variables, such as duration, frequency and regularity, exerted significant positive effects and confirmed that consistent usage of financial services is the driver of inclusion outcomes. Of the moderating variables, only income level was significant in enhancing the usefulness-inclusion relationship. The model accounted for 67.1% of variance in financial inclusion, indicating good predictive validity. Practical implications – The findings point to the need to move away from access-based policies and financial marketing approaches, towards usage-based inclusion. Banks should emphasise the functional utility of digital tools, encourage regular usage and design differentiated schemes for weaker segments. Credit processes can be simplified and the perceived value of digital tools can be enhanced to greatly enhance the depth of inclusion. Originality/value – This research extends the TAM by integrating behavioural and socio-economic determinants within the financial inclusion framework. It provides extensive insights on perceived usefulness and its realisation as inclusive financial behaviour with theoretical contributions and practical implications for policymakers, banks, and fintech entrepreneurs.