Path Analysis of Quality, E-Government Trust, and Satisfaction on Net Benefits: A Study of The Interventions Monitoring Platform (IMP) of The Department of Agriculture
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study determines the factors influencing the perceived net benefits of the Interventions Monitoring Platform (IMP) of the Department of Agriculture, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of stakeholder trust and satisfaction. Specifically, it examined fertilizer merchants’ perceptions of the quality dimensions of the IMP in terms of information quality, system quality, and service quality, and how these relate to their trust in and satisfaction with the platform. The study also examines the perceived net benefits and costs associated with using the platform. It developed a structural equation model to analyze the relationship between quality dimensions and net benefits, while testing the mediating effects of trust and satisfaction. A mixed-methods exploratory research design was employed to comprehensively investigate the factors influencing the perceived net benefits of the Interventions Monitoring Platform (IMP). The quantitative phase adopted a descriptive correlational design to statistically examine the relationships among key variables: system quality, information quality, service quality, stakeholder trust, satisfaction, and perceived net benefits. Complementing this, the qualitative phase utilized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to gain deeper insights into users’ experiences, specifically the challenges encountered while using the platform. Data were gathered through a pre-tested and validated questionnaire administered to 87 fertilizer merchants, proportionally and randomly selected from the five provinces of the MIMAROPA Region. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses, while Pearson correlation and path analysis (using Jamovi version 2.6.44) were conducted to assess the strength and significance of relationships among variables and to validate the study’s proposed structural model. Findings showed that fertilizer merchants rated the information and service quality of IMP as excellent, while system quality was rated very satisfactory, indicating confidence in the platform’s content and support, but moderate concerns about technical performance. Both trust and satisfaction were rated excellently, with respondents emphasizing the platform’s reliability in tracking fertilizer voucher transactions. Net benefits were rated as excellent, especially in enhancing business operations and improving service delivery, indicating that users recognize the overall value of the IMP. However, perceived costs are rated only very satisfactory, emphasizing the ongoing challenges, particularly for users in low-resource settings. These costs are not limited to financial expenses but also include the time, effort, and technical capacity required to access and use the platform effectively. For users with limited internet connectivity, digital skills, or access to smartphones or computers, these barriers can significantly hinder adoption. In many cases, the burden of learning the system, troubleshooting issues without adequate support, or incurring mobile data expenses outweighs the perceived benefits, particularly during busy agricultural periods. Thus, even a well-designed platform may face resistance if the associated costs are not addressed. To encourage broader and more equitable adoption, it is crucial to implement cost-reducing strategies such as user-friendly design, offline features, localized training, or data subsidies that lower both the real and perceived burdens of platform use. Path analysis revealed that all three quality dimensions significantly affected trust and satisfaction; information and service quality were strong predictors of both, while system quality only influenced satisfaction. Furthermore, trust emerged as a significant predictor of net benefits, while satisfaction did not have a direct effect. An IEC material was developed based on the findings of the study, which highlighted the need for improved awareness, clearer process flow communication, and better stakeholder engagement regarding the use of the IMP system.
DOI: 10.14419/wwxvee30
Authors: Maria Teresa B. Carido, Lorena F. Mendoza
Institution: Batangas State University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413127659