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SME Entrepreneurs’ Continuance Use of Digital Payment Tools: An Integrated TAM–PAM Model with Sustainability Attitude and Satisfaction as a Dual Mediator

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Digital Payment Tools (DPTs) are increasingly promoted as catalysts for financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies such as Bangladesh. However, prior research predominantly treats DPT adoption as a static decision, offering limited insights into how pre-adoption perceptions evolve into post-adoption satisfaction and continued use, particularly from a sustainable development perspective. Addressing this gap, this study aims to examine the determinants of SME entrepreneurs’ satisfaction (SAT) and continued intention to use (CIU) DPTs by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Post-Adoption Model (PAM), with SAT and sustainability attitude (SUS) positioned as a mediating mechanism linking digital payment usage to long-term sustainable behavior. Data were collected from 219 SME entrepreneurs in Bangladesh and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results reveal that Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) directly impacts Perceived Usefulness (PU) and SAT but does not impact CIU. Although PU does not influence CIU, it has a significant impact on SAT, which in turn influences CIU. Additionally, SAT fully mediates the relationship between PEOU and PU with CIU. Moreover, PEOU and PU have a significant impact on SAT through the partial mediation of SUS, while SUS fully mediates the relationship between PU and CIU. By bridging pre-adoption and post-adoption perspectives and embedding sustainability within the digital payment adoption framework, this study advances understanding of how DPTs contribute to sustainable SME development in emerging economies. The insights offer practical implications for Fintech developers and policymakers aiming to enhance long-term adoption and impact of DPTs in emerging economies.

Source: Administrative Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/admsci16050215

Authors: Nahida Sultana, Afruza Haque, Rasheda Akter Rupa

Institutions: University of Dhaka, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology

Language: English

Topic: Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689