Decentralising Airbnb: Testing the acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems

• Published in: Tourism management (1982) 2024-06, Vol.102, p.104871, Article 104871
• Main Authors: Muharam, Ikram Nur, Tussyadiah, Iis P., Kimbu, Albert Nsom
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blockchain; Multigroup analysis (MGA); Peer-to-peer accommodation; PLS-SEM; Sharing economy; User acceptance
• ISSN: 0261-5177
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2023.104871

This study employs a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach to investigate users' perspectives and acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems. The suggested model explains how users’ perceptions of specific features of such concepts influence acceptance in ways that existing theories like TPB, TAM, or UTAUT cannot. The results revealed that user empowerment was the most significant factor influencing acceptance. Furthermore, multigroup analysis (MGA) demonstrates how different contexts have distinct acceptance predictors. Depending on the context, perceived lower fees, perceived faster settlement, perceived income distribution, perceived fraudproof, and perceived traceability had varying significance. Meanwhile, perceived immutability, perceived process automation, and perceived transparency, even though considered appealing, were not significant in influencing acceptance. The findings imply that stakeholders should balance technicality and behavioural aspects, and be aware of the context.