Published In

Technology in Society

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2026

Subjects

Blockchain Technology Adoption Technology, Acceptance Model Theory of Planned Behavior, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Research on blockchain adoption has expanded rapidly, with most studies conceptualizing adoption as behavioural intention. Technology adoption models, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), are commonly applied to explore blockchain technology adoption (BTA). However, empirical results from the 12 hypotheses associated with these models remain fragmented and, at times, inconsistent, with limited comprehensive quantitative integration. To address this gap, the present study performs a meta-analysis to evaluate the degree and direction of these hypotheses systematically. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, 149 quantitative studies were identified and included in the analysis. The findings indicate that attitude and perceived usefulness are the most influential determinants of BTA, followed by performance expectancy, perceived behavioral control, perceived ease of use, facilitating conditions, and social influence. Effort expectancy and subjective norms, while weaker, also exhibit significant direct effects. Additionally, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a substantial positive impact on attitude. The results indicate that TAM, TPB, and UTAUT, in that order, provide the strongest explanatory power for BTA. Multi-group analyses reveal meaningful variations in effect sizes across different application sectors, particularly between supply chain management, financial and accounting systems, marketing, and education. These findings highlight that BTA is not solely driven by individual-level evaluations but is shaped by sector-specific conditions, organizational contexts, and institutional environments. Accordingly, the study advances a socio-technical perspective on BTA by demonstrating how behavioral, organizational, and contextual factors jointly influence its diffusion, providing more nuanced implications for policymakers and researchers.

Rights

© Copyright the author(s) 2026

Description

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published as: (2026). What Drives Blockchain Technology Adoption? A Meta-Analysis Across TAM, TPB, and UTAUT Frameworks. Technology in Society, 103509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103509

DOI

10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103509

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45086

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