ATTITUDE, SUBJECTIVE NORM, PERCEIVED BEHAVIOURAL CONTROL AND DIGITAL ṢUKŪK ADOPTION IN NIGERIA: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF AWARENESS

Abstract

Purpose ‒ There is an increasing number of digital ṣukūk issuances worldwide but the level of awareness and adoption in Nigeria is very low. This research examines the mediating effect of awareness on the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and digital ṣukūk adoption in Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach ‒ The data for the research were collected from 750 questionnaires that were distributed using the systematic sampling technique to operators of the capital market and individuals in Nigeria, out of which 410 were retained. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM) algorithm was used for the reliability measurement and constructs validity while the bootstrapping technique was used for testing the study hypotheses. Findings ‒ The findings reveal that awareness mediated the relationship that exists between subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioural control, and digital ṣukūk adoption in Nigeria. Overall, the empirical findings rejected seven out of 10 null hypotheses developed to answer the research questions. Originality/Value ‒ The study serves as a pioneering effort towards unlocking the viability of digital ṣukūk adoption amongst the Nigerian populace. Research Limitations/Implications ‒ The findings provide empirical evidence that awareness mediated the interrelationship between the explanatory variables (subjective norm, attitude and perceived behavioural control) towards digital ṣukūk adoption in Nigeria. Practical Implications ‒ The findings suggest the need for the Debt Management Office (DMO) in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the required regulation and standard pertaining to digital ṣukūk issuances and structures.