Applying the integrated model to understanding online buyers’ intention to adopt delivery drones in Iran

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at determining the factors influential in the acceptance of delivery drones as a new way for last-mile delivery in the future. In this regard, the study model was proposed using the UTAUT2 as the base model and adding the factors of psychological characteristics, perceived risk, and need for human interaction to it. The information about 357 Iranian buyers was collected for the PLS-SEM by designing an online questionnaire. The results indicated that all variables of UTAUT2, except for performance expectancy, had a positive and significant effect on the intention of buyers to use delivery drones. Moreover, the personal norm positively affected the users’ intention, while the need for human interaction and perceived risk had adverse effects on it. The research findings indicated that innovativeness had a significant positive effect on effort expectancy and compatibility while having an insignificant effect on performance expectancy.

KEYWORDS:

• Delivery drone
• last-mile delivery
• UTAUT2
• adoption behavior
• PLS-SEM

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).