Assessing Behavioral Drivers of Intention to Adopt Blockchain-Based Certificate Verification: A Pilot Study Integrating TRI and DOI Theories

Abstract

The promise of blockchain technology to revolutionise data security, transparency, and trust in a variety of fields has drawn a lot of interest. Blockchain-Based Certificate Verification (BBCV), which provides a safe and impenetrable mechanism for keeping academic credentials, is one of the new uses. Despite this possibility, BBCV is still not widely used in higher education. By looking at important organizational and technological aspects that affect BBCV adoption, this study explores the desire to embrace it. This pilot study evaluates the validity and reliability of an instrument designed to assess adoption motivations and challenges, drawing on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI), Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), and insights from open-source software (OSS) development and social cognitive theory. To collect data regarding people who are familiar with blockchain development and deployment in educational settings, a survey methodology was used to gather 109 valid replies. IBM SPSS version 29.0.0.0 for Windows was used to analyses the data. The results validate the good reliability and construct validity of the modified measuring tools. Moreover, The EFA results provided preliminary empirical evidence supporting the construct validity of the measurement instrument. The findings offer a basis for comprehending important elements that affect the desire to implement BBCV in higher education institutions, including perceived complexity, compatibility, reluctance to change, and technical readiness.