Consumer's usage of logistics technologies: Integration of habit into the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

Abstract

Different logistics technologies are emerging to improve the delivery efficiency and service standard of last-mile logistics. This study aims to understand consumer's usage behaviour of logistics technologies focussing on three representative logistics technologies: buy-online-and-pickup-in-store (BOPS), smart locker and drone delivery. A theoretical model is proposed by integrating the factors of habit and attitude into the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). A total of 450 valid questionnaires are collected, and the data are analysed using structural equation modelling. The results suggest that (1) rational factors (i.e. performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and attitude) and irrational factor (habit) collectively determine consumers' usage of logistics technologies; and (2) the key driving factors of consumers' usage behaviour of three logistics technologies do vary. The findings enrich the theoretical research on last-mile logistics and provide managerial implications for retail and logistics service providers. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd