Apps within apps: predicting government WeChat mini-program adoption from trust–risk perspective and innovation diffusion theory

Abstract

Purpose

The WeChat mini-program is a new channel for the delivery of online and mobile services, including electronic government services. Given the distinguishing characteristics and new business model of WeChat mini-programs, additional studies of mini-program-based government services are warranted. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that determine user adoption and usage of government WeChat mini-programs (GWMPs).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted through an online survey of Chinese GWMPs users. The proposed model was tested by analyzing the collected data using the covariance-based structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The findings show that trust in government, trust in WeChat, trust in GWMPs and perceived convenience have significant effects on the usage of GWMPs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the GWMPs and mini-program-based government phenomenon. Theoretical implications for future e-government research as well as practical suggestions for GWMPs operators are also discussed.

Citation

Tang, Z., Zhou, Z., Xu, F. and Warkentin, M. (2022), "Apps within apps: predicting government WeChat mini-program adoption from trust–risk perspective and innovation diffusion theory", Information Technology & People, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 1170-1190. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-06-2020-0415