Blockchain technology adoption intention among the Big Four audit firms

Overview & Synopsis

This study aims to identify factors affecting auditors’ intention to use blockchain among the Big Four firms. The research proposes an extended technology acceptance model by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) with innovation diffusion theory (IDT). A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires to collect data from 130 auditors working at the Big Four. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that auditors' intention to use blockchain is significantly influenced by perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). The study highlights relative advantage and trialability as the most important attributes of IDT affecting auditors’ perceived usefulness and ease of use of blockchain. Observability has a significant positive relationship with perceived ease of use but a nonsignificant correlation with perceived usefulness. However, complexity is statistically insignificant in explaining perceived ease of use. Finally, access to big data significantly enhances auditors' perception of the usefulness of blockchain technology. Therefore, our results recommend communication strategies and training policies to enhance the perceived usefulness of blockchain technology in auditing. Reducing uncertainty about emerging technologies, primarily through standardization, will also improve auditors' intention to use blockchain.