Adoption of food delivery apps during a crisis: exploring an extended technology adoption model

Purpose This study aims to provide insight into consumer behavior regarding the use of food delivery apps when making purchases. To investigate the primary elements affecting users' intentions to use meal delivery applications, this study suggests an extension to the technology acceptance model through some contextual variable such as “various food choices (VFC),” “trust (TRR),” “perception of COVID-19-related risks (PCR)” and “convenience (CONV)” during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional data of 407 was collected in the Indian context. This research adopts the covariance-based structural modeling approach to test the hypotheses along with hierarchical regression to predict the efficiency of constructs. Findings Considering the outcomes, “perceived usefulness (PU)” was positively influenced by “perceived ease of use (PEOU),” “VFC” and “CONV.” In addition, the attitude (ATT) was positively impacted by “PU,” “TRR” and “PEOU.” Nevertheless, “PCR” negatively influenced ATT. In additional, this research illustrates the positive impact of ATT and PU on behavioral intention to use. Originality/value By confirming the technology acceptance model's capacity for explanation in relation to food delivery apps, this study adds to the body of knowledge. The primary focus of this study is on determining the direct impact of the identified determinants on the adoption of food delivery applications within the context of a pandemic situation in developing countries.