An empirical investigation of blockchain adoption using the privacy calculus approach: mediating role of perceived risks and perceived benefits

Purpose This study aims to investigate blockchain adoption through the lens of the privacy calculus approach, focusing on the roles of perceived risks and benefits. Specifically, the study examines how privacy concerns, complexity and compliance risks influence perceived risk and how process automation, auditability and self-service capability impact perceived benefits. Furthermore, it explores the mediating roles of perceived risks and benefits in the adoption process. Design/methodology/approach Data collected from 616 managers with experience in blockchain applications, the study utilizes PLS-SEM to analyze hypothesized relationships using SmartPLS 4.0. Findings Key findings reveal that privacy concerns, complexity and compliance risks significantly impact perceived risk, whereas process automation, auditability and self-service capability positively influence perceived benefits. Additionally, both perceived risk and perceived benefits directly affect blockchain adoption. Mediation analysis highlights that perceived risk mediates the effects of privacy concerns, complexity and compliance risk on blockchain adoption, while perceived benefits mediate the effects of process automation, auditability and self-service capability on adoption. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing literature on blockchain by offering insights into the privacy-benefit trade-offs influencing adoption decisions, providing practical implications for developers and policymakers to design privacy-conscious blockchain applications.