Antecedents of Automation Practices in Fostering Operational Efficiency in Selected Banks of Karnataka: A Study Utilizing TAM

Abstract: This study examines automation adoption in Karnataka's regional banks using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Analyzing data from 156 banking professionals, it investigates how Perceived Ease of Use (PE) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) influence Behavioral Intention (BI) and User Satisfaction (SU). Results show PE strongly impacts both PU (β=0.611) and BI (β=0.865), while PU significantly affects BI (β=0.565). BI emerges as a key predictor of SU (β=0.779), confirming its mediating role. Three major adoption barriers are identified: inadequate infrastructure, resistance to change, and insufficient training. These obstacles limit automation's potential to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The study offers practical recommendations: banks should prioritize user-friendly design and comprehensive training, while policymakers need to improve digital infrastructure and create supportive incentives. Theoretically, it extends TAM's application to India's regional banking context and suggests future research directions, including examining additional variables like trust, conducting cross-sector comparisons, and longitudinal studies. These findings provide valuable insights for financial institutions undergoing digital transformation, helping them implement automation technologies effectively while ensuring employee acceptance and satisfaction. The research contributes to both academic literature on technology adoption and practical strategies for digital transition in emerging banking markets.