Can Threat Appraisal and Coping Appraisal Influence Cybersecurity Compliance Behaviour and Protection Motivation Intention: Moderating Role of Technology Anxiety

The escalating cyber threats in the digital era, particularly within government institutions, underscore the urgent need to enhance compliance with cybersecurity policies (CCP). This study investigates how Coping Appraisal (CA) and Threat Appraisal (TA) shape CCP and Protection Motivation Intention (PMI) among Bangladeshi government employees, with Technology Anxiety (TEA) as a moderating factor. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Technology Threat Avoidance Theory (TTAT), and General Deterrence Theory (GDT), the research adopts a quantitative approach, surveying 500 government employees across various hierarchical levels. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study finds that CA significantly influences PMI and CCP, while TA exerts a stronger effect on CCP. TEA plays a dual moderating role, amplifying TA’s impact while dampening CA’s influence. The findings highlight the interplay of psychological, organizational, and technological factors in driving CCP. Practical recommendations include tailored training programs, tools to reduce technology anxiety, and culturally adapted policies to foster sustainable cybersecurity compliance. This research provides actionable insights for building resilient public-sector cybersecurity frameworks in resource-constrained, hierarchical contexts.