Institutional trust in blockchain adoption: examining regulatory focus

Purpose Blockchain technology is recognized as one of the most prominent technological innovations driving organizational transformations, yet the challenge lies in understanding how to effectively foster managers’ intention to adopt it. Drawing on institutional trust theory and regulatory focus theory, this study provides an institution-based explanation of the factors influencing managers’ trust in blockchain technology and their adoption intention. Design/methodology/approach An empirical survey was conducted, collecting 255 valid questionnaires from organizational managers in Pakistan. Findings The results confirm that blockchain-enabled situational normality (BSN) acts as an institutional mechanism influencing managers’ trust in blockchain technology, which in turn promotes adoption intention. Our findings also reveal that promotion-focused managers are more sensitive to BSN, while prevention-focused managers focus more on blockchain-enabled structural assurance. Originality/value These findings contribute to the institutional trust and regulatory focus literature and to blockchain technology adoption knowledge. From a practitioner perspective, the study findings can serve as an important guide for managers and developers seeking to enhance blockchain technology adoption.