The mediating effect of technology anxiety on ICT adoption and work-life balance: an extension of the technology acceptance model

Purpose The objective of this study is to look into the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption on the work-life balance (WLB) of managerial-level employees working in the ready-made garments sector of Bangladesh, with a concentration on the mediating role of technology anxiety (TA). Design/methodology/approach This research seeks to expand the technology acceptance model (TAM) to formulate a novel theoretical framework, which was empirically tested with data collected from 111 employees working at different management positions, mostly at the entry to mid-level. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was applied to analyze the hypothetical relationships of the variables, while necessary condition analysis (NCA) was employed to identify necessary conditions in the dataset. Findings Findings indicate that all the hypotheses were supported. Expanding on the results, perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) each positively influence behavioral intention to use (BIU), while BIU positively influences WLB. In contrast, BIU and TA are negatively related, as are TA and WLB. Moreover, PU successfully mediates the relationship between PEU and BIU, while TA, similarly, does so between BIU and WLB—both in a complementary way. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the importance of providing employee training to reduce tech anxiety, investing in user-friendly ICT systems and encouraging employees to use technology products—all of which support employees’ WLB needs. Originality/value The study offers a novel contribution by extending the TAM to explore how TA impacts the nexus between ICT adoption and WLB, adding a new dimension to the understanding of how psychological barriers shape technology-enabled work arrangements in an industry undergoing intense digitalization. This research is one of the earliest to combine PLS‑SEM and NCA to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the proposed model, offering better clarity and understanding of both linear and necessity‑based relationships.