Skip to main content
Log in

The impact of trust, risk and optimism bias on E-file adoption

  • Published:
Information Systems Frontiers Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

One of congress’ goals for 2007 was for 80% of all tax and informational returns to be filed electronically. However, to date that lofty goal has fallen well short. This research proposes a model of e-filing adoption. To test the model a survey is administered to 260 participants. The instrument assesses citizen perceptions of trust, risk and optimism bias. Structural equation modeling is used to evaluate the relationships between these three concepts and intention to use. The results indicate that trust of the Internet, trust of the e-filer, perceived risk and optimism bias all have an impact on intention to use e-filing. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson, J. C., & Gerbing, D. W. (1982). Some methods for respecifying measurement models to obtain unidimensional construct measurement. Journal of Marketing Research, 19(4), 453–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, J. C., & Gerbing, D. W. (1988). Structural equation modeling in practice: a review and recommended two-step approach. Psychological Bulletin, 103(3), 411–423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aulakh, P. S., & Kotabe, M. (1997). Antecedents and performance implications of channel integration in foreign markets. Journal of International Business Studies, 28(1), 145–175.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barclay, D. W., & Smith, J. B. (1997). The effects of organizational differences and trust on the effectiveness of selling partner relationships. Journal of Marketing, 61(1), 3–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becerra, M., & Gupta, A. K. (1999). Trust within the organization: integrating the trust literature with agency theory and transaction costs economics. Public Administration Quarterly, 23(2), 177–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belanger, F., & Carter, L. (2005).Trust and risk in e-government adoption. In Americas Conference on Information Systems Omaha, NE.

  • Browne, M. W., & Cudeck, R. (1993). Alternative Ways of Assessing Model Fit.

  • Carter, L., & Belanger, F. (2005). The utilization of E-government services: citizen trust, innovation and acceptance factors. Information Systems Journal, 15(1), 2–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, L., & Weerakkody, V. (2008). E-government adoption: a cultural comparison. Information Systems Frontiers, 10, 473–482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chin, W. W. (1998). The partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. In G. A. Marcoulides (Ed.), Modern business research methods (pp. 295–336). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chin, W. W., & Todd, P. A. (1995). On the use, usefulness, and ease of use of structural equation modeling in MIS research: A note of caution. MIS Quarterly, 19(2), 237–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Churchill, J., & Gilbert, A. (1979). A paradigm for developing better measures of marketing constructs. Journal of Marketing Research, 15(2), 77–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corritore, C. L., Kracher, B., & Wiedenbeck, S. (2003). On-line trust: concepts, evolving themes, a model. International Journal of Human Computer Studies, 58(6), 737–758.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dejoy, D. (1989). The optimism bias and traffic accident risk perception. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 21(4), 333–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeLone, W. H., & McLean, E. R. (2004). Measuring E-commerce success: applying the DeLone and McLean information systems success model. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 9(1), 31–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamantopoulos, A. (1999). Export performance measurement: reflective versus formative indicators. International Marketing Review, 16(6), 447–457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwivedi, Y. K., Williams, M. D., & Venkatesh, V. (2008). Guest editorial: a profile of adoption of information & communication technologies (ICT) research in the household context. Information Systems Frontiers, 10(4), 385–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Featherman, M. S., & Pavlou, P. A. (2003). Predicting e-service adoption: a perceived risk facets perspective. International Journal of Human–Computer Studies, 59(451–474).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, P. D. (2002).E-file: Electronic Tax Administration in the United States.

  • Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fu, J.-R., Farn, C.-K., & Chao, W.-P. (2006). Acceptance of electronic tax filing: a study of taxpayer intentions. Information & Management, 43, 109–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganesan, S., & Hess, R. (1997). Dimensions and levels of trust: implications for commitment to a relationship. Marketing Letters, 8(4), 439–448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gefen, D. (2000). E-commerce: the role of familiarity and trust. Omega: The International Journal of Management Science, 28(6), 725–737.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gefen, D., Karahanna, E., & Straub, D. W. (2003). Trust and TAM in online shopping: an integrated model. MIS Quarterly, 27(1), 51–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerbing, D. A., & Anderson, J. C. (1992). Monte Carlo evaluations of goodness of fit indices for structural equation models. Sociological Methods and Research, 2(2), 132–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonsalves, A. (2005). Survey: online criminals are chasing web users away. InformationWeek.

  • Harman, H. H. (1976). Modern factor analysis. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, P., & Saunders, C. (1997). Power and trust: Critical factors in the adoption and use of electronic data interchange. Organizational Science, 8(1), 23–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoyle, R. H. (1995). The structural equation modeling approach: Basic concepts and fundamental issues. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • IRS (2004).IRS e-Strategy for Growth.

  • Jarvenpaa, S. L., Knoll, K., & Leidner, D. E. (1998). Is anybody out there? Antecedents of trust in global virtual teams. Journal of Management Information Systems, 14(4), 29–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarvenpaa, S. L., Tractinsky, N., & Vitale, M. (2000). Consumer trust in an internet store. Information Technology and Management, 1(1), 45–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis, C. B., MacKenzie, S. B., & Podsakoff, P. M. (2003). A critical review of construct indicators and measurement model misspecification in marketing and consumer research. Journal of Consumer Research, 30, 199–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M. K. O., & Turban, E. (2001). A trust model for consumer internet shopping. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 6(1), 75–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malhotra, N. K., Kim, S. S., & Patil, A. (2006). Common method variance in IS research: a comparison of alternative approaches and a reanalysis of past research. Management Science, 52(12), 1865–1883.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, R. C., Davis, J. H., & Schoorman, F. D. (1995). An integrative model of organizational trust. Academy of Management Review, 20(3), 709–734.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCoy, K. (2008).Identity thieves tax the system. In USA Today, 1–2.

  • McKnight, D. H., & Chervany, N. L. (2001–2002). What trust means in E-commerce customer relationships: an interdisciplinary conceptual typology. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 6(2), 35–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKnight, D. H., Choudhury, V., & Kacmar, C. (2002). Developing and validating trust measures for E-Commerce: an integrative approach. Information Systems Research, 13(3), 334–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKnight, D. H., Cummings, L. L., & Chervany, N. L. (1998). Initial trust formation in new organizational relationships. Academy of Management Review, 23(3), 473–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molla, A., & Licker, P. (2001). E-commerce systems success: an attempt to partially extend and respecify the DeLone and McLean model of IS Success. Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, 2(4), 131–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Netemeyer, R. G., Johnston, M. W., & Burton, S. (1990). Analysis of role conflict and role ambiguity in a structural equations framework. Journal of Applied Psychology, 75(2), 148–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C. (1978). Psychometric theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric theory. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, J., Lee, D., & Ahn, J. (2004). Risk-focused e-commerce adoption model: a cross-country study. Journal of Global IT Management, 7(2), 101–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavlou, P. (2003). Consumer acceptance of electronic commerce: integrating trust and risk with the technology acceptance model. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 7, 69–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavlou, P., & Gefen, D. (2005). Psychological contract violation in online marketplaces. Information Systems Research, 16(4), 372–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pavlou, P., Tan, Y.-H., & Gefen, D. (2003).Institutional trust and familiarity in online interorganizational relationships. In European Conference on Information Systems Naples, Italy.

  • Podsakoff, P. M., & Organ, D. W. (1986). Self-reports in organizational research: problems and prospects. Journal of Management, 12, 69–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, W., & Gago, S. (2004).Trust conceptualized as a corporate knowledge asset. In Eighth Annual International Conference Promoting Business Ethics Chicago, IL.

  • Salam, A. F., Rao, H. R., & Pegels, C. C. (2003). Consumer-perceived risk in e-commerce transactions. Communications of the ACM, 46(12), 325–331.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Segars, A. H., & Grover, V. (1993). Re-examining perceived ease of use and usefulness: a confirmatory factor analysis. MIS Quarterly, 17(4), 517–525.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S. P. (1987). The social control of impersonal trust. American Journal of Sociology, 93(3), 623–658.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjoberg, L., & Fromm, J. (2001). Information technology risks as seen by the public. Risk Analysis, 21(3), 427–441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steiger, J. H., & Lind, J. C. (1980).Statistically-based tests for the number of common factors. In Annual Spring Meeting of the Psychometric Society Iowa City, IA.

  • Straub, D., & Welke, P. (1998). Coping with systems risk: security planning models for management decision making. MIS Quarterly, 22(4), 441–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suh, B., & Han, I. (2003). The impact of customer trust and perception of security control on the acceptance of electronic commerce. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 7(3), 135–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan, Y., & Theon, W. (2001). Toward a generic model of trust for electronic commerce. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 5(2), 61–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Denburgh, W. M., & Harmelink, P. J. (2006). The IRS’s lack of support for direct, free E-filing. Tax Notes, 112, 171–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venkatesh, A. (2008). Digital home technologies and transformation of households. Information Systems Frontiers, 10, 391–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., & Emurian, H. (2005). Trust in E-Commerce: consideration of interface design factors. Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, 3(4), 42–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warkentin, M., & Gefen, D. (2002). Encouraging citizen adoption of e-government by building trust. Electronic Markets, 12(3), 157–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinstein, N. D. (1980a). Optimistic Bias about personal risks. Science, 246, 1232–1233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinstein, N. D. (1980b). Unrealistic optimism about future life events. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 39, 806–820.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Welch, E. W., Hinnant, C. C., & Moon, M. J. (2005). Linking citizen satisfaction with E-government and trust in government. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 15(3), 371–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, J., Wang, S. (2005). What drives mobile commerce? An empirical evaluation of the revised TAM. Information & Management, 42(719–729).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X., &Maruping, L. (2008). Household technology adoption in a global marketplace: Incorporating the role of espoused cultural values. Information Systems Frontiers, 10(403–413).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zucker, L. G. (1986). Production of trust: Institutional sources of economic structure, 1840–1920. Research in Organizational Behavior, 8, 53–111.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ludwig Christian Schaupp.

Additional information

Note: Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Michael D. Williams and Viswanath Venkatesh were the guest editors accepting the article as part of the special issue on Adoption and Use of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Residential/Household Context (See Dwivedi et al. 2008 for editorial).

Appendices

Appendix A

Table 4 Summary analysis of measurement model: factor structure, composite reliability, and ave. variance extracted and survey instructions

Appendix B

Table 5 Item–construct correlation

Appendix C

Table 6 Assessment of discriminant validity

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schaupp, L.C., Carter, L. The impact of trust, risk and optimism bias on E-file adoption. Inf Syst Front 12, 299–309 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-008-9138-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-008-9138-8

Keywords

Navigation