An Exploratory Study of the Participation in the Sharing Economy: What are the Influencing Variables?

Abstract

The following is an exploratory study undertaken to identify and validate the variables that affect an individual’s decision to participate in the sharing economy. Six variables are tested; five as independent variables and one as a moderator variable. The five are self-technological aptness, self-norm, attitude toward the sharing economy, desire to access a bigger market, and attitude toward environmental friendliness, while the moderator variable is economic benefit. Regarding data: 1000 promiscuously recruited individuals were asked and 479 individuals completed the survey out of which 466 individuals’ responses are used for the data analysis. The self-determination theory provides the basis for the theoretical framework and hypothesis development. The result revealed that all variables showed a statistically significant relationship, except for the self-technologically aptness variable. Moreover, the moderating economic benefit variable exhibited a significant moderation effect on all the variables except in the case of self-technological aptness. Ultimately, this study provides a deeper understanding of those variables and their effect on the participants. Additionally, it presents opportunities for further research in this area. A full and complete report is expected later.