Understanding collaborative consumption in the technology-driven sharing economy: A cost-benefit analysis perspective

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Information Science
• Economics

Background:

• Collaborative consumption (CC) is increasingly popular due to information communication technology.
• Traditional ownership models are shifting towards usage rights.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing user engagement in CC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factors influencing user intention to engage in the collaborative economy.
• To develop and test a model based on the cost-benefit framework.
• To understand the impact of perceived benefits, costs, and platform quality on CC participation.

Main Methods:

• A structural equation modeling approach was used.
• Data was collected from 524 active car-sharing users.
• The research model evaluated perceived benefits, costs, and platform quality.

Main Results:

• Perceived benefits (enjoyment, economic reward) positively influence CC participation.
• Perceived platform quality (system, service, information) positively influences CC participation.
• Perceived costs partially support CC participation; security risks are significant, but privacy risks are not.

Conclusions:

• Benefits and platform quality are key drivers for collaborative consumption.
• Security risks are a deterrent, highlighting the need for robust safety measures.
• Findings contribute to understanding and promoting the sharing economy.