Tüketicilerin Akıllı Robot Süpürgeleri Kullanma Niyeti Üzerinde İyimserlik ve Yenilikçiliğin Rolü


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Bilici F.

Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, cilt.25, sa.1, ss.243-270, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Bu çalışma, tüketicilerin akıllı robot süpürgeleri gelecekte kullanma niyeti üzerinde iyimserlik ve yenilikçiliğin etkilerini incelemektedir. Smart PLS programı ile yapısal eşitlik modeli kullanılarak yapılan analizler, iyimserlik ve yenilikçiliğin tüketicilerin robot süpürge teknolojisini gelecekte kullanma niyetlerini anlamlı ve pozitif yönde etkilediğini ortaya koymaktadır. Ayrıca Smart PLS programında yapılan çoklu grup analizi sonucunda iyimserlik, özellikle genç bireyler arasında akıllı robot süpürgeleri gelecekte kullanma niyetini şekillendiren önemli bir faktör olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Ek olarak 34 yaş ve altı katılımcılarda, 35 yaş ve üzerindekilere göre iyimserlik ile gelecekte kullanım niyeti arasında daha güçlü bir ilişki bulunduğu belirlenmiştir. Yenilikçilik boyutunda da cinsiyet bazında farklılıklar bulunmaktadır. Yenilikçilik, kadınlar için olumlu bir etki yaratırken, erkekler için küçük de olsa olumsuz bir etki ortaya çıkartmaktadır. Son olarak medeni durum değişkeninin model üzerinde herhangi bir değişikliğe yol açmadığı belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada ortaya çıkan bu sonuçlar, teknoloji benimseme süreçlerinde psikolojik faktörlerin ve demografik özelliklerin önemli bir rol oynadığını göstermektedir. Çalışmanın sonuçları, pazarlama stratejilerinin iyimserlik ve yenilikçilik boyutlarına odaklanarak şekillendirilmesi gerektiğini ortaya çıkartmaktadır. Genç tüketicilere yönelik olumlu tutumları güçlendiren ve yenilikçiliği teşvik eden pazarlama iletişimi mesajları işletmeler açısından önem arz etmektedir. Çalışmaya göre akıllı ev yardımcılarının pazarlama çabalarında kadın tüketicilerin ilgisini çekmek için yenilikçi özelliklere vurgu yapılması pazarlama çabalarını ileriye taşıyacaktır. Belirli bir coğrafi alana, teknolojik hazır olma indeksinin sadece iki boyutuna, akıllı robot süpürge ürününe odaklanılması ve zaman kısıtları araştırmanın sınırlılıklarını oluşturmaktadır.

Purpose: This study examines how optimism and innovativeness affect consumers’ behavioural intentions towards new technologies, such as smart robot vacuum cleaners. The study tried to reveal the effect of these two psychological dimensions on behavioural intentions and whether this effect varies according to demographic factors. Smart robot vacuum cleaners are rapidly becoming widespread and gaining an important place among home technologies. Therefore, understanding consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards adopting such technologies is vital for technology manufacturers and companies developing marketing strategies. Design and Methodology: This research is an applied study with a descriptive design that examines consumer behaviour. An online survey method was used in the data collection process, and data were obtained from 232 participants over 18 in Turkey. Convenience sampling was used as the sampling method. The independent variables used in the study were optimism and innovativeness, and the dependent variable was determined as the intention to use smart robot vacuum cleaners in the future. The data were analysed with structural equation modelling (SEM), and Smart PLS software was used for these analyses. Multiple group analyses were conducted for demographic variables such as age, gender and marital status. Validity and reliability analyses of the constructs used in the study were conducted. Factor loadings of all values are above 0.7. Accordingly, there are strong relationships between the constructs. Cronbach’s Alpha values (0.820, 0.873 and 0.884), which evaluate internal consistency, are above 0.7, the threshold value accepted in the literature, indicating that the constructs are reliable. Similarly, CR (Composite Reliability) values are also above 0.7, confirming the reliability of the constructs. In addition, the AVE (Average Variance Explained) values are all above 0.5, indicating that the constructs explain more than half of the variance of the indicators of the constructs and that construct validity is ensured. These calculated results reveal that the dimensions of the research are reliable and valid and that the psychological factors affecting consumers’ intention to use robot vacuum cleaners are accurately measured. The R² value measured the explanatory power of the model used in the study, and it was seen that the independent variables explained 38.3% of the variance in consumers’ intention to use robot vacuum cleaners. This rate shows that the model provides moderate explanatory power. In addition, the Q² value was calculated as 0.529, indicating that the model has a good predictive ability. Regarding effect size, the f² value for optimism was calculated as 0.166 and a moderate effect was observed. The f² value for innovativeness showed a lower effect with 0.074. VIF values for the multicollinearity test were found to be 1.637 for both independent variables, and this result shows that there is no multicollinearity problem in the model. According to the Fornell and Larcker criteria, discriminant validity was ensured and it was determined that there was valid discrimination between the constructs. The HTMT criterion also confirmed that the constructs measured different phenomena. Findings: The results show that optimism (β = 0.410) and innovativeness (β = 0.273) significantly influence consumers’ intention to adopt smart robot vacuums. These findings align with previous studies on technology adoption and confirm the encouraging effect of psychological factors on technology adoption. Optimism is essential, especially in developing positive attitudes towards new technologies. Many studies also support optimism’s critical role in accepting technological innovations and reveal that positive attitudes can facilitate technology adoption. The interaction between optimism and innovativeness may create a synergistic effect when adopting these technologies. It can be expected that consumers who are optimistic about the benefits of technology will be more open to innovative solutions. Thus, the intention to use smart robot vacuum cleaners will increase. A multiple-group analysis was also conducted using the research model for the demographic variables of age, gender, and marital status. The results of the multiple group analysis revealed that demographic factors such as age and gender differed in the effect of optimism and innovativeness on future intention to use. In particular, respondents aged 34 and below have a more optimistic view of technology, and their intention to use robot vacuum cleaners is more strongly influenced than that of respondents aged 35 and above. This result reveals that younger consumers have a more positive perception of new technologies and the sensitivity of this age group towards technology adoption. On the other hand, gender differences are also noteworthy. While innovativeness positively affected women’s intention to use robot vacuum cleaners, this effect was in the opposite direction for men. This result reveals the gender-specific complexity of perceptions towards technology and emphasises that marketing strategies should be shaped according to these differences. No statistically significant difference regarding optimism and innovativeness effects was found according to marital status. Research Limitations: This study is limited in generalisation as it focuses on a specific technology, and the results are limited to smart robot vacuum cleaners. Further research on attitudes towards different smart home technologies is needed. In addition, the study’s data were collected in a certain period. Therefore, it was not possible to monitor changes over time. Research examining technology acceptance across cultural and social structures will contribute to the literature. Implications (Theoretical, Practical and Social): The study suggests businesses should design marketing strategies to target these two dimensions. Communication strategies should reinforce positive attitudes towards technology and encourage innovation, especially for young consumers. Factors such as the benefits of the products, ease of use, and their contribution to quality of life should be emphasised, thus increasing consumers’ optimism towards robot vacuum cleaners. At the same time, according to the study results, innovative features should be emphasised to attract the attention of female consumers. Considering the critical role of demographic differences in technology acceptance, it can be stated that businesses should develop customised strategies according to age and gender differences. Suggested research topics for future studies include a more detailed examination of gender differences in adopting technological innovations and a longitudinal analysis of the effect of demographic characteristics on technology acceptance. The results of this study provide a basis for future research, creating new research opportunities, especially in the adoption of smart home technologies. Originality/Value: This study has a unique value by examining the effect of optimism and innovativeness on the intention to use technology, especially in the context of smart robot vacuum cleaners and demographic variables. The study provides findings that can form the basis for future research and provides a new perspective on how marketing strategies should be shaped by targeting these two psychological factors