Understanding the drivers of smart food locker continuance intention in U.S. higher education: a mixed-methods analysis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Article
Lu, L, Zhao, J. (2025). Understanding the drivers of smart food locker continuance intention in U.S. higher education: a mixed-methods analysis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA
. 10.1080/15378020.2025.2504229
Lu, L, Zhao, J. (2025). Understanding the drivers of smart food locker continuance intention in U.S. higher education: a mixed-methods analysis using PLS-SEM and fsQCA
. 10.1080/15378020.2025.2504229
This study draws on the Uses and Gratifications and Stimulus-Organism-Response theories to examine factors influencing student satisfaction and continuance intention to use smart food lockers in U.S. higher education institutions. Focusing on four types of gratification—content, process, social, and technology—data from 515 students were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. Results show that convenience, ease of use, perceived quality, value, reliability, and security significantly enhance satisfaction, while behavior visibility and social needs do not. Lifestyle-fit was found to strengthen the impact of key predictors on satisfaction and continuance intention. This research contributes to the literature by integrating U\&G and S-O-R frameworks to explain technology adoption in higher education, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of user gratification. Practically, service providers should prioritize user-friendly design, food quality, and seamless interaction, and promote functional benefits over social aspects to align with students’ daily routines.
