The Impact of Volunteer Services on ICT Devices Adoption

This study explores the influence of volunteer services on ICT device adoption in smart cities, emphasizing the mediating roles of perceived public value and ICT self-efficacy. Utilizing survey data from 474 residents in Tianjin, China, structural equation modeling reveals that volunteer engagement significantly enhances both public value perception and self-efficacy, which in turn facilitate ICT adoption. Notably, perceived public value exerts a stronger effect on adoption than self-efficacy, suggesting that societal benefits serve as a more substantial motivator than individual confidence. Furthermore, service quality and accessibility positively contribute to public value, whereas information security demonstrates a comparatively limited impact. These findings offer novel insights into the social mechanisms underlying ICT adoption in smart city contexts, underscoring the pivotal role of volunteer services in fostering public engagement and enhancing the perceived societal value of digital technologies.