Business and Economics Research Journal

349-366

Authors: Ali Altiner, Eda Bozkurt, Salih Turedi

If all classes of society cannot benefit equally from the blessings of growth, although economic growth rates reach the desired level, an income inequality problem arises. At a time when income inequality is growing at the global level, governments are looking for various remedies to establish a more equitable distribution of income. Regulation and improvement of financial markets and ensuring financial development are among the solution offers. In this study, the relationship between income inequality and financial development in the period of 2000-2015 was examined for 30 countries. The countries covered are divided into three groups as the countries with the best, medium, and poor performance in terms of financial development. Panel data-based analyses were used. In this context, the Durbin-Hausman panel cointegration test and Common Correlated Error (CCE) coefficient estimator were applied. The findings proved the existence of a long-term relationship between the variables in all country groups. As a result of coefficient estimates, it was determined that the inverted U-hypothesis was valid for the countries with the best performance, the mixed results for the countries with a medium performance, and the partially inequality-narrowing hypothesis was valid for the countries with poor performance.

403-415

Authors: Alp Polat, Tuba Sevil

After the spread of Covid-19 new concepts like social distance and mobility restrictions have become effective. Leisure activity preferences are changed toward in-home activities. These changes can affect the travel and leisure industry and economic changes owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study aims to investigate the travel and leisure industry of Japan, the USA, Germany, and the UK regarding economic linkages and Covid-19 impact. The research data covers the 2011-2020 period. The method of panel data analysis is implemented. The share price index of the industry is analyzed as a dependent variable which can be a benchmark for the industry with selected macro-economic factors. Independent variables are gross domestic product growth, consumer price index growth, consumer confidence index growth, share returns, and interest rates. Results support that the industry is highly dependent on economic factors. The interest rate and consumer confidence index growth have positive effects in the long run. In the short run, the effects of interest rates and gross domestic product growth are positive, while consumer price index growth contributes adverse effects. Results prove that the industry is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is harmful in the long run.

465-482

Authors: Merve Ozecan, Esra Arikan

This study aims to extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) by integrating the three quality dimensions adopted from DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems (IS) Success Model and trust as additional constructs. In this respect, it also investigates the possible relationships among these constructs as new internal mechanisms that affect user satisfaction and continuance intention for using mobile banking. A total of 422 usable responses are collected from mobile banking users using an online survey. The empirical findings generally support the effect that the UTAUT2 constructs of effort expectancy, performance expectancy, hedonic motivation and facilitating conditions and the three quality dimensions of the IS Success Model have, along with trust, on user satisfaction and continuance intention, revealing the importance of extending UTAUT2 with these new constructs and new mechanisms proposed. In addition, the current study provides an enhanced insight by focusing on the post-adoption stage. The findings are important in terms of helping banks serve their customers better and achieve a competitive edge.

505-521

Authors: Volkan Temizkan

In academic studies, various models of green consumer behavior have attempted to explain green consumption behaviors based on traditional theories. In examining the literature, it has not been determined whether consumers’ environmental values, attitudes, or intentions directly influence overall buying behavior. In this study, the influence of consumers’ environmental values, attitudes, and intentions on green buying behavior is directly analyzed using the knowledge, attitude, and practice model (KAP). An online survey was conducted among 450 university students who may be representatives of Generation Z in Turkey. To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) is used. The results of the analysis showed that environmental values have a positive and significant effect on the attitude and intention to consume green. In addition, intention to consume green was found to have a positive and significant effect on green buying behavior. However, environmental values and green consumption attitude were found to have no significant effect on green buying behavior.