Gender perspectives on drone technology adoption in healthcare logistics

Vipul Garg, Suman Niranjan, Rishabh Rana, Victor Prybutok and Terrance Pohlen

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2025, vol. 219, issue C

Abstract: This study employs a mixed-method approach to investigate gender-specific influences on consumer decision-making related to drone technology in healthcare logistics. Drawing on stakeholder interviews and a survey of U.S. consumers, the study integrates Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to uncover nuanced behavioral patterns in drone adoption. Results reveal that Safety is a critical determinant for both genders, exerting a powerful influence on men. In contrast, Perceived Benefits play a dominant role in shaping adoption intentions among women. While women require a combination of Drone-related Familiarity and Perceived Benefits to form strong intentions, men are more influenced by Safety and Drone-related Familiarity alone. Notably, women express more complex and heightened concerns around Privacy, especially in medical deliveries, where socio-cultural considerations further shape their responses. Theoretically, the study advances the understanding of gendered technology adoption in healthcare by unpacking the intersection of individual perceptions and social dynamics. It also contributes to complexity theory by illustrating the multifaceted configurations that drive consumer adoption. Practically, the findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies and targeted educational efforts, particularly addressing safety and privacy, to support the broader adoption of drone technologies in healthcare logistics.

Keywords: Technology adoption; Last-mile delivery; Healthcare; Gender dynamics; Gender equity; fsQCA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:219:y:2025:i:c:s004016252500277x

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124246

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