Nexus between financial literacy and financial inclusion

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1190-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Premised on the argument that cognition structures the way how individuals think and make decisions, the purpose of this paper is to test the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study used cross-sectional research design and quantitative data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Baron and Kenny guidelines were adopted to test for existence of moderating effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Furthermore, ModGraph excel software was used to establish the magnitude of moderating effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Findings The results revealed that cognition significantly moderate the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. In addition, both cognition and financial literacy also have direct effects on financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Research limitations/implications The study adopted cross-sectional research design and data were collected by use of only questionnaires. Future studies through longitudinal research design may be employed. Besides, further studies using interviews may be adopted. Furthermore, this study collected data from only tier 3 financial institutions, thus, ignoring the other financial institutions. Future studies could focus on financial institutions under the other tiers. Practical implications The findings from the study enlightens policy-makers, managers of financial institutions, and financial inclusion advocates on the importance of cognition in enhancing financial literacy among the poor, especially in rural Uganda. Cognition combined with financial literacy helps the poor to make wise financial decisions and choices toward consuming financial services and products provided by formal financial institutions. This leads to increased scope of financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Therefore, advocates of financial literacy should assess community cultural cognition and utilize them to design and fashion effective financial literacy interventions that can promote financial inclusion. Originality/value The study uses Baron and Kenny and ModGraph excel software to test for the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. While several studies exist worldwide on financial inclusion, this study is the first to test the interaction effect of cognition in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor in rural areas in a developing country context.

Analyzing the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion by microfinance banks in developing countries: social network theoretical approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 1257-1277
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to establish the mediating effect of social network in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a cross-sectional research design and data were collected from the poor who resides in rural Uganda. Structural equation modelling (SEM) through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) was used to analyze the data. Bootstrap approach with 5,000 samples was run to establish the mediating effect of social network in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in developing countries.FindingsThe results showed that social network significantly and positively mediate the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in developing countries. In addition, financial literacy also has a direct significant and positive effect on financial inclusion. Overall, the findings suggest that the presence of social network fully mediate the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adopted a cross-sectional research design and data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Future studies could adopt longitudinal research design to establish the dynamic characteristics of the samples under study over time. Besides, this study collected data from only poor households who were clients of microfinance banks located in rural Uganda. It ignored the other section of the population who were not the poor. Therefore, future studies could use the other section of the population who are clients of commercial banks.Practical implicationsThe advocates of financial literacy and managers of microfinance banks in developing countries should ensure using existing local structures such as community and village associations to conduct financial literacy training. The village associations help in mobilizing members who are close-knit based on the existing societal ties that can be used as a channel for disseminating vital financial literacy information. Indeed, financial literacy workshops, seminars, and business clinics can be easily conducted to individuals who are members of the village associations.Originality/valueThis paper integrates social network theory in the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in developing countries. Social network acts as a conduit through which financial knowledge and skills flow to increase the scope of financial inclusion of the poor in developing countries.

Exploring the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 829-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Intermediation ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The current study used cross-sectional research design and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. The study applied structural equation modeling through bootstrap approach in AMOS to establish the mediating role of social capital in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion. Findings The results indicated that social capital significantly mediates the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Therefore, it can be deduced that social capital among the poor play an important role in promoting financial intermediation for improved financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Research limitations/implications Although the sample was large, it may not be generalized to other segments of the population. Data were collected from only poor households located in rural Uganda. Besides, the study was cross-sectional, thus, limiting efforts in investigating certain characteristics of the sample over time. Perhaps future studies could adopt the use of longitudinal research design. Practical implications Financial institutions such as banks should rely on social capital as a substitute for physical collateral in order to promote financial inclusion, especially among the poor in rural Uganda. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on phenomenon not studied in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa where the poor use social capital embedded in customs and norms for doing business. The results highlight the importance of social capital in mediating the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.

Collective action among rural poor

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-43
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Collective Action ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Intermediation ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Bootstrap Approach ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses structural equation modeling (SEM) through bootstrap approach constructed using analysis of moment structures to test for the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Besides, the paper adopts Baron and Kenny’s (1986) approach to establish whether conditions for mediation by collective action exist.FindingsThe results revealed that collective action significantly mediates the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. The findings further indicated that the mediated model had better model fit indices than the non-mediated model under SEM bootstrap. Furthermore, the results showed that both collective action and financial intermediation have significant and direct impacts on financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Therefore, the findings suggest that the presence of collective action boost financial intermediation for improved financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used quantitative data collected through cross-sectional research design. Further studies through the use of interviews could be adopted in future. Methodologically, the study adopted use of SEM bootstrap approach to establish the mediating effect of collective action. However, it ignored the Sobel’s test and MedGraph methods. Future studies could adopt the use of alternative methods of Sobel’s test and MedGraph. Additionally, the study focused only on semi-formal financial institutions. Hence, further studies may consider the use of data collected from formal and informal institutions.Practical implicationsPolicy makers and managers of financial institutions should consider the role of collective action in promoting economic development, especially in developing countries. They should create structures and design financial services and products that promote collective action among the poor in rural Uganda.Originality/valueAlthough several scholars have articulated financial inclusion based on both the supply and demand side factors, this is the first study to test the mediating role of collective action in the relationship between financial intermediation and financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda using SEM bootstrap approach. Theoretically, the study combines the role of collective action with financial intermediation to promote financial inclusion. Financial intermediation theory ignores the role played by collective action in the intermediation process between the surplus and deficit units.

Procedural and declarative cognitions

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 691-708
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose Premised on the argument that procedural and declarative cognitions help individuals to memorize, store and recall information to make informed decisions and choices in daily life, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the auxiliary psychosomatic roles of procedural and declarative cognitions in promoting financial literacy among clients of microfinance banks in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from 400 poor households’ heads located in rural Uganda. Analysis of moment structures and structural equation modeling were used to test for the auxiliary psychosomatic roles of procedural and declarative cognitions in promoting financial literacy among the poor who are clients of promotion of rural initiatives development enterprises (PRIDE) microfinance bank in rural Uganda. Findings The results revealed that both procedural and declarative cognitions significantly and positively boost financial literacy among the poor who are clients of PRIDE microfinance bank in rural Uganda. Jointly, both types of cognitions explain 30 per cent of the variation in financial literacy among the poor who are clients of PRIDE microfinance bank. Accordingly, the results correspond to arguments by psychologists that the human mental models help individuals to process, encode, store and retrieve information at an appropriate time such as in articulating complex financial information. Research limitations/implications The study focused majorly on cross-sectional research design. Thus, future studies may use longitudinal research design to explore the ability of the poor to memorize and retrieve financial information over time. Additionally, the study used only quantitative data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Further studies may use qualitative data collected by means of interviews. Besides, this study solely used poor households living in rural Uganda as the main source of data. Hence, future studies involving data from other section of the population may be necessary. Practical implications The results from this study underpins the auxiliary psychosomatic roles of procedural and declarative cognitions in promoting financial literacy among clients of microfinance banks in developing countries. Indeed, the human mental models that revolve around cognition as individuals grow are critical in helping them make informed financial decisions when they are faced with difficult financial situations. Therefore, microfinance banks and financial literacy programs in developing countries should consider the roles of procedural and declarative cognitions while designing financial literacy modules. This is because they determine how individuals receive, encode, store and retrieve financial information in order to make informed and better financial decisions before consuming financial products offered by the microfinance banks. Originality/value At present, there is scanty extant literature and theory that explains the auxiliary psychosomatic roles of procedural and declarative cognitions in promoting financial literacy, especially in developing countries. The current study sheds more light on the deterministic roles of procedural and declarative cognitions in boosting financial literacy.

Institutional framing and financial inclusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1727-1744 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
John C. Munene
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Literacy Programs ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion among poor households in Uganda with a specific focus on Mokono district. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), which adopted Analysis of Moment Structures to test for mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion. Findings The results revealed that financial literacy had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion. Furthermore, the results indicated that while institutional framing has a direct effect on financial inclusion, it also exerts an indirect effect through financial literacy. This supports the argument that institutional framing that structure the way how poor households interpret, evaluate, comprehend and make sound financial decisions and choices, is enhanced by knowledge and skills acquired through financial literacy by poor households. Research limitations/implications This study has been limited by adopting only cross-sectional design and quantitative research approach, therefore ignoring longitudinal design and qualitative research approach. Besides, the study uses SEM bootstrap approach and ignores MedGraph method, which is also recommended for testing mediation. Practical implications Since the results suggest that institutional framing of poor households are partially enhanced by financial literacy to increase financial inclusion, policy makers, practitioners and managers of financial institutions should ensure extending financial literacy programs closer to the poor in order to expand the scope of financial inclusion beyond the current sphere. Indeed, financial literacy programs will boost cognitive abilities of poor households resulting into better financial decisions and choices and, hence increase in demand and consumption of financial services. Originality/value The study significantly generates empirical evidence by testing the mediating role of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion using SEM bootstrap approach. The study portrays the influential partial effect of financial literacy in enhancing institutional frames of poor households in order to cause improvement in financial inclusion. Indeed, financial literacy programs that entail acquisition of financial knowledge and skills boost cognitive abilities of poor households to easily interpret, evaluate, comprehend meanings, and take correct decisions and actions on financial matters. The mediating effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion seems to be lacking in literature and theory. Thus, the paper is the first to relate the influential partial effect of financial literacy in the relationship between institutional framing and financial inclusion among poor households, especially in a developing country context.

The optimism-pessimism ratio as predictor of employee creativity: the promise of duality

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arménio Rego ◽  
Miguel Pina e Cunha ◽  
Dálcio Reis Júnior ◽  
Cátia Anastácio ◽  
Moriel Savagnago
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Status ◽  
Single Moment ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study if the employees’ optimism-pessimism ratio predicts their creativity. Design/methodology/approach In total, 134 employees reported their optimism and pessimism, and the respective supervisors described the employees’ creativity. Findings The relationship between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity is curvilinear (inverted U-shaped); beyond a certain level of the optimism-pessimism ratio, the positive relationship between the ratio and creativity weakens, suggesting that the possible positive effects of (high) optimism may be weakened by a very low level of pessimism. Research limitations/implications Being cross-sectional, the study examines neither the causal links between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity nor other plausible causal links. The study was carried out at a single moment and did not capture the dynamics that occur over the course of time involving changes in optimism/pessimism and creativity. Future studies may adopt longitudinal or quasi-experimental designs. Practical implications Managers and organizations must consider that, even though positivity promotes creativity, some level of negativity may help positivity to produce creativity. Originality/value This study suggests that scholars who want to study the antecedents of creativity (and innovation) must be cautious in focusing only on the positive or the negative sides of individuals’ characteristics, and rather they must explore the interplay between both poles. Individuals may experience both positive and negative states/traits (Smith et al., 2016), and this both/and approach may impel them to think divergently, to challenge the status quo and to propose “out the box” and useful ideas.

Analyzing the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion in rural Uganda

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Okello Candiya Bongomin ◽  
John C. Munene ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Charles Akol Malinga
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Institutional Framework ◽  
Main Stream ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the findings on the mediating effect of social network in the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a cross-sectional research design to collect data used to test for mediation under this study. Structural equation model (SEM) through use of bootstrap in the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) was adopted to establish the existence and type of mediation by social network in the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion. Findings Social network had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion. In addition, institutional framework through its regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive pillars also exhibited a significant direct effect on financial inclusion. Besides, social network had a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion. This suggest that there exist both a direct effect of institutional framework on financial inclusion and an indirect effect of institutional framework through social network on financial inclusion. Research limitations/implications While the sample for this study was big enough, it limited itself to only poor households in rural Uganda. Besides, the current study adopted cross-sectional design, thus, leaving out longitudinal design to investigate the characteristics in the sample over time. Practical implications The study makes significant empirical contribution and implications to financial inclusion policy makers on evidence of the critical role played by social network in indirectly enhancing the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion of the poor who are vulnerable to exclusion by main stream financial services’ providers. Originality/value The study recommends that social network, which acts as a conduit through which useful information flow and can be shared, plays a critical role in mediating the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion in rural Uganda. Therefore, the study contributes to existing body of literature by highlighting the mediating influence of social network in the relationship between institutional framework and financial inclusion, especially in rural Uganda.

scholarly journals Inclusive Islamic financial planning: a conceptual framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habib Ahmed ◽  
Ak Md Hasnol Alwee Pg Md Salleh
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Planning ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Social Planner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Poor Households

Purpose This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework of inclusive Islamic financial planning (IFP) by combining the traditional Islamic institutions of zakat and awqaf with contemporary notions of financial planning, financial inclusion and financial literacy that caters to the short-term and long-term financial goals of the poor. Design/methodology/approach Being a conceptual article, an inclusive IFP framework is described, analyzed and developed by integrating modern notions of financial inclusion, financial planning and financial literacy with the concepts of zakat and awqaf. Findings Using the notion of a hierarchy of needs and a financial planning model, an inclusive IFP framework that can be used by the poor is outlined. The complementary role of the non-poor households who provide funds for zakat and awqaf is also identified. Research limitations/implications The applicability of an inclusive IFP would require Islamic financial instruments and products, institutional development and existence of a social planner who can integrate zakat, awqaf and financial planning to serve the financial needs of the poor. Social implications Application of an inclusive IFP that can mitigate poverty would necessitate integrating financial planning skills and knowledge with traditional institutions of zakat and awqaf to provide holistic financial advice and services to the poor households. Originality/value Discussion of financial planning in financial inclusion literature is scant. The paper explores and offers a novel approach of poverty mitigation by utilizing the full spectrum of IFP that considers the financial needs and allows for the creation of a personalized financial plan for low-income households.

scholarly journals Lending terms, financial literacy and formal credit accessibility

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 342-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Korutaro Nkundabanyanga ◽  
Denis Kasozi ◽  
Irene Nalukenge ◽  
Venancio Tauringana
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Commercial Bank ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Bank Lending ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between commercial bank lending terms, financial literacy and access to formal credit by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – In this cross-sectional study, the authors surveyed 384 business owners or managers of SMEs in Uganda. The authors applied confirmatory factor analysis to reduce the number of factors and identify the important elements that capture commercial lending terms, financial literacy and access to formal credit. The authors put forward and tested two hypotheses relating to the significance of the relationship between perceived commercial bank lending terms, financial literacy and access to formal credit using structural equation modelling with analysis of moment structures 18. Findings – The results suggest a positive and significant relationship between perceived commercial bank lending terms, financial literacy and access to formal credit. Moreover, the ANOVA results serendipitously show that access to formal credit varies with type of business and turnover. However, collateral and loan repayment periods are not observed variables for commercial bank lending terms. The most significant observed variable for commercial bank lending terms is interest rates. This, together with financial literacy, explains 31 per cent of the variances in access to formal credit by SMEs in Uganda. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to the SME firms registered and operating in Kampala, Uganda and it is possible that the results are only applicable to these firms in Uganda. Nevertheless, the findings have implications to commercial banks wishing to improve the turnover of their micro-lending schemes. Practical implications – Efforts by the stakeholders to improve financial literacy of SMEs owners and managers must be matched with favourable interest rates if access to formal credit is to be enhanced. Social implications – The findings also have implications for governments aiming at improving access to finance to overcome income inequality problems, and also improve their growth. Originality/value – The results provide initial evidence of the aggregate explanatory power of interest rates and financial literacy for the criterion variable, access to formal credit by SMEs.

scholarly journals The Effects of Financial Literacy, Digital Financial Product Usage and Internet Usage on Financial Inclusion in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 228 ◽  
pp. 05012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Shen ◽  
Wenxiu Hu ◽  
C. James Hueng
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Internet Usage ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Product Usage ◽  
The Relationship

This research study use partial least squares (PLS) to estimate a formative model which analyze effect of financial literacy, digital financial product usage, Internet usage on financial inclusion in mainland China. The study utilize a cross-sectional research design with a sample of 218 individuals from different areas of China participated. The results revealed that financial literacy and digital financial product usage have significant positive relationship with financial inclusion. Digital financial product usage is a mediator of the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion. Thus, digital financial product usage unites the Internet usage plays a multiple mediation role between financial literacy and financial inclusion. In short, the digital financial product usage had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the Internet usage and financial inclusion. The findings indicate that improving the financial literacy of residents and popularizing the Internet usage can promote the use of digital financial products and achieve the goal of advancing financial inclusion.

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