Exploring the mediating roles of social networks and trust in the blockchain-social sustainability nexus

• Published in: Journal of economic policy reform Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 293 - 315
• Main Authors: Dadhich, Manish, Opoku-Mensah, Evans, Kant Hiran, Kamal, Akwasi Gyamfi, Bright, Tuffour, Priscilla, Mahmoud, Ajara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02-07-2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Blockchain; Blockchain technology; Capacity building approach; India; Mediation; Policy making; Social networks; Social sustainability; social trust; Sustainability; Technology; India
• ISSN: 1748-7870; 1748-7889
• DOI: 10.1080/17487870.2024.2364649

Although blockchain technology has the potential to enhance social sustainability, less is known about how this improvement occurs. This study has focused on I.T firms and investigated the interrelationship among blockchain technology, social networks, social trust, and social sustainability. Our results show that blockchain does not directly influence social sustainability unless mediated by social networks and trust. Policymakers should invest in capacity-building programs to educate and train stakeholders on the potential benefits and challenges of blockchain technology, as well as foster strong social networks and build trust among individuals and organizations involved in blockchain initiatives, to maximize the transformative potential of blockchain for social sustainability outcomes.