Are You Ready To Embrace New Technology? Accounting Practitioners In Malaysia

The objective of this study is to investigate the readiness (optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, insecurity and overall Technology Readiness Index) among accounting practitioners in Malaysia. Specifically, this study has identified accounting practitioners’ intention to adopt any type of new technology. In addition, this study has examined the difference in technology readiness among gender, age, level of education and profession. This study employed a questionnaire survey to gather 518 accounting practitioners from a different profession in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor). In relation to readiness, accounting practitioners also seem to be optimistic in knowing any new technology. With regard to the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) factors, there are no significant differences among accounting practitioners across gender. But there are significant differences with regards to the accounting practitioners' age, level of education and profession on optimism, insecurity and partial difference for overall readiness. Thus, demographic characteristics could also impact TRI factors. Further study should consider specific technology and profession to examine the real issue regarding the technology acceptance within an accounting perspective

Brand image benefits and halal destination loyalty: Are they truly linked?

The HALAL tourism is flourishing in its own right as an industry, where Malaysia is the world's leading Halal industry with Halal tourism destination making a significant contribution to overall economic growth. However, to secure this reputable image Malaysia has to build a strong brand image groundwork for future sustainability. By obtaining a combination of brand image benefits and destination loyalty model, this study, therefore, aims to examine whether there is a significant relationship between brand image benefits (i.e. symbolic, functional, social, and experiential benefits) and destination loyalty among tourists visiting Malaysia as a brand of Halal tourism destination. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information from 300 selected respondents and analyzed it using Smart PLS. Results revealed that symbolic, functional, and experiential benefits have a significant relationship with destination loyalty among tourists visiting Malaysia. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed and the future improvement of the research is suggested