Actual Use, Satisfaction, and Quality Factors' Impacts on Virtual Youth Programs' Net Benefits

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship of quality factors on net benefits of virtual youth programs, including satisfaction and actual use as mediating role between quality factors and net benefits among young people participating in virtual programs in UAE.

Design/method/approach – A survey research to verify the quality of virtual youth programs model was designed. Data collected through questionnaire from 378 young people participating in virtual programs at a government youth institution in the United Arab Emirates using systematic random sampling were considered for the survey. Partial least squares structural modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to validate the measurement model and structural model.

Findings – The results of the study revealed that there is a positive relationship between (program quality, instructor quality and user efficacy) and satisfaction. Likewise (system quality and instructor quality) have a great and positive relationship with actual use. There is also a positive, statistically significant relationship between satisfaction and both (actual use and net benefits). And another positive relationship between actual use and net benefit. Satisfaction mediates the relationship between (program quality, instructor quality and user efficacy) and actual use. Finally, it was verified that actual use mediates the relationship between satisfaction and net benefits.

Practical Implications - This study will help decision-makers in organizations that provide young people with virtual programs to understand the relationship between quality factors, actual use, and satisfaction over the net benefit, which supports increasing the output of the programs and fostering a distinguished youth generation.

Originality/value – This study contributes to knowledge of virtual program management by proposing a model for managing virtual programs specifically directed to youth.