Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of perceived income security (IS), materialistic values and socially driven aspirations on the financial well-being (FWB) of young Indian adults. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was designed using available scales for FWB and materialism. Questions were incorporated to measure social comparison and IS. A structural equation approach using data from 327 respondents was used to test a hypothesized model of FWB. Findings The IS has the largest positive effect, while unemployment has the largest negative effect on FWB. Overt materialism (OM) negatively affects FWB. Socially motivated aspirations have an indirect negative effect mediated by OM. Among demographic variables, income, education and stable employment increase FWB. Males have lower levels of FWB. Research limitations/implications The data includes 327 respondents that were polled using convenience sampling. The results may not be generalizable to India at large. Social implications A common consideration when choosing a job is the salary. However, we find that IS affects subsequent FWB to a much greater extent than income level and materialistic aspirations. Originality/value This is the first study to look at the relative importance of materialistic aspirations vs IS in determining FWB. The results will help policy makers in devising policies and financial service providers in designing products and services that will increase the FWB of Indians.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand Indian tourists’ perceptions of Airbnb compared to other hospitality options, and the factors driving their purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach An integrated model for purchase intention was conceptualized based on the theory of planned behavior and social exchange theory. Constructs such as trust, authenticity, travel innovativeness, price sensitivity and effort expectancy were included based on a survey of the literature. Structural equation models were built using survey data. Respondent ranking of different criteria for Airbnb vs its competitors were aggregated using Borda count method. Findings Price is the most important criteria across hospitality choices, including Airbnb, except high-end hotels. Facilities, home-like feeling, trust and friendly service were important for Airbnb. Consumer expectations from Airbnb are similar to homestays, mid-range and budget hotels and different from resorts and high-range hotels. In the theory of planned behavior model, trust in Airbnb and perceived authenticity had large significant positive effects on purchase intention, mediated by attitude. Social norms and effort expectancy had direct positive effects on behavioral intentions. Price sensitivity had a direct small negative effect on purchase intention. Overall, fit of the model was within acceptable parameters. Originality/value Despite being an important emerging market, Airbnb in India has not been covered by studies of consumer behavior. This paper fills that research gap. Airbnb’s main competitors are home-stays and mid-range hotels. Building trust, creating authentic experiences and ensuring price competitiveness will drive adoption.

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