The Impact of Electronic Banking on Financial Inclusion: An Exploratory Study of the Views of a Sample of Employees in Private Commercial Banks in Iraq

Abstract

The research aims to demonstrate the impact of electronic banking on financial inclusion among a sample of employees of private commercial banks in Iraq. The research adopted a main problem: Is there a statistically significant impact at the significance level (α≤0.05) for electronic banking on financial inclusion? And the research adopted the main hypothesis that there is a statistically significant impact between electronic banking and financial inclusion. To achieve this goal, the research adopted the descriptive analytical approach by designing a questionnaire to collect information from a random sample distributed among employees in private commercial banks, and its size was (51) individuals. The questionnaire included questions distributed over the independent research variables (electronic banking) and the dependent variable (dimensions of financial inclusion). Then, by relying on the SPSS statistical program, the specific data were obtained and the research variables were diagnosed by adopting the regression equation coefficient to demonstrate the impact between the two variables. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the two variables as part of the analytical study. The research results showed a significant statistical impact of e-banking on aspects of financial inclusion, especially with regard to access to and use of financial services. The statistical analysis, at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05, confirms the importance of e-banking in increasing the level of financial inclusion and improving the quality of financial services. These results indicate that the application of financial technology can have a significant positive impact on enhancing financial inclusion. While the most important proposals were the need to develop educational and awareness programs for the community on the safe and effective use of electronic financial services, in order to improve the level of awareness and confidence in these technologies. Banks and relevant authorities should also provide a safe and secure environment for electronic financial transactions, including the application of the latest security technologies and enhancing supervision and monitoring