Examining the role of institutional framework in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies: Evidence from rural Uganda

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies with a specific focus on rural Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a total sample of 400 respondents who are clients of promotion of rural initiatives development enterprises microfinance deposit-taking institution using a questionnaire and analysis of moment structures (AMOS) was adopted to analyze the data to examine the role of institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies with a specific focus on rural Uganda.

Findings

The results indicated that institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive significantly and positively promotes financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies, especially in rural Uganda. The existence of institutional framework of regulative (codified rules and laws), normative (shared beliefs/values and norms), and cultural-cognitive (shared conception and interpretation) promotes financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in rural Uganda. The structural equation model constructed by use of AMOS revealed that the institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive explains 27 per cent of the variation on the role of microfinance deposit-taking institutions in promoting financial literacy in rural Uganda.

Research limitations/implications

This study was purely cross-sectional with data collected at a specific point in time. Therefore, future studies through longitudinal research design can be adopted to test for the hypotheses derived under this study. In addition, only quantitative data collected by use of a semi-structured questionnaire was used in this study. Further studies may consider the use of interviews to get in-depth responses from the respondents.

Practical implications

Advocates of financial literacy programs in developing economies should consider the existence of institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive, which helps in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions. Indeed, the existence of state legislation to teach people about how to manage their money can promote financial literacy. Besides, normative behavior among individuals within a social setting can lead to increased likelihood that they will engage and participate in a particular financial literacy drive. Correspondingly, cognition, especially fluid intelligence that changes as people age may also help individuals to invoke several dimensions of cognitive skills to make informed financial decisions.

Originality/value

The current study adds to the existing body of knowledge by examining the role of institutional framework of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies. There is deficiency in the link between the institutional framework under the theory of institutions and financial literacy, especially in developing economies where there is great need for financial literacy among the poor.

Citation

Okello Candiya Bongomin, G. and Munene, J.C. (2020), "Examining the role of institutional framework in promoting financial literacy by microfinance deposit-taking institutions in developing economies: Evidence from rural Uganda", Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 16-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRC-12-2018-0158