Assessing the Impact of Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Transparency on Consumer Trust

Thesis Abstract

The increasing prevalence of blockchain technology within supply chain management has prompted a critical examination of its potential to enhance transparency and subsequently influence consumer trust. Despite growing adoption, empirical evidence on the extent to which blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency impacts consumer perceptions remains limited, thus necessitating a rigorous investigation to inform both academic understanding and practical implementation. This study aims to assess the impact of blockchain-based supply chain transparency on consumer trust, with specific objectives to evaluate consumer perceptions of transparency, measure the relationship between blockchain transparency and trust levels, and identify key factors mediating this relationship. Employing a quantitative research paradigm, the study adopted a descriptive correlational research design to systematically examine the relationships among variables. The target population comprised consumers who regularly purchase products with documented supply chain transparency features implemented via blockchain technology within a nationwide context. A sample size of 400 consumers was determined using Cochran’s formula to ensure statistical representativeness, and participants were selected through stratified random sampling to account for demographic diversity. Data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire developed from validated scales, measuring constructs such as perceptions of supply chain transparency, perceived credibility of blockchain technology, and trust in brands. To ensure content validity, the instrument was subjected to expert review, while reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha yielded coefficients exceeding 0.-eight across all scales. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to ascertain the influence of blockchain transparency on consumer trust, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret open-ended responses illuminating consumer perceptions. The anticipated findings suggest that blockchain-based supply chain transparency positively correlates with consumer trust, with perceived credibility of blockchain technology serving as a significant mediating factor. The study expects to identify demographic variables—such as age, education level, and technological familiarity—that moderate the transparency-trust relationship. These insights are expected to underscore the importance of technological literacy and perceived authenticity in fostering consumer confidence through blockchain-enabled transparency mechanisms. The findings are anticipated to contribute to existing knowledge by empirically establishing the link between technological transparency and consumer trust, advancing the theoretical framework of trust in digital supply chains as articulated through the Theory of Trust and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This research offers valuable implications for supply chain managers, marketing strategists, and policymakers by highlighting the critical elements that enhance consumer trust via blockchain transparency. The study underscores the necessity for companies to invest in consumer education initiatives that bolster perceptions of blockchain credibility and authenticity. Furthermore, it advocates for the integration of consumer feedback mechanisms within blockchain platforms to continually enhance transparency and trust. Future research directions may include longitudinal studies to evaluate the durability of trust over time and cross-cultural analyses to explore variability in consumer responses across different geographic contexts. In conclusion, this study will provide empirical evidence demonstrating that blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency significantly elevates consumer trust, mediated by perceptions of credibility and authenticity. The recommendations emphasize adopting transparent communication strategies, investing in consumer education, and ensuring technological reliability to maximize consumer confidence. The research not only fills existing literature gaps but also offers a practical blueprint for leveraging blockchain technology to foster greater transparency and trust in contemporary supply chains.