Abstract
When searching for quality childcare, the best childcare reviews can provide invaluable insights for parents in selecting childcare for their children. These reviews can highlight parents' experiences in using childcare and also shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of childcare centers. The study’s purpose was to determine the impact of customer reviews on perceived risk, with technology innovation as a mediator. The study used a quantitative approach in data collection and 385 questionnaires were distributed to working mothers across four zones in Peninsular Malaysia. The research instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions for the variable CR (Customer Review), 5 questions for TI (Technology Innovation), and 6 questions for PR (Perceived Risk). The collected data were processed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the analysis results, customer review was revealed to negatively and significantly affect perceived risk (β = -0.083, p = 0.030), but positively affect technology innovation (β = 0.419, p < 0.000). Also, technology innovation was revealed to have a significant mediating effect on customer review and perceived risk (β = -0.294, p = 0.000), which shows that customer review can be more effective in lowering perceived risk when integrated with technology innovation. Therefore, the contribution of technology innovation as a mediator can lower perceived risks in monitoring unregistered childcare centers. Future studies could explore other mediating and moderating variables, such as government regulation or parental experience with childcare centers.
Keywords
- Customer Review Search this journal for Customer Review (opens in a new tab)
- Technology Innovation Search this journal for Technology Innovation (opens in a new tab)
- Perceived Risk Search this journal for Perceived Risk (opens in a new tab)
- Childcare Services Search this journal for Childcare Services (opens in a new tab)
- PLS- SEM Search this journal for PLS- SEM (opens in a new tab)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Farah Ain Abd Shukor, Norlaile Salleh Hudin, Nur Shahira Ahmad, Wan Salmuni Wan Mustaffa (Author)

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Keywords
- Customer Review Search this journal for Customer Review (opens in a new tab)
- Technology Innovation Search this journal for Technology Innovation (opens in a new tab)
- Perceived Risk Search this journal for Perceived Risk (opens in a new tab)
- Childcare Services Search this journal for Childcare Services (opens in a new tab)
- PLS- SEM Search this journal for PLS- SEM (opens in a new tab)
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Vol. 17 No. 2(I) (2025)
Digital Economy, Workforce Transitions & Public Health
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