"A Comprehensive Study to Understand the Influence of Digital Payment Preferences on Consumer Behavior, Employee Productivity, and Financial Inclusion in Major Cities of Madhya Pradesh"

Abstract

The rapid adoption of digital payment systems has significantly influenced consumer behavior, employee productivity, and financial inclusion, particularly in emerging economies like India. This study explores the impact of digital payment preferences in major cities of Madhya Pradesh—Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. A structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from 166 participants, and the Chi-Square Test was employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that digital payments enhance consumer purchasing behavior by increasing convenience and trust, improve employee productivity by reducing cash-handling time and streamlining salary processing, and contribute to financial inclusion by facilitating access to banking services for low-income groups. However, challenges such as security concerns, digital literacy gaps, and infrastructure limitations persist. The study highlights the need for policy interventions and financial literacy programs to promote widespread digital payment adoption. Future research can focus on sector-specific implications and long-term behavioral shifts driven by digital transactions.