Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8695-8583

Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

DBA

College

College of Business and Economics

Department

Accounting

Committee Chair

Christian Schaupp

Committee Member

Scott Fleming

Committee Member

Daniel Bonneau

Committee Member

Jack Dorminey

Abstract

Recent transactions within the financial services industry have seen an uptick in credit unions acquiring traditional community banks. Between the years 2020 and 2024, there were 64 announced bank mergers and acquisitions by Credit Unions, and this trend is expected to continue (S&P, 2025). As there are fundamental differences between credit unions and traditional community banks, the question arises, “How will consumer confidence and trust be affected by these mergers and acquisitions?”

This dissertation investigated how consumer trust would be affected by their propensity to trust others (Disposition to Trust), their perception of the financial services industry (Institution-Based Trust), their perception of Credit Unions (Trusting Beliefs), and their intentions to continue as a credit union client following a merger or acquisition (Trusting Intentions). The research was conducted by surveying multiple respondents, who were United States citizens and at least 18 years old, about various questions which fell into the four trusting categories. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to build a model to test the outcomes of the survey questions.

The research results indicated that there was a significant predictability factor between an individuals’ propensity to trust others (Disposition to Trust) and their perception of the financial services industry (Institution-Based Trust), and a marginal predictability factor between an individuals’ propensity to trust others (Disposition to Trust) and their perception of Credit Unions (Trusting Beliefs). As for the other trusting categories, there were no predictability factors. Thus, this dissertation has shown, depending upon an individual’s propensity to trust, their perceptions of the financial services industry and credit unions will align. There seems to be no causal relationship between an individual’s perception within the financial services industry and credit unions and their decision to be a credit union client following a merger or acquisition. This research contributes to the understanding of the financial services industry and how the industry can view the outcomes of potential mergers and acquisitions, particularly when a credit union acquires a traditional community bank.

Download

Included in

Accounting Commons

Share

COinS