The Effect of Financial Literacy On Gen-Z Crypto Investment Decision Through Herding Behavior As Mediator
The Effect of Financial Literacy On Gen-Z Crypto Investment Decision Through Herding Behavior As Mediator
The Effect of Financial Literacy On Gen-Z Crypto Investment Decision Through Herding Behavior As Mediator
Abstract
Introduction
The proliferation of various investment instruments has stimulated an
increase in the number of investors within the community. Cryptocurrency is a
rapidly developing investment instrument among the public(Joo et al., 2020).
Indonesia is one of the nations witnessing a significant surge in cryptocurrency
investors. In June 2023, over 17 million crypto investors were recorded, marking
a 9.3% increase compared to the preceding period (Statista, 2023). Furthermore,
data released by Statista (2023) indicates that in 2022, Indonesia ranked 20th out
of 146 countries in terms of the fastest cryptocurrency adoption index. Statista's
data for 2023 also reveals that 54.9% of cryptocurrency investors in Indonesia
are aged 18 to 24, 42.5% are aged 25 to 34, and the remainder are 35 years and
older (Statista, 2023). Additionally, Statista elucidates that Generation Z investors
engage in various financial instruments, with cryptocurrency being their preferred
choice (Statista, 2023). This underscores the popularity of cryptocurrency
investments in Indonesian society.
The Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Authority (Bappebti) under the
Ministry of Trade reports that in the second quarter of 2023, the total value of
To cite this article: Arriqoh, D., Zoraya, I. (2024). The effect of financial literacy on Gen-Z crypto
investment decision through herding behavior as mediator. Manajemen dan Bisnis, 23(1) 1-12. 1
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24123/jmb.v23i1.737
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
www.journalmabis.org
2
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
accommodate the relationship between these two variables. In this case, the
mediating variable used is herding behavior. Based on research conducted by
Dehghani et al. (2014), herding behavior tends to reflect the social and emotional
influence on investment decision-making.
The investment decision-making process refers to the cognitive and
emotional process in which an investor selects the most suitable option from
various available scenarios. Investors cannot rely entirely on existing resources
to make investment decisions. Furthermore, unpredictable market anomalies
also have a fundamental impact on investor behavior and overall financial market
performance Woo et al. (2020); Mohanty et al. (2023); Metawa et al. (2019).
Individuals with a high level of financial literacy tend to make more rational
financial decisions, can better identify and assess risks, and become more
financially independent (Dehghani and Sapian, 2014). Moreover, in their
research, Dehghani et al. (2014) state that investors are more aware of
psychological biases and social pressures that can influence financial decisions,
making them more cautious in following herding behavior. Additionally, financial
literacy can help investors recognize the benefits of diversified investment
portfolios and sustainable investments (Bris et al., 2021). Thus, financial literacy
aids individuals in avoiding herding behavior that may not always be financially
beneficial and making financial decisions aligned with their personal goals. This
is also affirmed by previous research conducted by Zaimah et al. (2013),
indicating that financial literacy can significantly influence herding behavior, as
investors with high financial literacy tend to avoid herding behavior.
Investors engaged in herding may disregard independent analysis and rely
on market sentiment (Dehghani and Sapian, 2014; Gupta and Shrivastava,
2022). The consequences include increased investment risk due to concentration
in the same assets, greater market volatility, and instability that can trigger sharp
price fluctuations (Kengatharan, 2014). Furthermore, Kengatharan (2014)
explains in their research that herding can also lead to the abandonment of
diversification, disrupt accurate evaluations, and cause delays in responding to
market changes. To avoid these negative impacts, conduct independent analysis,
understand investment assets, and have an investment plan based on personal
goals and risk tolerance (Ainia & Lutfi, 2019). In other words, a high level of
financial literacy can help individuals recognize herding behavior and make more
rational and informed investment decisions. This is also confirmed by previous
research conducted by Gupta et al. (2022), Kengatharan (2014), and Ainia & Lutfi
(2019), which shows that herding behavior can lead individuals to follow market
trends or others' actions without deep consideration, resulting in investment
decisions that are not always rational and independent, potentially increasing
market risk and volatility and hindering optimal portfolio diversification.
This study aims to fill this void by focusing on cryptocurrency investment
decision-making in Indonesia. Another reason that sets this research apart is that
very few studies consider behavioral biases (such as overconfidence bias, first-
thinking bias, and representativeness bias) in the relationship between financial
literacy and investment decision-making. Therefore, this study is expected to
address theoretical gaps by investigating the mediating effects of herding
behavior in financial behavior (Bikhchandani et al., 2001). The primary goal of
this research is to explore the influence of financial literacy on investment
www.journalmabis.org
3
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
www.journalmabis.org
4
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
information for this study were gathered from primary sources using an online
questionnaire based on Google Forms, with assistance from social media
platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram for
distribution. The research was conducted in the Bengkulu Province. The data
analysis method utilized is Smart PLS3, involving both the outer and inner
models. The outer model encompasses convergent validity, discriminant validity,
and reliability, while the inner model includes R-Square and hypothesis testing
for significance. Figure 1 below identifies the influence of financial literacy and
herding on cryptocurrency investment decisions among Gen Z and whether
herding can mediate the impact of financial literacy on cryptocurrency investment
decisions among Gen Z.
The population under investigation in this study comprises cryptocurrency
investors residing in Bengkulu. The sample for this research consists of
Generation Z investors with experience in cryptocurrency investments within the
Bengkulu region. The sample selection technique employed here is purposive
sampling, wherein the selection of samples is based on predetermined criteria
set by the researcher. The requirements for the sample in this study encompass
respondents who engage in cryptocurrency investments, fall within the age range
of 17 to 26 years, and are domiciled in the city of Bengkulu.
www.journalmabis.org
5
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
www.journalmabis.org
6
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
www.journalmabis.org
7
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
Table 4 presents the R-Square values about the variable 'herding' (Z),
influenced by financial literacy (X), which amounts to 0.542. Furthermore, for the
variable 'investment decision' (Y), influenced by both the variables 'financial
literacy' and 'herding,' the R-Square value stands at 0.593. These findings
indicate that the variable Z, influenced by the variable X, is equivalent to 5.4%,
and the variable Y, influenced by both the variables X and Z, is equivalent to
5.9%.
Hypothesis testing in Partial Least Squares (PLS) is conducted using
bootstrapping. The purpose of bootstrapping tests is also to mitigate data non-
normality. The results of the model testing with bootstrapping can be observed in
Table 5.
Based on the test results, it is known that the path coefficient is 0.736 with
a p-value of 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This result demonstrates that financial
literacy has a positive influence on herding. Financial Literacy's Impact on Gen Z
Crypto Investment Decisions Based on the test results, it is known that the path
coefficient is 0.222 with a p-value of 0.024, which is less than 0.05. This result
confirms that financial literacy positively impacts Gen Z's crypto investment
www.journalmabis.org
8
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
decisions. This finding aligns with the study by Fujiki (2021), which found a
positive relationship between financial literacy and crypto investment decisions.
However, this result differs from the findings of Zhao & Zhang (2021b), who
discovered a negative relationship between financial literacy and crypto
investment ownership. Hence, based on the analysis results, it is evident that the
path coefficient is equal to 0.736, with a p-value of 0.000, which is less than 0.05.
These findings substantiate that financial literacy exerts a positive influence on
herding behavior.
Based on the test results, it is known that the path coefficient is 0.592 with
a p-value of 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This result proves that herding
positively impacts Gen Z's crypto investment decisions. This finding aligns with
the study by Veerasingam & Teoh (2023), which found a significant positive
influence of herding on crypto investment decisions. Research conducted by
Kourtidis et al. (2011) and Sood et al. (2023) also found that herding can affect
investment decisions. Furthermore, based on the test results, it is known that the
path coefficient is 0.436 with a p-value of 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This
result demonstrates that herding can mediate the relationship between financial
literacy and Gen Z crypto investment decisions.
Discussion
This study delves into the dynamics between financial literacy and heuristic
bias in the investment decisions of Generation Z, particularly in the context of
cryptocurrencies. The research findings underscore the pivotal role of financial
literacy, which accounts for a substantial 80.8% of the variation in investment
decisions. Financial literacy is a critical tool that empowers individuals to make
well-informed financial choices. The study presents four hypotheses, delving into
the relationships between financial literacy, herding, and investment decisions. It
confirms that financial literacy directly and positively impacts investment
decisions, consistent with previous research. Moreover, herding, encompassing
behaviors like overconfidence and anchoring, also directly influences investment
choices.
A noteworthy finding is that herding mediates the relationship between
financial literacy and investment decisions, suggesting that individuals with a firm
grasp of financial concepts can leverage herding effectively to enhance their
investment choices. Moreover, if members of Generation Z observe a significant
number of their peers making similar investment choices, they may be inclined to
follow suit, even if they possess varying levels of financial literacy. Going deeper,
this herding behavior among Generation Z individuals creates a social influence
dynamic, where the decisions of others become a prominent factor in shaping
their own investment choices. In this context, herding serves as a mediating
mechanism by which the collective actions of the peer group influence and
potentially override the individual's level of financial literacy. Consequently,
despite possessing diverse financial knowledge, the observed investment
patterns within their social circle can significantly impact Generation Z's crypto
investment decisions, highlighting the intricate interplay between social
dynamics, financial literacy, and investment behavior in the cryptocurrency
market. This study carries implications, highlighting the significance of financial
literacy in mitigating herding and ultimately improving investment outcomes. It
www.journalmabis.org
9
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
Conclusion
Based on the analysis conducted, it is evident that financial literacy has a positive
and significant impact on Gen Z crypto investment decisions. Similarly, herding positively
and significantly impacts Gen Z crypto investment decisions. Furthermore, financial
literacy has a positive and significant impact on herding. Additional research findings
indicate that herding can mediate the relationship between financial literacy and Gen Z
crypto investment decisions. The sample and research design chosen are believed to be
sufficient to achieve the research objectives. However, this study is susceptible to
various challenges like any other research. One of these is that the study only covers the
Bengkulu City region. Future research can include other areas and states, as crypto
investors, especially Gen Z, may have different decision-making perspectives in different
regions. For future research, it would be beneficial to combine and expand the sample
size of Gen Z crypto investors and extend the study to include other regions to accurately
depict the overall phenomenon of Gen Z crypto investment decisions in the Bengkulu
Province. Also, consider incorporating additional control variables, such as demographic
factors, economic conditions, and market sentiment, to understand better herding
behavior's influence on investment decisions. Lastly, this study recommends that future
researchers investigate the role of technology and social media platforms in facilitating
herding behavior and shaping investment decisions among Generation Z individuals.
Acknowledgments
In preparing this article, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all parties
who have played a role in creating this article. I want to extend my utmost respect to the
professors and mentors who have provided guidance and profound insights, assisting
me in navigating the complexity of the material and pushing me to reach my maximum
potential.
Indeed, inseparable from their crucial role is the support from my parents and
family. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement, and unwavering financial support that
have tirelessly been given, helping materialize this educational journey. This success
would not have been possible without all parties' involvement and full support. I hope this
article can provide benefit and inspiration to others and serve as a form of appreciation
for the valuable contributions of every individual involved. Once again, thank you to
everyone who has played a role in the success of this article.
References
Abdin, Syed Zain ul, Omer Farooq, Naheed Sultana, and Mariam Farooq. (2017). The
Impact of Heuristics on Investment Decision and Performance: Exploring Multiple
Mediation Mechanisms. Research in International Business and Finance 42
(December). Elsevier Ltd: 674–88. doi:10.1016/j.ribaf.2017.07.010.
Adil, Mohd, Yogita Singh, and Mohd Shamim Ansari. (2022). How Financial Literacy
Moderate the Association between Behaviour Biases and Investment Decision?
Asian Journal of Accounting Research 7 (1): 17–30. doi:10.1108/AJAR-09-2020-
0086.
Ainia, N. S. N., & Lutfi, L. (2019). The influence of risk perception, risk tolerance,
overconfidence, and loss aversion towards investment decision making. Journal of
Economics, Business, & Accountancy Ventura, 21(3), 401-413. doi:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5890/4ca9ea7f5f8f4d0258c770b92d1769130193
.pdf
www.journalmabis.org
10
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
Ayu Wulandari, D., & Iramani, Rr. (2014). Studi Experienced Regret, Risk Tolerance,
Overconfidance dan Risk Perception pada Pengambilan Keputusan Investasi.
Journal of Business and Banking, 4(1), 55.
doi:https://doi.org/10.14414/jbb.v4i1.293
Bapebti. (2023). Laporan Kinerja 2022. Badan Pengawas Perdangangan Berjangka
Komoditi.
https://www.bappebti.go.id/resources/docs/Lapkin%20Bappebti%202022.pdf
Barthel, A. C., & Lei, S. (2021). Investment in financial literacy and financial advice-
seeking: Substitutes or complements? Quarterly Review of Economics and
Finance, 81, 385–396. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qref.2021.06.020
Bikhchandani, S., Sharma, S., Chami, R., Felli, L., Flood, B., Hirshleifer, D., Hauswald,
R., Khan, M., Kodres, L., Mody, A., Montiel, P., Nsouli, S., Pradhan, M., Richards,
T., Welch, I., Wermers, R., & Wong, C. H. (2001). Herd Behavior in Financial
Markets. International Monetary Fund.
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/staffp/2001/01/pdf/bikhchan.pdf
Frimpong, Stephanie Efua, Gloria Agyapong, and Daniel Agyapong. (2022). Financial
Literacy, Access to Digital Finance and Performance of SMEs: Evidence From
Central Region of Ghana. Cogent Economics and Finance 10 (1)
doi:10.1080/23322039.2022.2121356.
Fujiki, H. (2021). Crypto asset ownership, financial literacy, and investment experience.
Applied Economics, 53(39), 4560–4581.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2021.1904125
Gupta, Shilpi, and Monica Shrivastava. (2022). Herding and Loss Aversion in Stock
Markets: Mediating Role of Fear of Missing out (FOMO) in Retail Investors.
International Journal of Emerging Markets 17 (7),1720–37. doi:10.1108/IJOEM-08-
2020-0933.
Hossain, T., & Siddiqua, P. (2022). Exploring the influence of behavioral aspects on stock
investment decision-making: a study on Bangladeshi individual investors. PSU
Research Review. doi:10.1108/PRR- 10-2021-0054.
Kasoga, Pendo Shukrani. (2021). Heuristic Biases and Investment Decisions: Multiple
Mediation Mechanisms of Risk Tolerance and Financial Literacy—a Survey at the
Tanzania Stock Market. Journal of Money and Business 1 (2). Emerald: 102–16.
doi:10.1108/jmb-10-2021-0037.
Kengatharan, L., & Kengatharan, N. (2014). The Influence of Behavioral Factors in
Making Investment Decisions and Performance: Study on Investors of Colombo
Stock Exchange, Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting, 6(1), 1.
https://doi.org/10.5296/ajfa.v6i1.4893
Kourtidis, D., Šević, Ž., & Chatzoglou, P. (2011). Investors' trading activity: A behavioural
perspective and empirical results. Journal of Socio-Economics, 40(5), 548–557.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2011.04.008
Metawa, Noura, M. Kabir Hassan, Saad Metawa, and M. Faisal Safa. (2019). Impact of
Behavioral Factors on Investors' Financial Decisions: Case of the Egyptian Stock
Market. International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and
Management 12 (1), 30–55. doi:10.1108/IMEFM-12- 2017-0333
Mohanty, Stutee. (2023). Cognitive Biases and Financial Decisions of Potential Investors
during Covid-19: An Exploration. Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research. Emerald
Publishing. doi:10.1108/AGJSR-12-2022-0296.
Ngoc, L. T. B. (2013). Behavior Pattern of Individual Investors in Stock Market.
International Journal of Business and Management, 9(1).
https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v9n1p1
www.journalmabis.org
11
Manajemen dan Bisnis, Volume 23, No 1 (March 2024)
Sekita、vikas, S., & Ogaki, K. (2018). Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series Wealth,
Financial Literacy and Behavioral Biases: Evidence from Japan.
doi:https://ies.keio.ac.jp/en/publications/10616/
Shiller, R. J. (2003). From Efficient Markets Theory to Behavioral Finance. In Journal of
Economic Perspectives (Vol. 17). doi:10.1257/089533003321164967
Sood, K., Pathak, P., Jain, J., & Gupta, S. (2023). Gauging investors' investment
decisions in the crypto market through the PRISM of behavioral biases: a fuzzy
AHP approach. International Journal of Emerging Markets.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-02-2022-0263
Statista. (2023). Distribution of cryptocurrency investors in Indonesia in 2023, by age
group. doi:https://www.statista.com/statistics/1294784/indonesia-age-distribution-
of-cryptocurrency-investors/
Ul Abdin, Syed Zain, Fiza Qureshi, Jawad Iqbal, and Sayema Sultana. (2022).
Overconfidence Bias and Investment Performance: A Mediating Effect of Risk
Propensity. Borsa Istanbul Review 22 (4). Borsa Istanbul Anonim Sirketi: 780–93.
doi:10.1016/j.bir.2022.03.001.
Veerasingam, N., & Teoh, A. P. (2023). Modeling cryptocurrency investment decision:
evidence from Islamic emerging market. Journal of Islamic Marketing, 14(7), 1817–
1835. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIMA-07-2021-0234Weixiang, Sun, Md
Qamruzzaman, Wang Rui, and Rajnish Kler. (2022a). “An Empirical Assessment
of Financial Literacy and Behavioral Biases on Investment Decision: Fresh
Evidence from Small Investor Perception.” Frontiers in Psychology 13
(September). Frontiers Media S.A. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.977444.
Weixiang, Sun, Md Qamruzzaman, Wang Rui, and Rajnish Kler. (2022b). An Empirical
Assessment of Financial Literacy and Behavioral Biases on Investment Decision:
Fresh Evidence from Small Investor Perception. Frontiers in Psychology 13.
doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.977444.
Woo, K. Y., Mai, C., McAleer, M., & Wong, W. K. (2020). Review on efficiency and
anomalies in stock markets. Economies, 8(1), 20.
https://doi.org/10.3390/economies8010020
Zhao, H., & Zhang, L. (2021a). Financial literacy or investment experience: which is more
influential in cryptocurrency investment? International Journal of Bank Marketing,
39(7), 1208–1226. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-11-2020-0552
Zhao, H., & Zhang, L. (2021b). Financial literacy or investment experience: which is more
influential in cryptocurrency investment? International Journal of Bank Marketing,
39(7), 1208–1226. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-11-2020-0552.
www.journalmabis.org
12