Employee perspectives of service quality in the supermarket sector

Abstract

Purpose

Internal organisational aspects of service delivery from the employee's perspective have received some attention in the literature. However, there is a need for more detailed empirical research to explore the possible impacts of specific internal service factors (ISFs) on service quality. This paper seeks to consider the overall influence of customer‐employee interactions, and to discuss and test empirically the relative influence of five ISFs that interface with internal marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected from a sample (n=202) of supermarket employees across a large metropolitan city. The data analysis used bivariate correlations, stepwise regression, and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The main research findings, from the employee perceptions of service quality, suggest that there are three main predictor variables, namely, service orientation, service role flexibility, and non‐standardised scripted behaviour. The most important internal service quality predictor variable is employees' service orientation attitude, followed by non‐standardised scripted service behaviour and third by the organisational policy to adopt and change (flexible) service roles.

Research limitations/implications

The research needs to be expanded by investigating simultaneously the viewpoints about service quality by managers and actual consumers.

Practical implications

Retail marketing managers need to be mindful that ISFs have the potential to indirectly influence consumer perceptions through employee behaviours and perceptions of customers' needs. The five ISFs identified in this research can serve as a basis for differentiating a service brand.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of five internal service success factors that influence service quality.

Citation

Vella, P.J., Gountas, J. and Walker, R. (2009), "Employee perspectives of service quality in the supermarket sector", Journal of Services Marketing, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 407-421. https://doi.org/10.1108/08876040910985870