Critical services dimensions: an empirical investigation across six industries
International Journal of Service Industry Management
ISSN: 0956-4233
Article publication date: 1 August 1998
Abstract
Analyzing over 800 critical incidents across six service industries this study finds that responsiveness, courtesy/understanding the customer and communication frequently function as satisfiers driving the occurrence of positive incidents. Lack of competence, credibility and, particularly, reliability function as dissatisfiers driving the occurrence of negative incidents. Two generic dimensions emerge from multiple correspondence analysis: service system versus service people, and customer initiative versus employee initiative. The service system is associated with negative incidents, and service people with positive incidents. Substantial differences between service industries in antecedents of critical incidents emerge. Implications and recommendations for service delivery design and management are offered.
Keywords
Citation
Wels‐Lips, I., van der Ven, M. and Pieters, R. (1998), "Critical services dimensions: an empirical investigation across six industries", International Journal of Service Industry Management, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 286-309. https://doi.org/10.1108/09564239810223583
Publisher
:MCB UP Ltd
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited