Building blocks of financial inclusion through customer experience value at financial touchpoints in Southern Africa
International Journal of Bank Marketing
ISSN: 0265-2323
Article publication date: 29 April 2021
Issue publication date: 8 June 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine customer experience value orchestrated by non-banks' financial touchpoints to understand how they enhance the financial inclusion of low-income consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
Two independent but related studies were conducted using qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) research design with semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast customer experience value at two rural locations in Southern Africa. The interview transcripts were analysed using ATLAS.ti, which is a powerful operating system for analysing qualitative data.
Findings
The results indicate that non-banks in the two countries design financial services that include functional, economic, humanic, social and mechanic customer experience value dimensions.
Research limitations/implications
The data for this study was collected from financial services customers of retailers and mobile phone network operators in only one research setting in each country. Further research could extend the comparative context for qualitative studies across similar markets. Other limitations are discussed in the paper.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the salient and germane dimensions and components found to be important in understanding financial inclusion using customer experience value. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that incorporates customer experience value dimensions in understanding the financial inclusion of low-income consumers at the base of the social and economic pyramid in emerging markets.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the funding and support received from La Trobe University (Australia) which made this research possible.
Citation
Sithole, N., Sullivan Mort, G. and D'Souza, C. (2021), "Building blocks of financial inclusion through customer experience value at financial touchpoints in Southern Africa", International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 360-380. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-07-2020-0409
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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