Understanding the purchase intention towards remanufactured product in closed-loop supply chains: An empirical study in China
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 4 November 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the reasons underlying the key assumption in the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) literature that consumers' purchase intention is lower for remanufactured products than for new products. It aims to complement the predominantly operation-focused CLSC research by examining consumers' perception of and behavior relating to remanufactured products.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model is developed by integrating the concepts of perceived benefits and product knowledge with the theory of planned behavior and the theory of perceived risk. Then the model is examined through an empirical study in the Chinese automobile spare parts industry involving 288 respondents and using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results indicate that purchase intention is directly influenced by purchase attitude followed by perceived behavioral control and indirectly influenced by perceived risk, perceived benefit and product knowledge via attitude. Therefore, effective measures to promote consumers' purchase intention rely on coordinated policies built on multiple pillars instead of single factors.
Originality/value
This is one of the first empirical studies to explore the factors that underpin consumers' purchase intention regarding remanufactured products. The results can be used to validate the key assumptions in operational models and foster new research in the context of CLSCs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is funded by “the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China”.
Citation
Wang, Y., Wiegerinck, V., Krikke, H. and Zhang, H. (2013), "Understanding the purchase intention towards remanufactured product in closed-loop supply chains: An empirical study in China", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 43 No. 10, pp. 866-888. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2013-0011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited