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A moderated mediation model of situational context and brand image for online purchases using eWOM

Le Nguyen Hoang (Faculty of International Economics, Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Le Thanh Tung (Faculty of Economics and Public Management, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Journal of Product & Brand Management

ISSN: 1061-0421

Article publication date: 23 December 2022

Issue publication date: 3 April 2023

1716

Abstract

Purpose

The moderating role of situational context in the effects of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on online purchase intention through brand image has found sparse empirical support. This study thus aims to examine whether situational context affects the direction and strength of the relationships between aspects of eWOM and brand image that lead to online purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

To extend the existing research, the authors tested the model using a sample of 546 online shoppers during the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City. Specifically, the testing of the direct relationships and the mediating role of brand image occurred using measurement and structural models. The authors then created a moderated mediation model to examine the moderating role of situational context. Furthermore, the authors probed the interactions by identifying changes in the relationships from eWOM to online purchase intention through a brand image at different levels of situational context.

Findings

Without situational context’s moderating effect, brand image positively partially mediated the influence of either eWOM credibility or quantity on intention. Situational context’s moderating effect then explains why high- versus low-level disease-avoidance customers seek less eWOM credibility and more eWOM quantity to develop brand images and shape their intentions.

Originality/value

The findings have theoretical implications for understanding the pressure of disease avoidance on customers’ online purchase intentions. Among the practical implications of the research are tactics for profit and non-profit purposes.

Keywords

Citation

Hoang, L.N. and Tung, L.T. (2023), "A moderated mediation model of situational context and brand image for online purchases using eWOM", Journal of Product & Brand Management, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 661-672. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBM-02-2022-3857

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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