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1 – 10 of over 13000This paper aims to focus on collaborative consumption, that is, the peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange of goods and services facilitated by online platforms. Anchored in the access…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on collaborative consumption, that is, the peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange of goods and services facilitated by online platforms. Anchored in the access paradigm, collaborative consumption (e.g. accommodation rental and ridesharing services) differs from commercial services offered by firms (e.g. business-to-customer [B2C] carsharing). The aim of this study is to examine the nuanced styles of collaborative consumption in relation to market-mediated access practices and socially mediated sharing practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the general research trend on mobility services, the context of long-distance ridesharing is chosen. Data collection was conducted using participant observation as peer service provider, 11 ethnographic interviews of consumers and a netnographic study of digital artifacts.
Findings
Using practice theory, ten ridesharing activities were identified. These activities and the nuances in the procedures, understandings and engagements in the ridesharing practice led to the distinction of three styles of collaborative consumption: communal collaborative consumption, which is when participants seek pro-social relationships in belonging to a community; consumerist collaborative consumption, performed by participants who seek status and convenience in the access lifestyle; and opportunistic collaborative consumption, when participants seek to achieve monetary gain or personal benefits from abusive activities.
Originality/value
By taking a phenomenological approach on collaborative consumption, this study adds to the understanding of the sharing economy as embedded in both a utilitarian/commercial economic system and a non-market/communal social system. The three styles of collaborative consumption propose a framework for future studies differentiating P2P exchanges from other practices (i.e. B2C access-based services and sharing).
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Jiyoung Hwang and Merlyn A. Griffiths
This paper aims to investigate how the cognitive value perceptions and affective attitudes of Millennial consumers are related to behavioral intent in the context of collaborative…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how the cognitive value perceptions and affective attitudes of Millennial consumers are related to behavioral intent in the context of collaborative consumption and how such relationships may be moderated.
Design/methodology/approach
Two scenario-based online studies were conducted with young consumers concerning several collaborative consumption services.
Findings
Using structural equation modeling, the authors found that specific dimensions of value perceptions (utilitarian, hedonic and symbolic) have differing effects on young consumers’ attitude and empathy toward collaborative consumption services. The analysis shows no moderating effects for perceived consumer effectiveness (Study 1 and Study 2) but a significant moderating effect for consumer innovativeness (Study 2).
Research limitations/implications
This research identifies important factors for the attitudinal and behavioral outcome of young consumers, an important consumer group for the emerging trend of collaborative consumption. Also, the role of empathy and two personal traits offer insights.
Practical implications
Substantively, the findings guide marketers in the sharing economy in elevating their strategic tactics and effective approaches to reach this important consumer group.
Originality/value
Given the paucity of research on consumer groups in this context, the current research breaks new ground by investigating value perceptions and empathy as drivers of positive reactions and moderating factors within the collaborative economy.
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Valentina Carbone, Aurélien Rouquet and Christine Roussat
The growth of collaborative consumption is beginning to stimulate management research on this phenomenon. However, so far, few scholars have studied the logistics aspects related…
Abstract
Purpose
The growth of collaborative consumption is beginning to stimulate management research on this phenomenon. However, so far, few scholars have studied the logistics aspects related to these developments. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual approach to the logistics at work in collaborative consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopt an inductive, exploratory research method, based on a content analysis involving 32 collaborative consumption initiatives screened through their websites and other secondary sources.
Findings
Based on the way logistics is organized in these initiatives, the authors identify and describe four types of logistics: peer to peer, business, crowd, and open logistics.
Practical implications
The paper makes recommendations for improving the management of collaborative consumption logistics.
Originality/value
Our results enrich the literature about crowd practices and collaborative consumption by conceptualizing alternative roles played by logistics and revealing its specific organizational forms.
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Alex Garrett, Karla Straker and Cara Wrigley
Collaborative consumption firms leverage networked peers, communicating, collaborating and even delivering services to one another through a central marketplace channel. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Collaborative consumption firms leverage networked peers, communicating, collaborating and even delivering services to one another through a central marketplace channel. This raises questions as to the nature of this new form of digital channel strategy and deployment from a firm’s perspective. As a first step, this research seeks to help bridge the gap in knowledge by establishing an understanding of the digital channel usage of collaborative consumption firms.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative content analysis of 30 collaborative consumption firms was conducted using multiple data sources and coded into typologies against a predetermined coding scheme. These results were then compared against existing literature on digital channel usage in regards to a wider company usage.
Findings
This study identifies the digital channel usage and digital channel typology of each of the 30 firms associated within the collaborative consumption domain. The study shows a distinct increase in the use of social and community digital channels between traditional firms and collaborative consumption firms. As a result of this study, a concise definition of a collaborative consumption firm is provided, the digital channel usage of collaborative consumption firms is detailed and insights are provided for each sub-type of collaborative consumption.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the understanding of the collaborative consumption phenomena, the business model of collaborative consumption firms and digital channels. This study assists in describing the shift from traditional firms to peer-to-peer systems. Finally, a theoretical model is provided that demonstrates the nuance of collaborative consumption channel choice within each subcategory for future researchers to test and reflect upon.
Practical implications
This study demonstrates how collaborative consumption firms are allowing customers to drive interaction rather than traditional business-to-customer messages. A theoretical model is provided which shows contemporary marketers how to best dictate a digital channel strategy for a collaborative consumption style initiative.
Originality/value
Contributions include: a definition of what a collaborative consumption firm and its channels pertain to and how to design a collaborative consumption digital channel strategy. This study presents a digital channel comparison between collaborative consumption firms and traditional organisations.
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Payam Akbar and Stefan Hoffmann
The purpose of this paper is to develop and introduce the new concept of the collaborative space.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and introduce the new concept of the collaborative space.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on an extensive overview of past research and footing on extant conceptual work, the paper chooses an explicating conceptualization approach.
Findings
The paper presents the collaborative space, which features the three bipolar dimensions, namely, the type of consumption (access vs reownership), source of resource (company-owned vs consumer-owned) and the type of compensation (with vs without monetary fee). These dimensions open up multiple areas of the collaborative space, including the pseudo sharing economy, sharing ecology, redistribution markets and redistribution communities.
Research limitations/implications
The paper shows blind spots in the literature as well as the need to consider the consumption context to outline directions for future research.
Practical implications
For managers, this paper develops a foundation for entering, exploring and exploiting the collaborative space along the stages acquisition, distribution, consumption and compensation.
Social implications
Collaborative consumption is associated with community-building, resource saving and sustainability. The conceptualization of the collaborative spaces provides different options to enable more sustainable consumption and raise social exchange between consumers.
Originality/value
So far, an overarching framework that reveals similarities and differences of business models that are associated with collaborative consumption and the sharing economy is missing. This paper develops this framework, which is labelled the collaborative space.
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This paper aims to focus on online hospitality platforms in the collaborative consumption environment. In particular, this paper investigates the impact of trust on the obtainers’…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on online hospitality platforms in the collaborative consumption environment. In particular, this paper investigates the impact of trust on the obtainers’ intentions to “inquire about accommodations” and to “request a booking” on Airbnb.com.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes the perspective of a potential renter, respectively, obtainer and adopts Gefen’s (2000) research model, which incorporates familiarity and trust in the e-commerce industry. In this regard, the paper extends the work on two-sided markets of Mittendorf (2016-2017). To verify the modified research model, a survey was conducted, gathering results from over 426 participants of which 255 valid responses from the Millennials generation were obtained. This paper uses covariance-based structural equation modeling to analyze both measurement and structural relationships regarding the interaction framework.
Findings
The results show empirical evidence that both “trust in the intermediary” and “trust in providers” are decisive for the obtainers’ intentions on the online platform. In this regard, this paper advances the understanding of the collaborative consumption mechanisms by adapting trust literature to validate the obtainers’ intentions on contemporary collaborative consumption platforms.
Research limitations/implications
While the unit of analysis of prior research comprises the general intention to share, this paper empirically validates a more deliberate decision of user intentions by focusing on the intention to inquire about accommodations (no registration necessary) and the intention to request a booking (registration necessary). However, this study is dependent on one setting and it is still unclear whether the results are generalizable to other collaborative consumption setups.
Originality/value
This paper is in line with the work of Mittendorf (2016-2017), thus, it uses a sophisticated statistical approach to analyze trust in the collaborative consumption environment, such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.
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Simon Hazée, Thijs Johannes Zwienenberg, Yves Van Vaerenbergh, Tine Faseur, Audrey Vandenberghe and Olivier Keutgens
Technological innovations such as smart mobile devices and mobile applications gave rise to a new business model: collaborative consumption. This business model, which is…
Abstract
Purpose
Technological innovations such as smart mobile devices and mobile applications gave rise to a new business model: collaborative consumption. This business model, which is receiving significant attention from researchers and practitioners, is characterized by an intermediating digital platform that facilitates exchanges between customers and peer service providers. However, many digital platform providers still fail to build a critical mass of demand and supply. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to develop a better understanding of the barriers perceived by both customers and peer service providers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a mixed-method qualitative approach to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that explain the rejection of collaborative consumption. In particular, six focus groups and 14 in-depth interviews were conducted, totaling 50 Belgian participants (with a mean age of 33 years). In addition, 375 online critical incidents—retrieved from various sources, such as review websites and social networks—were used for triangulation purposes. All data were analyzed using a thematic analytic approach.
Findings
Customers and peer service providers reject collaborative consumption because of a complex set of multidimensional functional and psychological barriers. In particular, actors may perceive barriers related to complexity, value, risk, compatibility, contamination, image, and responsibility, which prevent them from participating in collaborative consumption.
Originality/value
This paper builds theory on the reasons why both customers and peer service providers reject collaborative consumption. The research identifies several barriers that were not captured in prior research. Digital platform providers can use the research findings to more fully understand actors' decision-making processes in collaborative consumption.
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Belem Barbosa and Isabel Fonseca
Collaborative consumption emerges from social practices such as sharing, lending and gifting. It is becoming more common among consumers, boosted by the internet, which…
Abstract
Purpose
Collaborative consumption emerges from social practices such as sharing, lending and gifting. It is becoming more common among consumers, boosted by the internet, which facilitates the collaboration process with both strong and weak ties. This paper aims to examine collaborative consumer experience, delving into the factors that contribute to the adoption and the perceived benefits of this alternative form of consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 12 phenomenological interviews were conducted o explore the theme from an individual perspective, attested by the consumers’ narratives and experiences.
Findings
The results highlight collaborative consumption as being influenced by family practices, social relations and the current economic scenario. Also, noteworthy is the evidence that collaborative consumption enables consumers to select from a more diversified portfolio of products and services, especially the ones featured by the internet and social media. Consumers perceive financial, emotional, social, environmental and increased consumption benefits, depending on their practices of collaborative consumption, and also on their role as providers, consumers or exchangers.
Originality/value
Through the phenomenological approach, based on individual reports of experiences related to collaborative consumption, it was possible to highlight some aspects relevant to better understanding the behavior of collaborative consumers.
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Michael Goldman, Brandon Brown and Eric C. Schwarz
The purpose of this paper is to find evidence of the benefits and constraints of collaborative consumption experiences by investigating the perceptions of hosts and visitors that…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find evidence of the benefits and constraints of collaborative consumption experiences by investigating the perceptions of hosts and visitors that attended professional regular season basketball and baseball games in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through four focus groups with 37 total participants and were analyzed through qualitative content analysis.
Findings
The results show that participants in a collaborative consumption experience perceive four types of value: social interaction and belonging, new fandom, travel bucket list experiences and local and sport knowledge. In addition, the results provide evidence of five consumption constraints related to collaborative consumption: expenses, average experiences, seat location, interpersonal disconnects and personal risk.
Research limitations/implications
The selection of only two sites for the study limited the data triangulation that was possible. This study should be replicated across a wider range of teams and countries to confirm the main findings of the study.
Practical implications
Practitioners can use this initial study to better understand the benefits hosts and visitors perceive in the experience, and therefore the kind of experience design that would encourage increased purchases and loyalty.
Originality/value
This paper provides qualitative insights into the benefits and detriments of a collaborative consumption sport experience, based on participants' involvement in an innovative peer-to-peer platform.
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Patrícia de Oliveira Campos, Cristiane Salomé Ribeiro Costa and Marconi Freitas da Costa
The study aims to identify the antecedents of consumers' collaborative fashion purchase intention by analysing innovativeness, self-confidence and consumer spending self-control…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to identify the antecedents of consumers' collaborative fashion purchase intention by analysing innovativeness, self-confidence and consumer spending self-control variables as antecedents.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive quantitative research was performed to verify the influence of such variables based on data collected through an online survey and analysed by structural equation modelling (SEM), which resulted in a final sample of 230 valid respondents.
Findings
The main findings include innovativeness as a strong antecedent of intention to consume collaborative fashion. However, self-confidence and consumer spending self-control are not related to adopting this consumption format, suggesting that collaborative fashion can promote reverse effects by stimulating excessive consumption.
Practical implications
The results can assist companies of collaborative fashion to enhance their strategies to attract consumers looking for creative reuse of items, for example, by offering repair, revitalisation services and promoting meetings to share tips on how to reuse items creatively. Companies can also improve communication campaigns by focussing on the product itself, rather than price, which seems to be more effective in the context of collaborative fashion consumption.
Originality/value
The study is amongst the first to analyse the influence of consumers' personality traits towards collaborative fashion consumption and provide the scope with findings on the interrelationship between personality traits and consumer rationality, which can broaden the understanding about the potential rebound effects in this context.
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