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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

M. Angeles Iniesta and Manuel Sanchez

Given the situation that the banking sector currently faces, this paper will focus on the importance of the presence of client commitment to retailers in general and, more…

1046

Abstract

Given the situation that the banking sector currently faces, this paper will focus on the importance of the presence of client commitment to retailers in general and, more specifically, to financial institutions. So, comments will be made concerning the evolution and current situation of the banking services sector in Spain. In addition, the concept of relational commitment as well as the influence that its development has on the presence of bank client loyalty will be specified. Lastly, an empirical study is developed. The results show differences in the commitment level that individuals project based on links to distinct types of financial entities.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Sara Herrada-Lores, M. Ángeles Iniesta-Bonillo and Antonia Estrella-Ramón

Websites are the most important element of company strategy in the digital space. Therefore, establishing strategic management of online business is essential to improve firm…

5776

Abstract

Purpose

Websites are the most important element of company strategy in the digital space. Therefore, establishing strategic management of online business is essential to improve firm connectedness and competitiveness and to achieve global company reach. This paper aims to propose the analysis of technical and content quality of websites to identify the main weaknesses and strengths of online business.

Design/methodology/approach

An innovative measurement instrument called IWebQEI is designed to measure web quality level. This instrument is validated with data from 104 international companies. The results are used to verify whether there are quality differences between informative and e-commerce websites.

Findings

The main findings indicate that e-commerce websites achieve greater levels of technical and content quality than informative sites, and companies implementing e-commerce pay more attention to the content quality dimension. In contrast, companies using an informative website are more focused on the technical quality dimension. Based on these results, practical insights are offered to improve the strategic management of e-commerce.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on analysing the technical and content quality of websites to identify the main weaknesses and strengths of online business. The results offer important theoretical and practical contributions for companies on how to manage their website to improve firm connectivity and competitiveness.

Propósito

Los sitios web son el elemento más importante de la estrategia digital de la compañia. Una gestión estratégica del negocio online es esencial para mejorar su conectividad, competitividad y para conseguir su alcance global. Este trabajo propone el análisis de la calidad técnica y de contenido de sitios web para identificar las principales debilidades y fortalezas del negocio online.

Metodología

Para medir el nivel de calidad web, se ha diseñado un innovador instrumento de medición, denominado IWebQEI. Este instrumento se valida con datos de 104 empresas internacionales. Los resultados se utilizan para comprobar si existen diferencias de calidad entre las webs informativas y los e-commerce.

Resultados

Las resultados indican que los e-commerce alcanzan mayores niveles de calidad técnica y de contenido que las webs informativas, y las empresas que implementan un e-commerce prestan más atención a la calidad de contenido. En cambio, las empresas que implementan una web informativa se centran más en la calidad técnica. A partir de estos resultados se ofrecen ideas prácticas para mejorar la gestión estratégica del e-commerce.

Originalidad

Pocos estudios analizan la calidad técnica y de contenido de los sitios web para identificar las principales debilidades y fortalezas del negocio online. Los resultados ofrecen importantes contribuciones teóricas y prácticas sobre cómo gestionar los sitios web para mejorar la conectividad y la competitividad de la compañia.

目的

企业网站是公司在数字空间中战略的最重要元素。因此, 建立在线业务本身的战略管理对于提高公司的连通性和竞争力以及实现公司的全球影响力至关重要。本文提出对企业网站的技术和内容质量进行分析, 以确定在线业务的主要弱点和优势。

设计/方法/途径

设计了一个创新的测量仪器, 称为IWebQEI, 用于测量网络质量水平。该仪器通过104家国际公司的数据进行验证。结果被用于检查信息网站和电子商务网站之间是否存在质量差异。

研究结果

主要研究结果表明, 总体而言, 电子商务网站的技术质量和内容质量水平高于信息类网站, 实施电子商务的公司更注重内容质量维度。相比之下, 实施信息型网站的公司则更注重技术质量维度。基于这些结果, 为改进电子商务的战略管理提供了实际的见解。

原创性

以前的研究很少关注分析企业网站的技术和内容质量, 以确定在线业务的主要弱点和优势。研究结果为企业提供了重要的理论和实践贡献, 即如何管理企业网站以提高公司的连通性和竞争力。

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2004

Manuel Sánchez and M. Angeles Iniesta

A comprehensive model of commitment in the context of consumer‐retailer relationships is developed in this study. It gives a careful description and theoretical justification of…

2216

Abstract

A comprehensive model of commitment in the context of consumer‐retailer relationships is developed in this study. It gives a careful description and theoretical justification of the different dimensions, which compose this construct. To check the reliability and validity of the scale of measurement proposed, the generation and purification of the measurement items is subjected to a rigorous process, aiming at testing the higher‐order structural model proposed in this paper. According to this model, commitment is composed of five final dimensions. The results confirm the outlined structure previously indicated in this study, obtaining a reliable and valid scale. Theoretical and managerial implications, limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2013

Hans Dagevos and Johan van Ophem

This paper seeks to argue that a new and broader definition of food value should be introduced that includes other factors than the traditional mantra of nutritional value…

4013

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that a new and broader definition of food value should be introduced that includes other factors than the traditional mantra of nutritional value, appearance, and the like. This paper introduces the concept of food consumption value (FCV).

Design/methodology/approach

The development of FCV is based upon various research traditions and corresponding bodies of literature. The four constituting parts of FCV origins in different lines of scholarly theorising. These lines of thought are discussed separately. Collectively, they form the breeding ground of the concept of food consumption value.

Findings

The consumer-centred framework of FCV consists of four elements. Product value refers to food's features and functionalities like taste or texture. Process value refers to consumers' interest in the practices and processes of food production. Ethical considerations (consumer concerns) are thus taken into account. Furthermore, FCV encompasses location value and emotional value. Location value refers to the setting in which food is purchased or consumed. Emotional value is the most elusive element of FCV, because it refers to “feel goods” such as experience, entertainment, (self) indulgence or identity values with respect to the consumption of food products or brands.

Practical implications

The message of FCV for (marketing) practitioners in the field of food is that value creation should depart from assessing consumer value in narrow senses such as value for money. The feelings that foods can arouse are anything but valueless intangibilities, but crucial assets of value creation and competitiveness. Another practical implication of FCV is that for value creation in the food supply chain it is a sine qua non that downstream (location value) and upstream (process value) are fine-tuned consistently and constructively.

Originality/value

This paper is the first exploratory study on the development of the new concept of FCV that examines consumer value beyond tangible product attributes and price. This broader concept of FCV aims to interpret value in terms that adjust to today's consumer-oriented food market. Though inspired by other interpretations of value in marketing and food studies, FCV differs from these.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 115 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2011

Pekka Töytäri, Thomas Brashear Alejandro, Petri Parvinen, Ilmari Ollila and Nora Rosendahl

Increasing pressure to reduce costs and skepticism of promised value‐added are forcing suppliers to produce tangible proof of the monetary value they create for customers. The…

4576

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing pressure to reduce costs and skepticism of promised value‐added are forcing suppliers to produce tangible proof of the monetary value they create for customers. The academic literature on the practical activities related to value‐based selling remains sparse. This paper aims to bridge the gap between the abundant theoretical customer value frameworks and implementation practices to create a practical foundation for value‐based sales activities in firms that aim to become value creators.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on two case studies, the authors map the best practices in customer value quantification from the point of view of industrial customers, and study value‐based sales processes to uncover the value‐based sales activities for implementing and profiting from customer value.

Findings

The results suggest a customer‐focused sales process that centers on creating value, quantifying the value created, and creating a situation where customer and supplier maximize their utility through value sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings is limited to the industrial and service selling context.

Practical implications

Successful industrial and service requires tangible proof and evidence of the value and utility of the suppliers' business impact on the customer's operation. The paper aims to contribute to the value quantification knowledge and practices.

Originality/value

The academic literature on the practical activities related to value‐based selling remains sparse, while the importance of the value quantification knowledge and value selling process is growing rapidly.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 26 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2012

Chris Mason and John Simmons

The paper aims to develop a conceptual framework to show how service provider value propositions and customer purchase decisions represent the offer and acceptance of types of…

3256

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a conceptual framework to show how service provider value propositions and customer purchase decisions represent the offer and acceptance of types of psychological contract that, if satisfied, result in particular levels of consumer commitment and related attitudinal and behavioural outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed by the integration of approaches from the marketing, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and psychological contract literature and represents a holistic and multi‐disciplinary perspective on the service value proposition.

Findings

Analysis shows how alignment of different types of value proposition with consumer expectations impacts on the nature and level of consumer commitment. Customer commitment can also contribute to service provider reputation and brand equity.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework and research propositions generated from it should be tested in organisations representative of transactional, relational and transpersonal service providers to provide deeper insights for researchers and practitioners.

Practical implications

Findings confirm the need for providers to target value propositions at particular consumer groups as part of a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to customer segmentation. The paper also recognises possible changes in consumer expectation and how proactive service providers can track and respond to these.

Originality/value

The paper's unique contribution is to confirm the rationale for and the benefits of applying constructs from the psychological contract literature to generate deeper insights into the service provider‐consumer relationship.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2020

Nigel P. Grigg

The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review demonstrating that quality and its management are increasingly definable as a balancing act between value, risk and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review demonstrating that quality and its management are increasingly definable as a balancing act between value, risk and cost throughout the value stream, from product/service design to production and delivery, and purchaser decision-making. An original framework is presented showing this interplay across the value stream, referred to as the QVRC framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is combined with bibliometric analytics, displayed via temporal graphs and citation networks. Reviewed literature is transdisciplinary, encompassing marketing, operations/quality and psychology sources. Core quality management methodologies are positioned on the framework illustrating their relative contribution to value, risk and cost management.

Findings

The QVRC framework is developed, and used as a basis for classifying models and methodologies associated with quality management. A set of propositions are developed, which, together with the framework, set an agenda for further research.

Research limitations/implications

No literature review can capture the richness of discourses on terms as pervasive as value, risk and cost. This paper aims to present a systematic and reliable sampling of such literature.

Practical implications

The resulting model can be applied to management tools, and to products and services.

Originality/value

Researchers, particularly in marketing, have developed models of value, risk and cost in terms of products and services. However, delivering products that provide the appropriate value, risk and cost trade-off is an operations management problem. This is the first paper to combine value, risk and cost across the value stream showing how this interplay extends beyond product.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2017

Abhilash Ponnam and Rik Paul

The purpose of this paper is to empirically sketch the phenomenon about the nature of service value expected in different stages of relationship over time in Indian retail banking…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically sketch the phenomenon about the nature of service value expected in different stages of relationship over time in Indian retail banking context.

Design/methodology/approach

Customer service value dimensions pertinent to Indian retail banking context were explored psychometrically. Later, mean factor scores of obtained service value dimensions across relationship stages (early, intermediate, and advanced) were calculated and fed into PERMAP software to graphically depict the relationship between value dimensions and relationship stages. To validate the PERMAP solution, one-way ANOVA was run for each value dimension with independent variable as a relationship level.

Findings

The service value dimensions pertinent to Indian banking context are customer intimacy, product leadership, service equity, perceived sacrifice, service quality, and operational excellence. The authors could empirically prove that except for operational excellence and service quality, all the other value dimensions exhibited variation in importance over time. Results reveal that customers in the early stages of relationship value tangible value dimensions and the ones in advanced stages of relationship value intangible dimensions.

Practical implications

Managers should formulate marketing strategies which will signal the customers, the superiority of the bank in delivering performance on tangible dimensions during the early stages of relationship, whereas understanding and addressing unique customer needs and establishing an emotional bonding with customers should be emphasized in the advanced stages of relationship.

Originality/value

The current research could adequately establish the essential role of tangible value dimensions in shaping service value during the early stages of relationship and intangible value dimensions in the later stages of relationship.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Ashish Malik, Philip J. Rosenberger, Martin Fitzgerald and Louise Houlcroft

The purpose of this paper is to analyse data from the New South Wales Government’s Pilot Programme of establishing Smart Work Hubs (SWHs) for enabling teleworking in two busy…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse data from the New South Wales Government’s Pilot Programme of establishing Smart Work Hubs (SWHs) for enabling teleworking in two busy commuter corridors. The paper analyses the relationships between various firm, job and personal factors and the perceived value, attitudes and expected usage by users of the SWHs.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a cross-sectional survey design, the characteristics, values and attitudes of 117 SWH users were analysed using partial least squares (PLS) method of structural equation modelling (SEM). SEM-PLS approach is considered appropriate especially in prediction-based studies and to estimate an endogenous target construct.

Findings

Results revealed that perceived SWH value significantly influenced attitude towards the SWH, which then had a significant influence on SWH usage intentions, with personal, job and firm factors also playing a role. Further analysis revealed four variables that significantly influenced the perception of family-value benefits (age, income, hub commute distance, work commute distance), however, there were none that significantly influenced the perception of work benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size limits statistical inferences and generalisations to be drawn. Further, this paper also discusses how the low and uneven uptake of teleworking at a SWH raises several managerial and policy implications needing attention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study analysing the expected values, attitudes and usage intentions of teleworkers in a SWH context. This study adds to the emerging body of human resource management studies on an outward-looking approach. The novel context will provide a useful base for subsequent studies.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2016

Martina G. Gallarza, Maria Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Irene Gil-Saura

Consensus on how value dimensions are drivers of overall perceived value is a widespread reality in consumer behaviour literature. But scanty research has been done on which of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Consensus on how value dimensions are drivers of overall perceived value is a widespread reality in consumer behaviour literature. But scanty research has been done on which of these value dimensions best predict customer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to propose a causal model that examines how PERVAL dimensions of value affect customers’ loyalty, through both cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is tested on a sample of 820 Spanish retail customers and the findings suggest that product quality and value for money (cognitive) impact customer loyalty through emotional and social value (affective), with significant direct and indirect effects through both cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Findings

Notably, the results highlight the mediating role of shoppers’ emotional and social value on the linkages between satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, this study has proved the embedded impact of value dimensions on overall satisfaction and behavioural intentions in a cognitive-affective-behavioural framework.

Practical implications

Managerially, retailers who intend to build long-term relationships with their customers will benefit by investing in emotional factors along with cognitive factors, on the assumption that cognitive factors lead to emotional factors, and that both affect loyalty to the service provider through cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Originality/value

This work can be said to have made two substantial contributions to previous literature. First, the old but constantly renewed dichotomy between utilitarian and hedonic attributes in retailing has emerged in the work, in the sense that different value dimensions (two utilitarian, one hedonic and one social) have been proved to be differently related to customer satisfaction (both cognitive and affective), and indirectly to customer loyalty. And second, this work has also proved the existence of a chain of effects between value dimensions: product quality and value for money to emotional value, and this to social value.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 54 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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