Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2013

Michael Guiry, Jeannie J. Scott and David G. Vequist

The paper's aim is to compare experienced and potential US medical tourists' foreign health service‐quality expectations.

2793

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to compare experienced and potential US medical tourists' foreign health service‐quality expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey involving 1,588 US consumers engaging or expressing an interest in medical tourism. The sample included 219 experienced and 1,369 potential medical tourists. Respondents completed a SERVQUAL questionnaire. Mann‐Whitney U‐tests were used to determine significant differences between experienced and potential US medical tourists' service‐quality expectations.

Findings

For all five service‐quality dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) experienced medical tourists had significantly lower expectations than potential medical tourists. Experienced medical tourists also had significantly lower service‐quality expectations than potential medical tourists for 11 individual SERVQUAL items.

Practical implications

Results suggest using experience level to segment medical tourists. The study also has implications for managing medical tourist service‐quality expectations at service delivery point and via external marketing communications.

Originality/value

Managing medical tourists' service quality expectations is important since expectations can significantly influence choice processes, their experience and post‐consumption behavior. This study is the first to compare experienced and potential US medical tourist service‐quality expectations. The study establishes a foundation for future service‐quality expectations research in the rapidly growing medical tourism industry.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2013

Keith Hurst

903

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Devashish Pujari

This paper investigates self‐service technology (SST) encounters among Canadian B2B (business‐to‐business) customers. It provides an understanding of key determinants of…

4268

Abstract

This paper investigates self‐service technology (SST) encounters among Canadian B2B (business‐to‐business) customers. It provides an understanding of key determinants of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. This research also explores issues relating to service recovery in case of SST failure and effects of favorable/ unfavorable SST encounters on business relationships. The study finds that B2B customers experience satisfaction from different sources as compared to B2C customers. These sources include speed, process efficiency and cost savings. Service recovery has been found to be a critical problem with regards to SST.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

Michael R. Williams

This article reports the results of a theoretically‐based, empirical study which incorporates the paradigm of relationship marketing. Using a sample of organizational buyers, this…

4646

Abstract

This article reports the results of a theoretically‐based, empirical study which incorporates the paradigm of relationship marketing. Using a sample of organizational buyers, this study examines the influence of salesperson customer‐oriented behavior on the development of buyer‐seller relationships. Integral to this investigation, a measure of buyer‐seller relationship development is generated and evaluated for its reliability and validity. Findings from this study indicate a strong and significant influence between the customer‐oriented behavior of salespeople and the development of customer relationships. The results of this study and the discussion of the implications begin to provide valuable understanding into the antecedents of relationship development and relationship management. The results of this study and their implications for salespeople, managers, and researchers are discussed along with limitations and recommendations for future research.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

1 – 4 of 4