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1 – 10 of over 49000
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Hyo-Jin Jeong and Dong-Mo Koo

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to test whether the combined effects of valence and objectivity/subjectivity of online review have an effect on consumer judgment…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to test whether the combined effects of valence and objectivity/subjectivity of online review have an effect on consumer judgment and whether e-WOM platforms have a moderating effect.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 480 respondents participated in online experiments with a four (positive+objective, positive+subjective, negative+objective, and negative+subjective online review) by two (marketer-generated vs consumer-generated brand community web sites) between subject design.

Findings

The experiment showed that: an objective negative online review was rated higher in terms of message usefulness compared to the other types of online reviews; positive reviews, whether they are objective or subjective, were rated higher in terms of attitudes toward and intention to purchase the reviewed product, and the effects of online reviews moderated by e-WOM platforms on consumer judgment were supported.

Research limitations/implications

The present study, based on an established theoretical foundation, will help the research community to gain a deeper understanding of the combined effects of online review valence and attributes on consumer judgment and whether user-generated web community is better for consumers to consult product experience.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can provide interested firms with useful strategies and tactics to enhance users’ acceptance of online reviews in terms of who operates the web sites.

Originality/value

With increasing use of consumers’ online reviews, the present study proposed and tested a comprehensive research model integrating both the valence and objectivity/subjectivity of online review, which has rarely been addressed in previous research.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

Katherine Corby and Steven Sowards

The online worlds of education and business increasingly converge. Rather than fear competition for readers from the commercial sector, academic Internet authors can respect and…

Abstract

The online worlds of education and business increasingly converge. Rather than fear competition for readers from the commercial sector, academic Internet authors can respect and learn from it. The principles behind successful commercial Web sites (clear mission, valuable content, clean design and canny publicity) can be applied by academics in establishing non‐profit Web sites. The origin and progress of the Education Book Reviews Web site, providing brief reviews of current professional publications, illustrates successful applications of these effective techniques.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2015

Ángel Herrero, Héctor San Martín and José M. Hernández

The purpose of this paper is to advance in research on consumer psychology of hospitality, since it investigates how online search behavior of users (particularly, information…

5968

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance in research on consumer psychology of hospitality, since it investigates how online search behavior of users (particularly, information search and choice) is influenced by the opinions of other people in a new context characterized by the generalized use of Web 2.0 applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was carried out in the hotel sector in Iberian Peninsula, where two Web 2.0 applications are especially relevant for users: the review Web sites and the hotel interactive Web sites. A qualitative method (in-depth interviews with hotel managers) and a quantitative technique (personal surveys to a sample of 830 users) were used to conduct this research.

Findings

The results indicates that the perceived influence on behavior of the user-generated content on these Web 2.0 applications is determined, in both cases, by the value of the information, the credibility of the sources and the degree of similarity between the user and the creators of content.

Practical implications

Firms should have an active presence in the review Web sites and the hotel interactive Web sites, and use these platforms for market research and communication. Firms should engage users to post content, support their credibility and facilitate the evaluation of the content generators’ similarity.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study in the hospitality literature that develops and empirically tests an integrative model explaining the perceived influence on behavior of user-generated content on Web 2.0 applications.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2013

Ronald E. Goldsmith, Margherita Pagani and Xiaojing Lu

The purpose of the studies was to test if extent of prior social media activity could predict likelihood that a consumer would post reviews on a new review website.

1980

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the studies was to test if extent of prior social media activity could predict likelihood that a consumer would post reviews on a new review website.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online surveys were conducted presenting scenarios in which users were asked about prior social media activity, the number of social networks they belonged to in study one, and how actively they had posted reviews in study two. These questions were followed by descriptions of new review websites, a general local merchant review website in study one and a local restaurant review website in study two.

Findings

Although demographics did a poor job of predicting who would post reviews on the new review websites, prior active social media use and review posting did modestly predict intention to post reviews on the new review websites.

Research limitations/implications

This is not an experimental study and so causality cannot be claimed. Descriptively, although the results were consistent in two studies using different stimuli, other factors might prove to be better predictors of active user‐generated content for other types of sites.

Practical implications

The findings suggest a simple and effective way for two‐sided platform managers to identify potential active reviewers so that they can target them through marketing strategies to encourage their essential participation and less‐active users can be similarly targeted to encourage modest use.

Originality/value

No other studies can be found that focus on this aspect of managing two‐sided platforms. The results might be important for managers of other similar websites that depend on user‐generated content for their value.

Details

Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2010

Roger Williams, Ton van der Wiele, Jos van Iwaarden and Steve Eldridge

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding about the quality of user generated content (UGC) on web sites from the point of view of the customer. This is an area not…

4342

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding about the quality of user generated content (UGC) on web sites from the point of view of the customer. This is an area not yet explored, while the use of UGC is expanding on many web sites and its importance is rapidly growing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research undertaken is a pilot amongst a small number of interviewees who have been asked to judge the quality of UGC on hotel web sites.

Findings

The findings of the research show that three types of information are needed by the person using UGC on hotel web sites: objective information about the hotel; information about the reviewer's qualifications; and information about the reviewer's beliefs and expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small number of interviewees this research is limited and can be defined as explorative. The outcomes can be used to develop a survey instrument in relation to further research on user generated content.

Originality/value

This research is original because there has not been any other initiative in this area and it will certainly stimulate more research because of the importance UGC has in a world of expanding internet usage. The outcomes of the small‐scale pilot will make it possible to develop broader quantitative research on UGC on web sites.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Paul Gorczynski and Hiren Patel

Most long-haul truck drivers are physically inactive. Despite being identified as a source of health information, online physical activity and exercise information has not been…

Abstract

Purpose

Most long-haul truck drivers are physically inactive. Despite being identified as a source of health information, online physical activity and exercise information has not been evaluated for this population. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accessibility, accuracy, technical and theoretical quality, and readability of online physical activity, exercise, and sport information for long-haul truck drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

A standardized protocol was followed to identify and evaluate web sites. Web sites were included in the review if they met the following criteria: first, presented information on physical activity, exercise, or sport; second, provided information for long-haul truck drivers; and finally, provided information in English. Each web site was evaluated independently by the two study authors. After evaluating the web sites independently, the authors then met to discuss each construct for each web site.

Findings

Overall, 44 web sites were reviewed. Nine web sites provided information based on physical activity guidelines. Most web sites scored poorly on technical and theoretical quality. In total, 28 web sites provided information that was written above the recommended grade 8 reading level.

Research limitations/implications

Research has shown that theoretically designed physical activity and exercise interventions are more successful than those with no theoretical underpinnings. Creating web sites or online applications using behavioral theory and improving the readability of online health information may help increase levels of physical activity and improve overall health for this population.

Originality/value

No previous research has examined the quality of online physical activity, exercise, or sport information for long-haul truck drivers. This is the first study to examine how online health information for this population can be improved.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Catriona Paisey and Nicholas J. Paisey

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which pension accounting represents an enabling or emancipatory accounting.

2834

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which pension accounting represents an enabling or emancipatory accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Many countries are facing a so‐called “pensions crisis” which is reflected in and arguably, to some extent at least, is precipitated by accounting. Occupational pensions in the UK are focused upon and their role in the pension crisis discussed. The enabling or emancipatory potential of the internet for accounting for occupational pension schemes is explored. The contents of the web sites of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 100) are examined in terms of the elements of an enabling accounting, as set out by Gallhofer and Haslam in 1997. Alternative forms of accounting for pensions, including accounts by trade unions and others, are also examined.

Findings

The full possibilities of the internet have not yet been mobilised in respect of accounting for occupational pension schemes and companies' actions appear to be driven by the hegemony of the market rather than a concern for the social wellbeing of pensioners. A number of inequalities are evident.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of UK employees have no occupational pension. The paper therefore only addresses one aspect of the pension crisis.

Practical implications

Suggests how corporate web sites could be improved through the provision of dedicated pensions sections and increased pensions' disclosures. Argues that alternative accounts provided by trade unions, organisations associated with the elderly and others are required to provide counter accounts. Calls for more education about the importance of saving from an early age.

Originality/value

Applies elements of an enabling accounting to a specific accounting problem, accounting for pensions.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2004

Dariush Alimohammadi

Digital information retrieval has been as a problem, and at the same time a research interest for information scientists in recent years. They have planned some solutions to solve…

503

Abstract

Digital information retrieval has been as a problem, and at the same time a research interest for information scientists in recent years. They have planned some solutions to solve problems manifested during the 1990s. Designing meta‐tags and applying them to HTML documents was a remedy in this direction. Meta‐tags can help authors, publishers and indexers of Web pages to analyze intended content more precisely and efficiently. The aim of the present survey is to measure meta‐tags of the Iranian Web sites in accordance with an international criterion. To carry out the research, 346 Iranian Web sites were selected among 3,342, which represented a sample of all Web sites existed in Iranhoo, an Iranian Web directory. The source codes of the sample home pages were reviewed in terms of the presence of keywords and description meta‐tags. The findings of the survey showed that 31.5 percent and 24.6 percent of the Iranian Web sites have keywords and description meta‐tags respectively. The paper concludes that the Iranian Web sites are lower than non‐Iranian Web sites in terms of the use of meta‐tags.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Daniel Cunliffe

The number and range of organisations developing a Web site is growing rapidly. Many of these Web sites are developed in‐houseeven though the skills and resources required for…

4639

Abstract

The number and range of organisations developing a Web site is growing rapidly. Many of these Web sites are developed in‐houseeven though the skills and resources required for developing a successful site may not be available. It is argued that some of the limitations in terms of resources and skills inherent in the small‐scale in‐house development environment can be overcome through the adoption of an informal Web site development model and suitable usability methods. Presents an informal development model synthesised from a review of development case studies and published Web research literature. This model identifies the main stages and tasks of development. A review of information gathering and usability methods currently being employed is integrated into the model. The importance of understanding user and information provider needs is discussed. A number of common usability methods are then examined in greater detail. The appropriateness of the model and methods for the small‐scale in‐house development environment is considered.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

Diane K. Kovacs and Angela Elkordy

Building a Web‐based e‐library may be the most important thing a library ever does. An important role for librarians in all types of libraries is the planning and/or building of…

5485

Abstract

Building a Web‐based e‐library may be the most important thing a library ever does. An important role for librarians in all types of libraries is the planning and/or building of Web‐based e‐libraries. Offers a practical discussion of developing and implementing a collection plan for building Web‐based e‐libraries. The starting point for developing any collection plan is an assessment of the function of and need for an information collection and the audience it will serve. Discusses some guidelines and practical strategies on where and how to find, identify, evaluate and select appropriate Web‐based information resources. Focuses on Web‐based information resources rather than other electronic information resources such as CD‐ROM or fee‐based databases that have been discussed extensively in recent literature.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

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