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Article
Publication date: 20 November 2023

Bohao Ma, Jessica Limierta, Chee-Chong Teo and Yiik Diew Wong

The study proposes an evaluation model that allows quantitative characterization of the effects of service quality on consumer’s satisfaction for online food delivery (OFD…

Abstract

Purpose

The study proposes an evaluation model that allows quantitative characterization of the effects of service quality on consumer’s satisfaction for online food delivery (OFD) services in a nonlinear manner. As such, the authors endeavor to bridge the research-to-practice gaps whereby the effect magnitudes and nonlinear patterns of service quality have been overlooked in the current literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative Kano method is adopted. A Kano questionnaire was first developed by synthesizing and operationalizing existing evidence on OFD service qualities. The questionnaire solicited consumers’ evaluations of 21 OFD service attributes, and it was distributed to an online panel in Singapore. With 580 valid responses, the functions that quantitatively depict effects of each attribute on consumer’s satisfaction were subsequently derived.

Findings

The results reveal that among Singaporean consumers, food quality, reliability of delivery, responsiveness of customer support, ease-of-use of digital interfaces and promotions are pivotal attributes contributing to above-average satisfaction improvement across all performance levels. Meanwhile, delivery riders’ attitudes and real-time tracking functions emerge as substantial contributors to satisfaction at high-performance levels.

Practical implications

The findings provide crucial insights for OFD practitioners in Singapore in resource prioritization and service optimization. This study demonstrated the importance of streamlining customer support services and focusing on the utilitarian aspects of OFD services. Moreover, these results can be employed in advanced service improvement procedures, providing a roadmap for future OFD service enhancements.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the development of a quantitative quality evaluation model in the OFD context. With the established quantitative Kano model, the study addresses the omission of effect magnitudes and nonlinear patterns of service quality. It highlights the transition from a binary “does it affect satisfaction” to a more nuanced “how much does it affect satisfaction” approach, offering a robust understanding of consumer’s satisfaction dynamics.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Jian-Ren Hou, Yen-Hsi Li and Sarawut Kankham

As an alternative to hiring financial specialists or investment consultants, robo-advisors offer financially automated investment services. This study aims to investigate how…

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Abstract

Purpose

As an alternative to hiring financial specialists or investment consultants, robo-advisors offer financially automated investment services. This study aims to investigate how robo-advisors' service attributes, risk attitude and financial self-efficacy influence customers' choice preferences of adopting robo-advisors.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hundred fifty-one online surveys were used to collect data, and choice-based conjoint analysis was conducted.

Findings

Results show that increasing annual fees negatively impact customers' choice preferences. Promotion, general investment education and additional human assistance have a positive impact. Furthermore, risk-seeking and risk-averse customers require more human assistance than risk-neutral customer and customers with high levels of financial self-efficacy prefer more general investment education and additional human assistance than those with lower levels. In addition, customers in the older age group prefer promotion, general investment education and additional human assistance, while wealthy customers prefer lower annual fees, higher general investment education and more additional human assistance compared to middle-class and low-income groups.

Originality/value

This study contributes to robo-advisor providers to provide appropriate service attributes for each customer group.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2011

Li‐Wei Wu

Many studies have documented that satisfaction does not always result in loyalty, and that dissatisfaction does not necessarily result in defection. In response, this study goes…

4416

Abstract

Purpose

Many studies have documented that satisfaction does not always result in loyalty, and that dissatisfaction does not necessarily result in defection. In response, this study goes beyond satisfaction and proposes the moderating effects of locational convenience, interpersonal relationships, and commitment between satisfaction and customer loyalty across search, experience, and credence attribute services.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that from search attribute services to experience and credence attribute services, the relative importance of locational convenience with regard to retaining dissatisfied customers is likely to decline. Search and experience attribute services that can develop and maintain close interpersonal relationships with their customers are more likely to retain dissatisfied customers. Commitment maintains customer loyalty, even when customer satisfaction is lower across search, experience, and credence attribute services.

Originality/value

This study discriminates dissatisfied customers' loyalty behaviors based on locational convenience from those behaviors resulting from interpersonal relationships and commitment across service types, and thus has significance for the marketing strategies of businesses providing different service types, particularly in terms of dissatisfaction resolution strategies.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2007

Bernhard Swoboda, Frank Haelsig, Dirk Morschett and Hanna Schramm‐Klein

The purpose of this research is to try to show the relevance of service quality in building a strong retail brand. It addresses how retailer attributes affect customer‐based…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to try to show the relevance of service quality in building a strong retail brand. It addresses how retailer attributes affect customer‐based retail brand equity, when considering retailers as brands. These attributes are compared with one another, and the importance of service is set in proportion to the other retailer attributes, both intersectorally and sector‐specifically. An integrated model is used here.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical study across five retail sectors (grocery, textiles, DIY, consumer electronics and furniture retailing) based on a survey with 2,000 face‐to‐face interviews. Structural equation modelling is used to illustrate the impact of central dimensions of the perception of retailer service and of the other retailer attributes on customer‐based retail brand equity.

Findings

In retailing, service quality appears to be the most important retailer attribute in building a strong retail brand – as demonstrated in four out of five sectors. The integrated model developed in this study can make a significant contribution to a field of knowledge which at present is not well developed.

Research limitations/implications

A more detailed analysis of the cross‐sectoral differences is undoubtedly necessary. Furthermore, a more exact analysis of retailer service is certainly required, but it must also incorporate other retailer attributes in order to achieve dimensions of comparison.

Practical implications

The importance of service in retailing is intersectorally underlined in comparison to the other retailer attributes/retail marketing instruments. Even in sectors that characteristically use self‐service, the importance of service quality and particularly of friendly and competent staff is evident. Compared to the other retailer attributes, service is one strategic element that can be used effectively by retailers of almost any size. A small or medium sized retailer usually cannot distinguish itself from its competitors by means of price, but with a service‐oriented business.

Originality/value

Unlike other investigations, a model is applied in this paper to five retail sectors, so both general and also sector‐specific conclusions can be drawn on the importance of customer service and the other retailer attributes. Furthermore, customer service is not analysed in isolation, thus we have dimensions of comparison, unlike many other authors who look at service alone.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Yi-Fei Chuang, Shiuh-Nan Hwang, Jehn-Yih Wong and Chun-Der Chen

– The aim of this study is to explore the attractiveness of tourist night markets by looking at the dual nature of retail service and tourism from a supply-side perspective.

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the attractiveness of tourist night markets by looking at the dual nature of retail service and tourism from a supply-side perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted field observations to understand the offerings at night markets and used content analysis to explore the attributes of vendors who operate there.

Findings

The research reveals that the attractiveness of night markets derives from the diversity of service contents and local food, affordable consumption (the lowest unit prices, with products under US$3.3 comprising approximately 70 per cent of those offered), temple festivals and the various service attributes of vendors. These night market features generate physical perceptions and personnel perceptions among tourists. Vendor service attributes include performance, empathy, responsiveness and courtesy. Unique and interesting performances comprise a special attribute of night markets that differ from other service industries.

Practical implications

The results provide information on how tourism officials can promote night markets as tourist destinations and what kinds of vendor service attributes please tourists the most.

Originality/value

This study expands on the literature that discusses perceptual attributes to tourist street markets by exploring the service contents of these markets and by identifying the service attributes of vendors.

Details

International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6182

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Gayani Karunasena, Dimuthu Vijerathne and Harsha Muthmala

Homogeneity in the main business of renting office spaces among commercial facilities has led to fierce competition. To retain tenant attractiveness, many are now concerned about…

Abstract

Purpose

Homogeneity in the main business of renting office spaces among commercial facilities has led to fierce competition. To retain tenant attractiveness, many are now concerned about the quality of facilities management (FM) services in addition to the rent, office space and location. The quality of FM service can be attained with successful service encounters. Thus, this paper aims to establish an initial platform on which tenant satisfaction in FM service encounters can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

The preliminary survey focused on gaining insights into FM encounters in commercial sector and applicability of service attributes under SERVQUAL model. The detailed survey concentrated on determining tenant perceptions on satisfactory levels of service attributes developed in the preliminary study and relationships between FM encounters and different service attributes. The collection of descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the results.

Findings

This study’s findings reveal assurance and empathy to be highly correlated to tenant satisfaction, while other attributes are less correlated. However, perceptions of satisfaction levels of tenants on tangibility and reliability provides contradictory results to its correlation values. Satisfaction level in remote service encounters is lower compared to phone and face-to-face encounters. Complexity and management concerns toward physical facilities are imperative to uplift satisfaction in remote encounters.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of study was limited to FM encounters in Sri Lankan Grade “A” commercial office properties with high quality standard finishes, state-of-the-art systems, exceptional accessibility and a definite market presence in Colombo.

Originality/value

The study developed a preliminary framework that guides users to identify the best combinations of service attributes with respective FM encounters, where tenant satisfaction needs to be achieved.

Details

Facilities, vol. 36 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2021

Kai-Chieh Hu, Kai-Chieh Chia, Mingying Lu and Ya-Lan Liang

The purpose of the study is to clarify the quality of home delivery logistics services from the perspectives of customers and provide insight to aid the prioritization of service

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to clarify the quality of home delivery logistics services from the perspectives of customers and provide insight to aid the prioritization of service quality improvements and guide managerial strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a three-dimensional model that integrated Kano model, goal difficulty (GD) and importance–performance analysis (IPA) for investigating service quality aspects emphasized by customers and determine which attributes should be prioritized according to an enterprise's resource and capability constraints. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to the customers and managers of five primary home delivery logistics service enterprises and six small to medium-sized enterprises in Taiwan. Improving the quality of home delivery logistics services has become of increased interest for enterprises.

Findings

The three most important attributes, ranked in order of priority for improvement, were the protection of customers' personal information, delivery of products without damage and reasonable compensation standards for product damage. The study concludes that enterprises should prioritize the improvement of these attributes. Implications, detailed explanations and directions for further investigations are also proposed.

Originality/value

The study discusses the importance and relevant satisfaction levels of service quality attributes from the perspective of customers while also considering the limitations of companies' resources and capabilities. The results indicate that the method can be used to identify service quality attributes of home delivery logistics and formulate strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2019

Aruna Divya Tatavarthy, Swagato Chatterjee and Piyush Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an integrated conceptual framework using construal level theory (CLT) to explain the differences in the effects of process and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test an integrated conceptual framework using construal level theory (CLT) to explain the differences in the effects of process and outcome service attributes on overall service evaluation and customer satisfaction based on consumption context (social), evaluation context (temporal) and individual characteristics (expertise).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use two lab experiments (hotel and restaurant settings) and a field study of online reviews posted by actual hotel customers to test all the hypotheses.

Findings

Process (outcome) attributes have a stronger influence on service evaluations under low-level (high-level) construal. Specifically, process attributes have a stronger influence when customers are accompanied by proximal (vs distal) social group, evaluate a service under near (vs distant) temporal frame or have high (vs low) level of customer expertise.

Practical implications

Service managers can use the findings about the differences in the influence of social, temporal and individual variables on customer evaluations under process and outcome attributes to improve customers’ service experiences and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper extends past research on the influence of construal levels on customer decision making by exploring the differences in the effects of process vs outcome service attributes on overall service evaluation and customer satisfaction, under the influence of low (vs high) construal levels triggered by social, temporal and individual variables.

Details

Journal of Service Theory and Practice, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-6225

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2019

Dedy Wiredja, Vesna Popovic and Alethea Blackler

Assessing airport service performance requires understanding of all passenger processing and discretionary activities at airport passenger terminals – a need that has not yet been…

Abstract

Purpose

Assessing airport service performance requires understanding of all passenger processing and discretionary activities at airport passenger terminals – a need that has not yet been addressed in the research to date. This paper aims to address this shortcoming in evaluating overall airport service based on passenger experience from departure to arrival.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative analysis over 40 airport models, including their indicators and configuration of service measures, was undertaken in a previous work to identify key-design requirements in assessing airport service performance based on passenger experience (Wiredja et al., 2015). Based on these requirements, this paper constitutes the development of a passenger-centred model covering all service areas from departure to arrival terminals. The newly developed model is then examined using factor and regression analyses by involving 215 airline passengers from 22 world’s international airports.

Findings

Overall service performance is understood as a function of combined sub-performances of two groups of airport domains: processing domains and non-processing domains. The overall result demonstrated that the two sets of service factors and their relevant attributes had significant impact on overall service performance at processing and non-processing domains.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model applies a set of dynamic performance measures that provide flexibility. These measures are adjustable depending on the needs. Adding or replacing measures defines the specificity of the domains and performances assessed. The model components can be modified in respective service attributes when passenger needs or priorities change. The only constant component is user-centred indicators (in this research, Passenger-centred indicators).

Originality/value

This research has generated new insights and knowledge that directly contribute to the assessment of airport service performance. The novelty of this research is the development of a passenger-centred approach in evaluating overall airport service based on passenger experience. This passenger-driven model provides a more integrated and robust approach in this field than previously available.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Naeem Akhtar, Xianglan Chen, Umar Iqbal Siddiqi, Guojun Zeng and Tahir Islam

To address critical research gaps in the extant literature, the present study develops a model that links language constraints in hotel attributes—core and facilitating––with…

Abstract

Purpose

To address critical research gaps in the extant literature, the present study develops a model that links language constraints in hotel attributes—core and facilitating––with consumers' offendedness (CO) and examines the consequent behavioral intentions of an offended consumer. For this purpose, it investigates (1) the role of language constraints in core and facilitating attributes in shaping CO, (2) how CO relates to adverse behavioral outcomes and (3) the moderating role of attribution of service failure (ASF) between language constraints and CO.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research used convenience sampling and collected data from 398 inbound tourists in Beijing through a survey questionnaire. The study performs measurement and structural evaluation by employing Amos Graphics 24.0 and moderation analysis through IBM SPSS 25.0.

Findings

The study examines language constraints in China's hospitality context, which restricts its generalizability. However, it serves as a better approach to examine the tourists who visit other Western hotels in China and unveils the factors contributing to CO.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines language constraints in Chinese hotels, which restrict its generalizability. It serves as a better approach to examine the tourists who visit other Western hotels in China and unveils the factors contributing to CO.

Originality/value

Few studies validate communication barriers in service encounters in hotel services and apprehend related outcomes. The present study takes a unique initiative in the context of China and examines the role of language constraints in core and facilitating hotel attributes in service encounters at Chinese hotels. This study informs the Chinese hotel industry and international destination firms to understand the language constraints in service encounters to further their strategies to overcome threats and tap potential opportunities.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

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