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Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Bongran Lucia Sun

This study aims to explore the relationships between gender, gender identity and Word of Mouth (WOM). There are three objectives of this study. The first was to observe the impact…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationships between gender, gender identity and Word of Mouth (WOM). There are three objectives of this study. The first was to observe the impact of gender identity on WOM. The second was to examine the mediation role of self-brand connection (SBC) bridging the relationship between gender identity and WOM. The final one was to test the moderating role of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was tested by analyzing data collected via Mturk from Americans participants who use Airbnb. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the psychometric property. To test hypotheses, the structural equation model was assessed. Further, Hayes’ PROCESS was adopted to examine the mediation role of SBC. The moderation role of gender was examined by the chi-square difference test.

Findings

The research outcomes elucidated that feminine gender identity exerted a noteworthy influence on WOM communication, whereas masculine gender identity appeared to bear no significant impact on WOM. It was determined that SBC operates as a potent mediator bridging the relationship between gender identity and WOM. Gender did not demonstrate a significant moderating effect on any part of the WOM communication pathway in the context of this study.

Practical implications

The conclusions drawn from this research underscore that practitioners in the field of brand management should not overlook the crucial role of consumers' gender identity. It is imperative to cultivate robust, positive relationships with consumers as a strategic measure to engender favorable WOM communication.

Originality/value

This investigation distinguishes itself as one of the relatively scarce studies interrogating the relationship between gender identity, gender and WOM, specifically through the mediating lens of SBC. Consequently, the discoveries made herein have the potential to furnish unprecedented insights into comprehending consumer behavior in the hospitality industry with respect to WOM communication, particularly as it pertains to the dimension of gender identity.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2024

Aditi Sarkar Sengupta, Marla Royne Stafford and Alexa K. Fox

The authors' research examines how negative electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) alters focal customers' post-recovery justice perceptions and attitudes to determine their future…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors' research examines how negative electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) alters focal customers' post-recovery justice perceptions and attitudes to determine their future behavior with the service provider. Specifically, this paper develops and tests a conceptual model to investigate how negative e-WOM alters focal customers' perceptual and attitudinal outcomes after the service recovery experience. It also examines the post-recovery effect of negative e-WOM on focal customers’ willingness to patronize the service after their recovery experience.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, two pretests and two experimental studies with created scenarios in the retail context were conducted.

Findings

The authors' findings reveal that services are judged during and well beyond failure and recovery occurrences. To maintain a loyal customer base, service managers should develop processes that address service complaints both within and beyond the service consumption stage. The authors also find that despite a favorable recovery, focal customers gravitate toward the failure experience and develop unfavorable attitudes toward the service provider, leading to likely defections.

Originality/value

The authors' research demonstrates the persuasive power of negative e-WOM at the post-service recovery stage, making a unique contribution to the service recovery literature. This research also contributes to the persuasive effect of negative e-WOM, demonstrating message context as a boundary condition of negative e-WOM effects. In general, the authors' work highlights the importance of understanding the psychological processes involved in eliciting the persuasive influence of negative e-WOM in the post-service recovery stage that may lead to the defection of “so-called” successfully recovered customers.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Sungkyung Kim and Argyro Elisavet Manoli

This study delves into the psychological processes underlying sport fans' post-purchase innovativeness behaviour. This exploratory research aims to establish a theoretical…

Abstract

Purpose

This study delves into the psychological processes underlying sport fans' post-purchase innovativeness behaviour. This exploratory research aims to establish a theoretical framework that elucidates the formation of sport fans' word-of-mouth (WOM) behaviours, particularly emphasising the structural relationship between motivated consumer innovativeness and satisfaction in using AR live-streaming services.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising an online survey and convenience sampling, the study garnered a total of 243 usable responses from three online baseball fan communities in South Korea. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess the psychometric properties of the constructs. Subsequently, a structural equation model was used to probe the influence of motivated consumer innovativeness on WOM, with a particular focus on the mediating role of satisfaction.

Findings

Three dimensions of motivated sport fans innovativeness – functional, hedonic and cognitive – showed a positive association with WOM, partly mediated by satisfaction. In contrast, socially motivated sport fans innovativeness did not directly lead to WOM but influenced it solely through satisfaction. The full mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between socially motivated fans innovativeness and WOM was found.

Originality/value

This research stands out as one of the scant studies exploring motivated sport fans innovativeness in the context of AR live sport streaming. The findings not only corroborate but also augment the extant literature by empirically confirming that three dimensions of motivated fans innovativeness, coupled with satisfaction, are pivotal antecedents to WOM intention.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Mobin Fatma and Imran Khan

This study aims to examine the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in forming a brand image and word of mouth (WOM) in the hotel industry in India. This study proposed a…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in forming a brand image and word of mouth (WOM) in the hotel industry in India. This study proposed a framework for examining the influence of CSR activities on self-congruence and the brand attitudes and indirect effects on consumer brand image and WOM in the hospitality industry in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire is used to collect the data from the hotel guests staying in four five-star hotels in the Delhi NCR. The structural equation modelling was used for the empirical data analysis using AMOS 23.0.

Findings

The findings suggest that CSR, directly and indirectly, influences the brand image and WOM. The present study confirms CSR’s indirect effects on brand image and WOM.

Originality/value

The findings from this study will help companies design customer-driven, socially responsible activities. In the context of hotels, a mechanism based on social exchange suggests that CSR activities signal to consumers that the hotel supports society’s well-being; thus, the customers feel obliged to reciprocate the action by having a positive WOM and brand image. Therefore, hotel firms benefit from their socially responsible activities by having a positive attitude, self-congruence and WOM.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Matti Haverila, Russell Currie, Kai Christian Haverila, Caitlin McLaughlin and Jenny Carita Twyford

This study aims to examine how the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance theory can be used to understand the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance theory can be used to understand the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The relationships between attitudes, behavioural intentions towards using NPIs, actual use of NPIs and word-of-mouth (WOM) were examined and compared between early and late adopters.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to test the hypotheses with partial least squares structural equation modelling (n = 278).

Findings

The results indicate that relationships between attitudes, intentions and behavioural intentions were positive and significant in the whole data set – and that there were differences between the early and late adopters. WOM had no substantial relationship with actual usage and early adopters’ behavioural intentions.

Originality/value

This research gives a better sense of how WOM impacts attitudes, behavioural intentions and actual usage among early and late adopters of NPIs and highlights the effectiveness of WOM, especially among late adopters of NPIs. Furthermore, using the TAM allows us to make specific recommendations regarding encouraging the use of NPIs. A new three-stage communications model is introduced that uses early adopters as influencers to reduce the NPI adoption time by late adopters.

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2023

Shahriar Akter, Mujahid Mohiuddin Babu, Tasnim M. Taufique Hossain, Bidit Lal Dey, Hongfei Liu and Pallavi Singh

The main purpose of this study is to fill the research gap on how B2B global service firms integrate dynamic capabilities within their omnichannel management to influence positive…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to fill the research gap on how B2B global service firms integrate dynamic capabilities within their omnichannel management to influence positive word of mouth (WOM), customer engagement (CE) and customer equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the dynamic capability and WOM theories, a model has been developed that defines the subjects of the empirical test. The paper reports on data collected from 312 service-oriented global firms in Australia, through a cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings suggest that content management (i.e. information consistency, source trustworthiness and endorsement) and concerns management (i.e. privacy, security and recovery) capabilities are the two significant antecedents of positive WOM within a B2B omnichannel setting in international marketing. The findings also confirm the key mediating role of CE between positive WOM and customer equity.

Originality/value

The findings extend dynamic capability theory in the context of international marketing by linking WOM, CE and customer equity. The findings add further theoretical rigor by establishing the nomological chain between positive WOM and customer equity, in which CE plays a key mediating role.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2023

Depeng Zhang, Zhongxiang Li and Jiaxin Ma

Managing the growing word-of-mouth (WOM) of brand fans has become a new challenge for companies in the fan economy era. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of…

Abstract

Purpose

Managing the growing word-of-mouth (WOM) of brand fans has become a new challenge for companies in the fan economy era. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of language intensity of brand fan WOM on customers' willingness to adopt WOM based on psychological resistance theory and to reveal the underlying mechanism of this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed to test the proposed hypotheses. Two experiments were conducted on an online platform using data from 708 participants. The independent samples t-test and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that, in the context of WOM among brand fans, high-intensity language leads to a lower willingness to adopt than low-intensity language and threats to freedom mediate this effect. Moreover, the restoration postscript moderates the effect of language intensity on threats to freedom and customers' willingness to adopt WOM.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies that focused on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) language content, this paper focuses on language intensity to reveal the psychological process of customers' willingness to adopt brand fan WOM. The findings not only enrich the research related to the language effect in eWOM, but also deepen the understanding of the influence effect on brand fan WOM, providing effective guidance for brands to manage fan WOM.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Cecilie Andersen, Marit Gundersen Engeset and Ellen Katrine Nyhus

This paper aims to explore how different levels of involvement in the prevacation phase affect vacationers’ subsequent satisfaction, word of mouth (WOM) recommendations and loyal…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how different levels of involvement in the prevacation phase affect vacationers’ subsequent satisfaction, word of mouth (WOM) recommendations and loyal behavior with regard to the planning/booking process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a field study (N = 5,158) in a travel planning context are used to investigate the differences in WOM recommendations and loyalty between self-packagers (higher involvement) and package buyers (lower involvement).

Findings

Tourists who are less involved in the prevacation phase are more likely to recommend the planning/booking process, while more involved tourists are more likely to repeat the same planning/booking process than package buyers.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for tourist agencies, tour operators, tourism suppliers and tourism marketers in terms of customer retention and WOM communication. These findings also have theoretical implications for the WOM and loyalty literature.

Originality/value

This paper reveals how involvement in travel planning may affect satisfaction, WOM recommendation and loyalty behavior. These relationships have not been investigated before.

目的

本文探讨了度假规划和预订模式的选择(自我安排行程与购买套餐)是否会影响度假者随后的满意度、口碑(WOM)推荐以及与规划和预订过程相关的忠诚行为。

设计/方法

使用在旅游规划背景下的一项实地研究(N = 5158)数据来研究自我安排行程者与套餐购买者之间的WOM推荐和忠诚度的差异。

结果

较之自我安排行程者, 套餐购买者更有可能推荐规划/预订过程, 而自我安排行程者比套餐购买者更有可能重复相同的规划过程。

原创性

本文对参与旅游规划如何影响满意度、WOM推荐和忠诚度行为进行了深入探讨。尚无研究对这些关系进行探讨。

意义

研究结果对旅游机构、旅游经营者、旅游供应商和旅游营销人员的客户保留和客户WOM沟通有启发意义。研究结果对WOM和忠诚度文献也有理论上的意义。

Propósito

Este artículo explora si la elección de la planificación de vacaciones y la modalidad de reserva (independiente vs compra de paquetes) afecta la satisfacción posterior de los turistas, las recomendaciones boca a boca (WOM) y la fidelización relacionada con el proceso de planificación y reserva.

Diseño/metodología

Se utilizaron datos de un estudio de campo (N = 5158) en un contexto de planificación de viajes para investigar las diferencias en las recomendaciones WOM y la fidelización entre viajeros independientes (mayor participación) y compradores de paquetes (menor participación).

Hallazgos

Es más probable que los compradores de paquetes recomienden el proceso de planificación/reserva que los viajeros independientes, mientras que estos últimos tienen más probabilidades de repetir el mismo proceso de planificación que los compradores de paquetes.

Originalidad

El documento proporciona información sobre la manera como la participación en la planificación de viajes puede afectar la satisfacción, recomendaciones WOM y fidelización. Estas correlaciones no han sido investigadas anteriormente.

Implicaciones

Estos hallazgos tienen implicaciones para las agencias, operadores, proveedores y comercializadores turísticos en términos de retención de clientes y comunicación WOM con el cliente. Los hallazgos también tienen implicaciones teóricas para el WOM y la literatura sobre fidelización.

Article
Publication date: 11 August 2022

Hasnan Baber, Marius-Cristian Pană and Mina Fanea-Ivanovici

The tourism industry has a huge potential, and the return to its state prior to the COVID-19 pandemic is a large stake for any economy. Tourism e-WOM is an important contributor…

Abstract

Purpose

The tourism industry has a huge potential, and the return to its state prior to the COVID-19 pandemic is a large stake for any economy. Tourism e-WOM is an important contributor towards attracting visitors and choosing tourism destinations. Drawing from the value and personality theories, the aim of this study is to investigate the factors determining e-WOM intentions in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 469 responses collected online from a random sample of Romanians and using partial least squares structural equation modelling, the authors hereby analyze the influence of economic, emotional, social and altruistic values on e-WOM intentions, and the moderating effects of the big five personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism) on this relationship.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that except economic value, all the exogenous (emotional, social and altruistic) values have a positive influence on the e-WOM intentions. However, the study further suggested that the big five personality traits do not moderate the relationship between the value factors and e-WOM intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The influence of perceived value will be useful for building a stout marketing strategy and to describe e-WOM behaviour among Romanians.

Practical implications

Tourism service providers can promote their services by stressing the various types of value bestowed by their offers.

Originality/value

Although inspired by existing research, the current study is original in that the model used has not yet been proposed before, all the more so for the particular case of the tourism industry.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Davood Ghorbanzadeh, Atena Rahehagh and Maryam Ghiyasi

Due to changing consumer thinking patterns and market dynamics, the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry has changed dramatically in the past few years. Considering this, this…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to changing consumer thinking patterns and market dynamics, the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry has changed dramatically in the past few years. Considering this, this study aims to examine the influence of perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness on consumer word of mouth through brand attitude by considering consumer ethnocentrism and perceived brand origin as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtained 750 responses from Turkish consumers through a survey and analyzed the data using the maximum-likelihood estimation technique with structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study discovered that perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness are critical components that drive brand attitude, influencing consumers' WOM toward global and local QSR brands. Similarly, perceived brand globalness and perceived brand localness are important brand attributes influencing consumer WOM. Importantly, this study found the significant effects of perceived brand origin on brand attitude mainly toward perceived local brands compared to global QSR brands. Although this study did not uncover the influence of consumer ethnocentrism as expected. However, these insights may assist global and local managers to rethink their strategies toward Turkish consumer settings.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted exclusively in Turkey. However, additional studies in other countries, such as the comparative Asian versus European consumers' perspectives, may be considered to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendations to global and local managers to support them in designing and executing several brand positioning strategies in the QSR industry.

Originality/value

This novel study contributes to the accessibility diagnostic theory and signaling theory by examining consumers' perceptions of local and global brands.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

1 – 10 of 249