Search results

1 – 10 of 730
Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Yahya Skaf, Charbel Eid, Alkis Thrassou, Sam El Nemar and Karim S. Rebeiz

This research addresses the critical challenge of fostering customer loyalty within the highly competitive landscape of the insurance industry. The study investigates the…

Abstract

Purpose

This research addresses the critical challenge of fostering customer loyalty within the highly competitive landscape of the insurance industry. The study investigates the interplay between customer satisfaction, loyalty, and the influence of technology and service quality in the context of insurance services and in periods of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed among diverse insurance customers in Lebanon during crisis conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS-Amos, incorporating descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

This research emphasizes the crucial role of customer satisfaction in fostering loyalty in the insurance sector, especially during crises. High satisfaction levels, influenced by user-friendly online platforms, positively correlate with increased customer loyalty. Technology plays a vital role in maintaining and improving satisfaction, making it a key driver during challenging times. Positive interactions between service quality and satisfaction further highlight the multifaceted impact of technology on shaping customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The research findings provide valuable insights with practical implications for insurers aiming to boost customer loyalty. The study recommends strategic investments in critical areas like claims processing, customer service, communication strategies, digitalization initiatives, and employee training. The study provides insights applicable particularly to insurance companies navigating crisis conditions.

Originality/value

This research contributes both to academic understanding and practical applications by shedding light on the distinctive challenges and opportunities faced by insurers in cultivating customer loyalty within the insurance industry during crisis. The elucidations provided serve as a foundation for developing targeted strategies to address these challenges and to leverage opportunities for enhanced customer loyalty.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Khoa Nguyen Van, Huyen Pham Thi and Thuy Anh Phan

The research aimed to identify factors influencing customer loyalty in the use of mobile telecommunication services in Vietnam, focusing on two dimensions “attitudinal loyalty”…

55

Abstract

Purpose

The research aimed to identify factors influencing customer loyalty in the use of mobile telecommunication services in Vietnam, focusing on two dimensions “attitudinal loyalty” and “behavioral loyalty.”

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data collected from 820 in two of Vietnam’s major cities users, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the data were processed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings

The study identified four factors affecting customer loyalty to mobile telecommunication services, with perceived service quality directly impacting both attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. Corporate image and perceived switching costs influenced attitudinal loyalty, while trust affected behavioral loyalty. Moreover, perceived service quality indirectly influenced attitudinal loyalty through corporate image and perceived switching costs.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focuses on a limited number of factors influencing mobile telecommunications service user loyalty, its restricted geographical sample from only Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the simplification of perceived switching costs without considering their various components, such as psychological, financial and procedural costs, which could provide more comprehensive experimental and theoretical insights.

Practical implications

The study reveals that customer loyalty in Vietnam’s mobile telecommunications sector is linked to the relationship between attitude toward the service provider and continued usage behavior, categorizing customer groups into genuine loyalty, latent loyalty, feigned loyalty and disloyalty. It suggests that service providers should focus on improving service quality and cultivating a positive, transparent corporate image to bolster customer trust, foster stable relationships and remain competitive in the market.

Originality/value

The research model combines Oliver’s (1999) theory of loyalty with Aydin and Özer’s (2005) research model, focusing on perceived service quality, corporate image, trust and perceived switching costs, examining their relationships with both behavioral and attitudinal loyalty simultaneously.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Ishfaq Hussain Bhat and Shilpi Gupta

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of innovation in e-service delivery on trust and loyalty of Indian customers in the banking sector.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of innovation in e-service delivery on trust and loyalty of Indian customers in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The stated relationships were drawn on the grounded theories by developing a conceptual model. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data from 400 bank customers who were availing the e-innovation services.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that e-service innovation has a direct impact on e-service delivery and trust. The existence of a positive relationship between e-service delivery, trust and loyalty in the banking sector of India has also been found.

Practical implications

The findings of the study would help the practitioners and experts in the related fields to understand and adopt the innovative management practices in financial services in developing country like India.

Originality/value

Continuous e-innovation can create a distinct competitive advantage and avert the risk of vanishing from the market. The study contributes in terms of e-service innovation and e-service delivery in the banking sector in India. The impact of e-service innovation on banking outcomes begins with e-service and trust, these factors positively influences e-service innovation. Furthermore, e-service innovation exerts a positive effect on e-service delivery, trust and loyalty, thereby improving organizational value.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Maraj Rahman Sofi, Irfan Bashir, Ahmed Alshiha, Emad Alnasser and Sultan Alkhozaim

The study seeks to explore the intricate dynamics among customer relationship management (CRM) practices, guest satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality context. Additionally…

Abstract

Purpose

The study seeks to explore the intricate dynamics among customer relationship management (CRM) practices, guest satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality context. Additionally, it aims to examine the moderating influence of guest engagement on the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated theoretical framework is developed by incorporating CRM practices and guest engagement into the satisfaction-loyalty framework. Two research instruments were adapted from the literature to assess the perspectives of customers and employees in the hotel industry in Kashmir. The customer survey measured guest satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement, while the employee survey focused on CRM practices, including key customer focus and CRM organization. Data was collected using a pen-and-paper survey with convenience sampling across 10 qualifying hotels, each classified as 3-star or above. A total of 270 matched responses from guests and employees were obtained and analyzed using descriptive analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and moderation analysis with SPSS and AMOS software. The study utilized a rigorous data matching process to ensure reliability, with guest-employee pairs verified and cross-checked with hotel records.

Findings

The results indicate CRM practices play a pivotal role in shaping guest satisfaction and loyalty. Notably, personalization and a targeted customer approach emerged as the most influential factors in enhancing tourist satisfaction. Similarly, prospecting, personalization, and effective knowledge management significantly contributed to visitor loyalty. The establishment of robust relationships is underscored through collaborative active guest engagement. Furthermore, the study highlights the nuanced relationship between satisfaction and loyalty moderated by guest engagement. High levels of guest engagement amplify the positive impact of satisfaction on loyalty, while lower engagement levels attenuate this effect. Moreover, the moderating influence of guest engagement on the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and CRM practices and guest loyalty was notably strong at elevated guest engagement levels and relatively weaker at lower engagement levels.

Research limitations/implications

While the study findings encourage organizations to prioritize customer relationship development, hospitality entities must emphasize the adoption of CRM philosophy and robust guest engagement measures. Actively involving guests in co-creating services can yield incremental benefits in terms of attracting, retaining, and effectively serving guests.

Originality/value

This study introduces novel dimensions to the existing CRM framework within the hospitality context, specifically exploring the impact of hotel-specific elements (personalization and prospecting) on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, it innovatively investigates the moderating role of guest engagement in the satisfaction-loyalty relationship, expanding its scope to include the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and guest loyalty.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2024

Davood Ghorbanzadeh

This research aims to address the need for a more in-depth empirical investigation of exploring the link between the adoption of corporate citizenship (CC) practices and different…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to address the need for a more in-depth empirical investigation of exploring the link between the adoption of corporate citizenship (CC) practices and different aspects of customer behavior in a developing country. Also, it develops a research framework and assesses the mediating role of brand image, brand love, brand reputation and brand trust between customer perceptions of CC and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Working with a sample of 290 private bank customers in Iran, partial least square-based structural equation modeling is used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings reveal significant and positive relationships between CC, brand image, love and reputation. Indirectly and in the relationship between CC and customer loyalty, there are significant relationships through the serial roles of image-reputation, image-love and image-trust. Most importantly, the findings add value to the current knowledge by exploring the mediating effect of brand image, love, reputation and trust between CC and customer loyalty. Finally, this study has resulted in an updated prediction model of private banking customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique theoretical contribution to the literature by evaluating and comparing the mediating role of image, love, reputation and brand trust between CC and customer loyalty using the hierarchy of effects model.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Mornay Roberts-Lombard, Charles Makanyeza, Olumide Jaiyeoba and Tendai Douglas Svotwa

This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study uses relationship marketing theory to explore affective and calculative commitment as mediators in the delight–loyalty link. Furthermore, it investigates the role of perceived employee service delivery skills, perceived value and trust in the relationships between delight, affective commitment, calculative commitment and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research approach was applied, and the data were collected from 332 retail banking customers in an emergent market who are overall satisfied with their bank. A self-administered questionnaire collected data from 332 respondents who adhered to the stipulated requirements to participate in the study. These respondents were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. The constructs’ interrelationships were analysed via structural equation modelling. The measurement and structural models were also assessed.

Findings

Affective and calculative commitment and delight impact loyalty. Both affective commitment and calculative commitment were found to mediate the relationship between delight and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study enhances an understanding of the role of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link from a relationship marketing theory perspective.

Practical implications

The study provides guidance to the retail banking industry in emerging markets on the importance of affective and calculative commitment in strengthening the delight–loyalty link. It further informs retail banks of the need to provide banking customers with products and service value that exceed their expectations to strengthen their future commitment and loyalty to their bank.

Originality/value

Guided by relationship marketing theory, the role of affective and calculative commitment in mediating the delight–loyalty link in an emerging market context is uncovered.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2023

Jean Paolo Gomez Lacap, Melody Narisma Plaza, Jamielene Caballero and Maricar dela Cruz

This study aims to explore the influence of perceived value, enjoyment and novelty of fast-food chains’ smart retailing technology (SRT) on Filipino consumers’ attitude and…

1069

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of perceived value, enjoyment and novelty of fast-food chains’ smart retailing technology (SRT) on Filipino consumers’ attitude and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used in identifying the respondents (N = 343). The participants were composed of consumers of the leading fast-food chains in the Philippines, where SRT using self-service ordering kiosks is being implemented. The hypotheses were explored using partial least squares path modeling, and predictive-causal was the study’s research design.

Findings

The results reveal that, among the factors, perceived enjoyment substantially contributes to the formation of favorable consumers’ attitude toward SRT. Moreover, perceived value was found to have a moderate effect on attitude while perceived novelty showed small impact. In terms of consumers’ attitude and loyalty, the two variables were found to have large positive and significant relationship. The moderation analysis shows that consumers’ attitude toward SRT has medium indirect effect on the relationship between perceived enjoyment and loyalty, while there is small indirect influence on the links between perceived value and loyalty, and between perceived novelty and loyalty.

Originality/value

As more and more fast-food establishments are adopting the use of SRT via self-ordering kiosks, the present study is the only study in the Philippine context that explores how perceived value, enjoyment and novelty affect consumers’ attitude and loyalty.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Mornay Roberts-Lombard and Daniël Johannes Petzer

The purpose of this study is to investigate possible drivers of loyalty amongst Islamic banking customers in Gauteng, South Africa. We ponder the relationships of service fairness…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate possible drivers of loyalty amongst Islamic banking customers in Gauteng, South Africa. We ponder the relationships of service fairness (a secondorder reflective construct) with perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from Islamic banking customers in South Africa using interview-administered questionnaires. A total of 350 responses were perceived as being suitable for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were measured through structural equation modelling.

Findings

Service fairness and perceived value were found to be important drivers of loyalty within this context.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that service fairness and perceived value are precursors to the future loyalty intentions of Islamic banking customers. As such, they should be nurtured as key elements of the relationship building process.

Practical implications

The study guides South African Islamic banks and South African banks with Islamic windows to better understand how service fairness (interactional, procedural and distributive) fosters satisfaction, perceived value and loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural).

Originality/value

Enhancing comprehension of the relationship between service fairness and customer loyalty, with satisfaction and perceived value playing intermediary roles, represents an unexplored avenue in academic research within the context of Islamic banking in an emerging African market.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Mingfang Li, Askar Choudhury and Na Zhang

The purpose of this study is to identify the structural determinants of e-returns service interactions, examine their impact on online shoppers' loyalty and propose returns…

14

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the structural determinants of e-returns service interactions, examine their impact on online shoppers' loyalty and propose returns service interventions from an interactive marketing perspective to facilitate consumer interaction and repeat purchase intentions with e-retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically tests the research hypotheses based on cross-sectional survey data collected from Chinese online consumers who experienced interactions during the product returns process.

Findings

E-return service interaction includes three determinants: access support, friendly interaction and communication support. These interactions positively impact ease of return, returns satisfaction and customer loyalty. Returns satisfaction is a key mediator in the relationship between return service interaction and loyalty. Access support and friendly interaction have both direct and indirect effects on loyalty, while communication support has only an indirect effect.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding e-returns service interaction by analyzing its structural determinants, providing a robust scale foundation and analytical framework for future empirical research. Additionally, this study explores the driving role of e-returns service interaction in forming e-customer loyalty, offering a theoretical basis for the service recovery function of e-returns service interaction. It enriches the application of service recovery theory and relationship marketing theory in the field of interactive marketing.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Bernd F. Reitsamer, Nicola E. Stokburger-Sauer and Janina S. Kuhnle

Effective customer journey design (ECJD) is considered a key variable in customer experience management and an essential source of brand meaning and pro-brand behavior. Although…

2601

Abstract

Purpose

Effective customer journey design (ECJD) is considered a key variable in customer experience management and an essential source of brand meaning and pro-brand behavior. Although previous research has confirmed its importance for driving brand attitudes and loyalty, the role of consumer-brand identification as a social identity-based influence in this relationship has not yet been discussed. Drawing on construal level and social identity theories, this paper aims to investigate whether effective journeys and the resulting overall journey experience are equally powerful in driving brand loyalty among customers with different levels of consumer-brand identification.

Design/methodology/approach

The present article develops and tests a research model using data from the European and US service sectors (N = 1,454) to investigate how and when ECJD affects service brand loyalty.

Findings

Across two cultural contexts, four service industries and 33 service brands, the results reveal that ECJD is a crucial driver of service brand loyalty for customers with low consumer-brand identification. Moreover, the findings show that different aspects of journey effectiveness positively impact the valence of customers’ experience related to those journeys – a process that is ultimately decisive for their brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it generates theoretical and practical knowledge by combining the literature streams of customer journey design, customer experience and branding. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that consumer-brand identification is a critical boundary condition to be considered in the relationship between ECJD and brand loyalty in services.

Details

Journal of Service Management, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-5818

Keywords

1 – 10 of 730