Bo Yang, Yongqiang Sun and Xiao-Liang Shen
This study aims to deepen our understanding of how chatbots’ empathy influences humans–AI relationship in frontline service encounters. The authors investigate the underlying…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deepen our understanding of how chatbots’ empathy influences humans–AI relationship in frontline service encounters. The authors investigate the underlying mechanisms, including perceived anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence and psychological empowerment, while also considering variations between different stages of the customer journey (before and after purchase).
Design/methodology/approach
Data collection was conducted through an online survey distributed among 301 customers who had experience using AI-based service chatbot in frontline service encounters in China. The hypotheses were examined through structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.
Findings
The findings of this study revealed the positive impacts of emotional and cognitive empathy on humans–AI relationship through perceived anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence and psychological empowerment. Furthermore, this study verified the moderating effect of the customer journey stages, such that the impacts of anthropomorphism and intelligence on humans–AI relationship displayed more strength during the pre- and post-purchase phases, respectively.
Practical implications
This research offers practical implications for companies: recognize and enhance empathy dimensions in AI-based service chatbot to empower human–AI relationships; boost customer empowerment in human–AI interactions; and tailor anthropomorphic features in the pre-purchase stage and improve problem-solving capability in the post-purchase stage to enrich user experiences.
Originality/value
This study extends relationship marketing theory and human–AI interaction frameworks by investigating the underlying mechanisms of the effect of two-dimensional empathy on human–AI relationship. This study also enriches service design theories by revealing the moderating effect of customer journey stages.
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Yingbo Gao, Bo Yan, Hanxu Yang, Mao Deng, Zhongbin Lv, Bo Zhang and Guanghui Liu
A transmission tower usually experiences bolt loosening under long-term alternating cyclic load, which may lead to collapse of the tower in extreme operating conditions. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
A transmission tower usually experiences bolt loosening under long-term alternating cyclic load, which may lead to collapse of the tower in extreme operating conditions. The paper aims to propose a data-driven identification method for bolt looseness of complicated tower structures based on reduced-order models and numerical simulations to perceive and evaluate the health state of a tower in operation.
Design/methodology/approach
The equivalent stiffnesses of three types of bolt joints under various loosening scenarios are numerically determined by three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations. The order of the FE model of a tower structure with bolt loosening is reduced by means of the component modal synthesis method, and the dynamic responses of the reducer-order model under calibration loads are simulated and used to create the dataset. An identification model for bolt looseness of the tower structure based on convolutional neural networks driven by the acceleration sensors is constructed.
Findings
An identification model for bolt looseness of the tower structure based on convolutional neural networks driven by the acceleration sensors is constructed and the applicability of the model is investigated. It is shown that the proposed method has a high identification accuracy and strong robustness to data noise and data missing. Meanwhile, the method is less dependent on the number and location of sensors and is easier to apply in real transmission lines.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a data-driven identification method for bolt looseness of a complicated tower structure based on reduced-order models and numerical simulations. Non-linear relationships between equivalent stiffness of bolted joints and bolt preload depicting looseness are obtained and reduced-order model of tower structure with bolt looseness is established. Finally, this paper investigates applicability of identification model for bolt looseness.
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Lina Zhong, Mengyao Zhu, Meiling Li, Alastair M. Morrison and Liyu Yang
This paper aims to compare the differences between single- and multi-person interactions in virtual tourism, underpinned by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to compare the differences between single- and multi-person interactions in virtual tourism, underpinned by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework and media richness theory (MRT).
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, quantitative data gathered from questionnaires applied to 558 individuals was analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The moderating role of interaction type was tested through multigroup analysis (MGA).
Findings
The results showed that vividness positively influenced telepresence, perceived attractiveness and authentic experiences; telepresence positively affected authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness; and authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness positively impacted willingness to visit in both interaction groups. A difference was detected between the two groups in that perceptions of media vividness were more easily transformed into a willingness to visit through telepresence in the multi-person interaction group. Interaction type moderated the effect of vividness on telepresence. The vividness of the media had a more significant effect on telepresence among those who participated in virtual tourism together.
Originality/value
In this study, a model was developed to explain how media vividness affected willingness to visit by considering the relationships between telepresence, authentic experiences and perceived attractiveness in virtual reality, as well as the social interaction aspect.
研究目的
本研究旨在比较虚拟旅游中单人和多人互动的差异, 基于刺激-有机体-反应(S-O-R)框架和媒介丰富度理论(MRT)。
研究方法
本研究对 558 名受试者的问卷调查数据进行了定量分析, 采用 PLS-SEM 模型分析, 并通过多群组分分析(MGA)测试了互动类型的调节作用。
研究发现
研究结果显示, 生动性对临场感、感知吸引力和真实体验有正向影响; 临场感对真实体验和感知吸引力有正向影响; 真实体验和感知吸引力对参观意愿有正向影响。两组之间的差异在于, 在多人互动组中, 媒介生动性更容易通过临场感转化为参观意愿。互动类型调节了生动性对临场感的影响, 参与虚拟旅游的多人群体中, 媒介的生动性对临场感的影响更为显著。
研究创新
本研究构建了一个模型, 解释了在虚拟现实中, 媒介生动性如何通过临场感、真实体验和感知吸引力的关系影响参观意愿, 同时考虑了社会互动的因素。
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Kangqi Jiang, Xin Xie, Yu Xiao and Badar Nadeem Ashraf
The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of corporate digital transformation on bond credit spreads. Additionally, it also explores the two potential channels…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of corporate digital transformation on bond credit spreads. Additionally, it also explores the two potential channels, information asymmetry and default risk, through which digital transformation can influence bond credit spreads.
Design/methodology/approach
We use the bond issuance data of Chinese listed companies over the period 2008–2020. Corporate digital transformation of these companies is measured with textual analysis of the management discussion and analysis part of annual reports. We employ a panel regression model to estimate the effect of digital transformation on bond credit spreads.
Findings
We find robust evidence that companies with higher digital transformation experience lower bond credit spreads. We further observe that credit spread reduction is higher for firms that are smaller, non-state-owned, have lower credit ratings and have less analyst coverage. We also find evidence that digital transformation reduces credit spreads by reducing the information asymmetry between firms and investors with enhanced information transformation mechanisms and lowering corporate default risk by strengthening operating efficiency.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to understand the impact of corporate digital transformation on bond credit spreads. Our findings help to understand the effect of digital transformation on firms’ credit worthiness and access to capital.
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Yuhong Shao and Songshan (Sam) Huang
This study aims to provide a timely review of hospitality and tourism live streaming (HTLS) research, aiming to understand the intellectual foundation in the past and identify…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a timely review of hospitality and tourism live streaming (HTLS) research, aiming to understand the intellectual foundation in the past and identify opportunities for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 56 papers from journals in the Social Science Citation Index database or the Australian Business Deans Council journal quality list and adopted a hybrid systematic literature review combining bibliometric analysis and the theory-context-characteristics-method framework-based approach. Additionally, a cross-tabulation analysis was conducted to compare the research on two specific forms of HTLS – tourism e-commerce live streaming (TEcLS) and travel live streaming.
Findings
The study found that the current research lacks in-depth theoretical insights, focuses on China as the national context and viewers as the research subject, mainly uses online surveys and lacks first-order knowledge. Moreover, it identified five research themes, including the impact of HTLS on viewer behavior, purchase behavior in HTLS and introduction of HTLS, within which eight categories of research constructs, such as viewer-related, streamer-related and relationship-related, are applied.
Research limitations/implications
In terms of research, the study reveals various gaps in the existing literature and provides potential research directions to advance the field. As for practice, it offers valuable strategies for practitioners to optimize their marketing efforts using HTLS.
Originality/value
This study provides an up-to-date review of the HTLS field through a systematic and reproducible method. It offers critical discussions and suggestions for academic research and industry practices.
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Chen Luo, Han Zheng, Yulong Tang and Xiaoya Yang
The mounting health misinformation on social media triggers heated discussions about how to address it. Anchored by the influence of presumed influence (IPI) model, this study…
Abstract
Purpose
The mounting health misinformation on social media triggers heated discussions about how to address it. Anchored by the influence of presumed influence (IPI) model, this study investigates the underlying process of intentions to combat health misinformation. Specifically, we analyzed how presumed exposure of others and presumed influence on others affect intentions to practice pre-emptive and reactive misinformation countering strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Covariance-based structural equation modeling based on survey data from 690 Chinese participants was performed using the “lavaan” package in R to examine the proposed mechanism.
Findings
Personal attention to health information on social media is positively associated with presumed others’ attention to the same information, which, in turn, is related to an increased perception of health misinformation’s influence on others. The presumed influence is further positively tied to two pre-emptive countermeasures (i.e. support for media literacy interventions and institutional verification intention) and one reactive countermeasure (i.e. misinformation correction intention). However, the relationship between presumed influence and support for governmental restrictions, as another reactive countering method, is not significant.
Originality/value
This study supplements the misinformation countering literature by examining IPI’s tenability in explaining why individuals engage in combating misinformation. Both pre-emptive and reactive strategies were considered, enabling a panoramic view of the motivators of misinformation countering compared to previous studies. Our findings also inform the necessity of adopting a context-specific perspective and crafting other-oriented messages to motivate users’ initiative in implementing corrective actions.
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Pengkun Cheng, Juliang Xiao, Wei Zhao, Yangyang Zhang, Haitao Liu and Xianlei Shan
This paper aims to enhance the machining accuracy of hybrid robots by treating the moving platform as the first joint of a serial robot for direct position measurement and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to enhance the machining accuracy of hybrid robots by treating the moving platform as the first joint of a serial robot for direct position measurement and integrating external grating sensors with motor encoders for real-time error compensation.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, a spherical coordinate system is established using one linear and two circular grating sensors. This system enables direct acquisition of the moving platform’s position in the hybrid robot. Subsequently, during the coarse interpolation stage, the motor command for the next interpolation point is dynamically updated using error data from external grating sensors and motor encoders. Finally, fuzzy proportional integral derivative (PID) control is applied to maintain robot stability post-compensation.
Findings
Experiments were conducted on the TriMule-600 hybrid robot. The results indicate that the following errors of the five grating sensors are reduced by 94%, 93%, 80%, 75% and 88% respectively, after compensation. Using the fourth drive joint as an example, it was verified that fuzzy adaptive PID control performs better than traditional PID control.
Practical implications
The proposed online error compensation strategy significantly enhances the positional accuracy of the robot end, thereby improving the actual processing quality of the workpiece.
Social implications
This method presents a technique for achieving online error compensation in hybrid robots, which promotes the advancement of the manufacturing industry.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a cost-effective and practical method for online error compensation in hybrid robots using grating sensors, which contributes to the advancement of hybrid robot technology.
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Zidan Tian, Qinghua He and Ting Wang
Currently, many studies have shown an increasing interest in owner-dynamic capabilities (ODCs). Existing studies mainly focus on the dynamic capability basis and capability…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, many studies have shown an increasing interest in owner-dynamic capabilities (ODCs). Existing studies mainly focus on the dynamic capability basis and capability development within the owner organization, whereas they rarely analyze the capability mobilization within the network of participants in megaprojects. Therefore, this study aims to explain the interaction and evolution of the mobilization strategies of ODCs and the cooperative strategies of other participants.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a tripartite evolutionary game model to analyze the evolutionarily stable strategy of the owner, the reciprocal participants and the general participants. Results are numerically simulated with a validation case. The asymptotic stability of multiple group strategies is discussed under the replicator dynamic system.
Findings
This study suggests that resource complementarity significantly reduces the difficulty of mobilization. Moreover, these strategies are only effective with sufficient ODCs. The results indicate that reciprocal participants are more sensitive to the change in resource complementarity.
Originality/value
This study provides strategic guidance for mobilizing ODCs in megaprojects to better embrace uncertainty and stress, contributing to the dynamic capability literature with an evolutionary game approach. And new insight for the study of reciprocity preference in megaprojects is also provided.
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Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas, Carlos Ramos-Galarza, Mónica Giménez-Baldazo and Andrés Palacio-Fierro
This study undertook a systematic literature review of consumers’ information and knowledge sharing (I&KS) in digital scenarios, as it is an expanding thematic area that differs…
Abstract
Purpose
This study undertook a systematic literature review of consumers’ information and knowledge sharing (I&KS) in digital scenarios, as it is an expanding thematic area that differs from other consumer behavior and has been underexplored.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the PRISMA philosophy, we identified I&KS-related studies in the Scopus database based on a search term chain determined through an exploratory study. Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and studies were manually filtered. An input–process–output type model was used to manually review and systematize the literature. Then, a second content analysis was conducted using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Findings
Based on 51 relevant articles, this study characterized the I&KS research field as multidisciplinary through quantitative methods. Based on an input–process–output consumer behavior model and content analysis, this study systematized existing knowledge and revealed that most knowledge encompassed the influence of personal and psychological consumer characteristics. Additionally, based on AI tools applied to the full texts of the relevant articles, five thematic clusters emerged, largely coinciding with the input–process–output model used. Finally, future research avenues and recommendations for business and organizational practices were identified.
Originality/value
This study fills the gap in consumer studies by systematically reviewing I&KS, a developing field, as no prior research has addressed this topic systematically.
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The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the information seeking behaviors of ChatGPT users. Specifically, we investigated how ChatGPT self-efficacy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence the information seeking behaviors of ChatGPT users. Specifically, we investigated how ChatGPT self-efficacy, ChatGPT characteristics and ChatGPT utility affect the frequency and duration of information seeking via ChatGPT. We also tested the mediating roles of ChatGPT characteristics and utility in the relationship between ChatGPT self-efficacy and information-seeking behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a quantitative approach and collects data from 403 ChatGPT users using an online questionnaire. The data are analyzed using linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The linear regression analyses revealed that ChatGPT self-efficacy is positively and significantly related to the information seeking behaviors in ChatGPT. Second, mediation analyses also showed that ChatGPT characteristics and utility significantly mediate the relationship between ChatGPT self-efficacy and information-seeking behaviors in ChatGPT independently and sequentially.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate the factors and mechanisms that influence information-seeking behaviors in ChatGPT, a new phenomenon in the media landscape. The findings in this study suggest that ChatGPT self-efficacy acts as an important motivator for information-seeking behaviors in ChatGPT and that ChatGPT characteristics and utility provide information regarding potential mechanisms in the relationship between ChatGPT self-efficacy and information-seeking behaviors in ChatGPT. The study contributes to the literature on information seeking, self-efficacy and generative AI.