Xuhui Wang, Bo Zhao and Jiaqi Chen
As Chinese imported cross-border e-commerce has entered a stage of rapid development, the problem of consumer shopping risk is increasingly prominent and the crisis of consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
As Chinese imported cross-border e-commerce has entered a stage of rapid development, the problem of consumer shopping risk is increasingly prominent and the crisis of consumer trust is intensified. The theory of establishing consumer trust in traditional online shopping can no longer meet the need of cross-border context.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers used the methods of network logs and grounded theory. The data collection and analysis are conducted on consumer comments from Tmall Global, NetEase Koala and JD Worldwide in the product comment area. This article explored and extracted the moderating variables of consumer perceived risk and cross-border characteristics in cross-border e-commerce. Based on the theory of “perceived risk – consumer trust – consumer purchase decision – making,” this article deduced mechanism of consumer dynamic trust based on the whole process of cross-border e-commerce transaction.
Findings
In the prepurchase, purchase and postpurchase stages of cross-border e-commerce transactions, consumers' perceived cognitive risk, transaction risk and utility risk are moderated by the cultural distance, geographical distance and institutional distance caused by the cross-border transaction subjects. On this basis, the preinfluence factors of trust in each transaction stage are synthesized to respectively influence the establishment of cognitive trust, emotional trust and behavioral trust, so as to affect consumers to make the order payment, confirm receipt and praise repurchase decisions. At the same time, with the advance of prepurchase, purchase and postpurchase transactions in cross-border online shopping, consumer trust presents a dynamic evolutionary path of “cognitive trust – emotional trust – behavioral trust.”
Originality/value
This article expands the application context of the theory of consumer rational behavior from traditional online shopping to the context of cross-border online shopping and expands the scope of interpretation of the theory of consumer rational behavior. This article also supplements the theoretical gaps in the dynamic evolution of consumer trust in cross-border online shopping, enriches the decision-making process model of consumers in the context of cross-border online shopping and provides new ideas for follow-up research.
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Shihyu Chou, Chi-Wen Chen and Zi-Ling Shen
This study aims to explore how consumers’ purchase intentions concerning dietary supplements are affected by two pivotal factors: pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how consumers’ purchase intentions concerning dietary supplements are affected by two pivotal factors: pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness. In addition, this study investigates the moderating role of consumers’ awareness of product knowledge about dietary supplements in the relationship between brand trust and purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The research data was collected through online questionnaires from a convenience sample of 340 individuals residing in Taiwan. The research model, consisting of four hypotheses, was formulated based on a literature review. The partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate positive effects of both pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness on dietary supplement brand trust. The results also suggest a significant impact of brand trust on purchase intention. Finally, product knowledge significantly moderates the relationship between brand trust and purchase intention.
Practical implications
The findings from this study provide valuable insights for marketers, pharmacists and practitioners about the drivers of consumers’ dietary supplement purchase behavior. It will enable marketers to develop better strategies for the dietary supplement market segment.
Originality/value
This paper has made a significant contribution to the understanding of consumer buying intentions toward dietary supplements, addressing a gap in the literature. First, unlike previous research, this study considers both pharmacist professionalism and celebrity endorser attractiveness in the research model, effectively bridging this gap. Furthermore, this study identifies the pivotal role of brand trust as a critical factor in enhancing consumers’ purchase intentions toward dietary supplements, offering valuable insights for dietary supplement companies regarding consumer purchase decision-making.
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Suhail Mohammad Ghouse, Rishabh Shekhar, Mohammed Ali Bait Ali Sulaiman and Afshan Azam
This study aims to examine millennial consumers’ intentions towards purchasing eco-friendly products in the emerging Arab nation of Oman, focusing on the moderating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine millennial consumers’ intentions towards purchasing eco-friendly products in the emerging Arab nation of Oman, focusing on the moderating role of eco-labelling (EL).
Design/methodology/approach
Environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental concern (EC) are integrated into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) framework as independent variables, along with EL as a moderating variable. The data was collected through a self-administered survey and consisted of 705 random responses that was tabulated and analysed through the structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
ECs, subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly influence consumer attitudes towards green eco-friendly products. Consumers’ EK and attitudes positively influence the purchase intention (PI) to make green purchases. SNs and PBC substantially influence consumer attitudes towards adopting green products. However, the findings reveal a non-significant moderating influence of EL on the relationship between EC and PI for millennial Omani consumers.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are limited to only one Arab country, Oman, which limits the scope of the study. This study contributes to the TPB by using additional dimensions to examine the green purchasing behaviour of millennials.
Practical implications
Marketers can use these insights to develop strategies that emphasise the environmental benefits of products, leverage social influences and empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. Incorporating EL and green packaging can enhance the visibility and attractiveness of green products.
Social implications
Promoting environmental education, awareness campaigns and policy interventions that highlight the importance of eco-friendly product choices can foster more sustainable consumption patterns among Arab consumers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the green PIs of millennials in an Arab context, specifically focusing on the moderating role of EL.
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Manu Sharma, Sunil Luthra, Sudhanshu Joshi and Anil Kumar
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted global supply chains, revealing dreadful gaps and exposing vulnerabilities. Retailers are challenged to tackle risks and organise…
Abstract
Purpose
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted global supply chains, revealing dreadful gaps and exposing vulnerabilities. Retailers are challenged to tackle risks and organise themselves to fit into the “new normal” scenario. This global outbreak has established a volatile environment for supply chains; it has raised the question of survival in the market, forcing companies to rethink resilient strategies to be adopted for the post-pandemic situation to mitigate the long-term effects of this virus. This study explores the priorities for retail supply chains (RSCs) to align their business operations and strategies for the post-pandemic world.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has utilised integrated full consistency model (FUCOM) – best–worst method (BWM) for assessment of RSCs to enhance their business performance irrespective of pandemic disruptions. The FUCOM has been employed to identify the priorities of determinants enhancing business performance, whereas RSC strategies are evaluated using the BWM method.
Findings
The current study identifies “Collaboration Efficiency” as the main criterion for accelerating the performance of RSCs in a dynamic social environment. Also, the study concludes that “Order Fulfilment” and “Digital RSCs” are the most appropriate resilient business strategies to mitigate the long-term effects.
Research limitations/implications
Supply-demand balancing is a challenging task at the moment, but highly significant for the future. The pandemic disruptions have placed intense pressure on retailers to deliver products as per consumers' changing behaviours towards the purchase of essentials and other products. Hence, “Order Fulfilment” and “Digital RSCs” should be adopted for meeting customer requirements and to ensure sustainability in the post-pandemic business world.
Originality/value
This work sets out a comprehensive framework which will be helpful for accelerating RSCs performance against pandemic disruption by adopting resilient strategies to mitigate the long-term effects.
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Chengzhi Sun and Chao Yu
The purpose of this paper is to utilize the ISM–MICMAC–AHP integrated method to determine the factors influencing consumers’ purchase intention towards e-commerce agricultural…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to utilize the ISM–MICMAC–AHP integrated method to determine the factors influencing consumers’ purchase intention towards e-commerce agricultural products and develop a model, as well as to explore strategies to enhance consumers’ purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducts an exhaustive literature review and gathered expert opinions to identify 20 influencing factors across five dimensions, constructing a comprehensive factor system. The Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) method is used determine the hierarchical structure and interrelationships among these factors. Subsequently, Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis is done to assess the influence and dependence relationships among the factors in the system. Finally, Analytic Hierarchy Process method is proposed to distribute assessment indicators weights.
Findings
The system of factors influencing consumers’ intention to purchase agricultural products through e-commerce is constructed as a six-level hierarchical interpretive structural model. The quality and safety of agricultural products, consumer review, taste and mouth-feel of agricultural products and e-commerce platform reputation are the main factors that affect consumers’ intention to purchase e-commerce agricultural products. Consumers’ degree of education, age and level of income exhibit the highest driving force, while e-commerce platform reputation demonstrates the highest level of dependence.
Originality/value
This paper represents the first attempt to employ an ISM-MICMAC-AHP integrated method to study consumers’ purchase intention for e-commerce agricultural products. The findings offer actionable insights for e-commerce platforms and policymakers, highlighting critical factors like product quality and platform reputation, which can inform strategies to enhance consumer trust and drive sustainable growth in agricultural e-commerce. This research supports evidence-based decision-making, promoting more effective management practices and policy development in the sector.
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Jan Philipp Graesch, Susanne Hensel-Börner and Jörg Henseler
The enabling technologies that emerged from information technology (IT) have had a considerable influence upon the development of marketing tools, and marketing has become…
Abstract
Purpose
The enabling technologies that emerged from information technology (IT) have had a considerable influence upon the development of marketing tools, and marketing has become digitalized by adopting these technologies over time. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the impacts of these enabling technologies on marketing tools in the past and present and to demonstrate their potential future. Furthermore, it provides guidance about the digital transformation occurring in marketing and the need to align of marketing and IT.
Design/methodology/approach
This study demonstrates the impact of enabling technologies on the subsequent marketing tools developed through a content analysis of information systems and marketing conference proceedings. It offers a fresh look at marketing's digital transformation over the last 40 years. Moreover, it initially applies the findings to a general digital transformation model from another field to verify its presence in marketing.
Findings
This paper identifies four eras within the digital marketing evolution and reveals insights into a potential fifth era. This chronological structure verifies the impact of IT on marketing tools and accordingly the digital transformation within marketing. IT has made digital marketing tools possible in all four digital transformation levers: automation, customer interaction, connectivity and data.
Practical implications
The sequencing of enabling technologies and subsequent marketing tools demonstrates the need to align marketing and IT to design new marketing tools that can be applied to customer interactions and be used to foster marketing control.
Originality/value
This study is the first to apply the digital transformation levers, namely, automation, customer interaction, connectivity and data, to the marketing discipline and contribute new insights by demonstrating the chronological development of digital transformation in marketing.
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Ning Zhang, Liqin Yu, Alex S.L. Tsang and Nan Zhou
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effects of spokes-character dynamism (high vs low) and brand personality (sincere vs competent) on consumers’ evaluation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effects of spokes-character dynamism (high vs low) and brand personality (sincere vs competent) on consumers’ evaluation and the mediating role of processing fluency.
Design/methodology/approach
Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. Study 1 establishes the interaction effect between evoked spokes-character dynamism and brand personality on brand trust and examines the mediating role of processing fluency. By introducing a control group and using purchase intention as the dependent variable, Study 2 further extends the results of Study 1.
Findings
The results of Studies 1 and 2 show that for sincere brands, spokes-characters with high dynamic imagery contribute to significantly higher consumer evaluation than the control group and the group of spokes-characters with low dynamic imagery. However, for competent brands, spokes-characters with low dynamic imagery contribute to significantly higher consumer evaluation than the control group and the group of spokes-characters with high dynamic imagery. In addition, processing fluency mediates the interaction effect between evoked spokes-character dynamism and brand personality on consumers’ evaluation.
Research limitations/implications
The studies considered only one method, “frozen motion,” to evoke perceived movement. Further studies using other methods are needed to allow for generalization.
Practical implications
The discerning use of dynamic imagery in spokes-character design involving advertisements may aid marketers in maximizing spokes-characters’ effect on consumers’ evaluation.
Originality/value
The perceived movement of spokes-characters is integrated into the cognition of brand personality. Marketers should take into account how the match between spokes-character dynamism and brand personality may influence consumers’ evaluation of the brand.
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Michael Paul Kramer, Nino Adamashvili, Demetris Vrontis, Jon H. Hanf and Antonino Galati
This study aims to investigate the dynamic capabilities of wineries, focusing on sensing and its role in enabling digital innovation. Furthermore, it explores the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the dynamic capabilities of wineries, focusing on sensing and its role in enabling digital innovation. Furthermore, it explores the role of blockchain technology (BCT) in validating credence attributes of wine, emphasising blockchain as a strategic asset that enhances the ability of wineries to innovate and respond to changing market conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts an exploratory approach based on a longitudinal, single-case study of the Argentinian Costaflores Organic Winery.
Findings
Findings reveal that integrating digital disruptive innovations such as blockchain can strategically position wineries to better meet emerging consumer preferences and market trends. Blockchain simultaneously acts as both a mediator and a moderator. As a mediator, it facilitates the validation of credence attributes of wine such as authenticity and sustainability, enhancing customer trust and loyalty. As a moderator, it influences the strength and effectiveness of the relationship between sensing and innovation capabilities. This enables wineries to more effectively respond to changing consumer requirements and market trends and improve operational performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited by its focus on a single case study of the Argentinian Costaflores Organic Winery, which may affect the generalisability of the findings. However, the study provides valuable insights into the strategic adaptation and competitive positioning of wineries in response to the continuing market challenges. It significantly contributes to the understanding of integrating digital disruptive innovations as strategic assets in the agri-food sector, particularly in the wine sector.
Originality/value
This study addresses a significant research gap by exploring how BCT facilitates the organisation of sensing capabilities. It contributes to the understanding of how the wineries’ sensing capabilities both influence and are influenced by the adoption of BCT, particularly in the context of innovation enabling and improved operational performance.
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Kevin Kam Fung So, Hyunsu Kim, Stephanie Q Liu, Xiang Fang and Jochen Wirtz
Although humanoid robots are increasingly adopted in many business settings, the dynamic effects of anthropomorphism and the functional perceptions of service robots on consumers’…
Abstract
Purpose
Although humanoid robots are increasingly adopted in many business settings, the dynamic effects of anthropomorphism and the functional perceptions of service robots on consumers’ responses remain unclear. This paper aims to examine the impacts of robot anthropomorphism on consumers’ trust, receptivity and the downstream effect on satisfaction. Furthermore, it examines the mediating effects of perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) in the relationship between anthropomorphism and consumer responses.
Design/methodology/approach
After conducting two separate pilot studies to help design the research materials, this research involves three sequential studies. In studies 1A and 1B, the authors used two distinct humanoid robots (i.e. Connie and Pepper) to test the direct effects of anthropomorphism on trust and receptivity and the mediated effects via PEOU and PU. Study 2 conducted a 2 (robot appearance: machine-like vs. human-like) × 2 (task complexity: low vs. high) between-subjects experimental design to further explore the boundary effects of task complexity on trust and customer satisfaction.
Findings
This research theorizes and empirically examines the mediating effects of PEOU and PU in the relationship between anthropomorphism and consumers’ responses (i.e. trust and receptivity) to service robots. Results also demonstrate a moderating role of task complexity, whereby only when the task was complex did anthropomorphism affect consumer responses and customer satisfaction. The parallel mediations of PEOU and PU were also confirmed. However, when task complexity was low, the authors observed no differences between human- and machine-like robots.
Research limitations/implications
First, this research used a scenario-based method by exposing participants to different pictures or videos of service robots and measuring individuals’ responses. Consumers may respond differently upon interacting with robots in actual service contexts. Second, future research could investigate the effects of other aspects of anthropomorphism, such as robots’ voice characteristics (gender, high/low pitch), verbal communication styles and emotional expression. Finally, future research could explore other service contexts to test the generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
Findings of this study also provide useful insight for companies interested in adopting service robots. First, the authors unearthed several positive outcomes of using human-like versus machine-like robots in service settings. Despite concerns about the perceived creepiness and discomfort associated with human-like robots, managers should not worry about these service agents’ potential negative effects. Second, it shows that human-like robots’ competitive advantage over machine-like robots stands out when task complexity is high. Managers should therefore carefully consider relevant service characteristics and task requirements when deciding whether to adopt robots.
Originality/value
This study provides original and valuable contributions to the growing literature on service robots by addressing scholarly incongruencies regarding the impact of anthropomorphism and disentangling its positive influence on consumers’ perceptions and acceptance of service robots. This study also contributes to research on technology acceptance and service robot receptivity by empirically demonstrating the mediating role of PEOU and PU. Furthermore, this research enriches the body of knowledge on task-technology fit by providing evidence that task complexity is a crucial factor to consider in service robot design.
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The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a dynamic model of security-based consumer purchasing intentions and empirically addresses gaps in online purchasing theory by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a dynamic model of security-based consumer purchasing intentions and empirically addresses gaps in online purchasing theory by examining how loyalty intention may become stronger or weaker over time as a result of prior relationship evaluations.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a longitudinal study (three-time waves) of commercial website consumers, the authors investigate the proposed model by depicting the relationships among perceived security, perceived risk, website trust and loyalty intentions.
Findings
The results show that two relationships, namely the perceived security-perceived risk link and the perceived risk-website trust link, which have been little investigated on a longitudinal basis in previous studies, change over time. Interestingly, while social network service (SNS) information perceptions do not have direct effects on perceived risk or loyalty intention, the relationships in which either perceived security and website trust are involved are more important for positively improving perceived security and building website trust.
Practical implications
The authors suggest that managers may actually benefit from handling SNS information or social communities by delivering well-designed information at strategic stages, targeting key constructs.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the establishment and testing of temporal carryover effects of various online purchasing-related constructs: perceived security, perceived risk, trust and loyalty intention. More specifically, the longitudinal approach provides new insights regarding the role, potential impact and limitations of two types of perception. It thus highlights how understanding loyalty intention requires reevaluating consumer perceptions as consumers’ judgments evolve.