Several opinion polls have found that many consumers resist making purchases via the Internet because of their concerns about the privacy of the personal information they provide…
Abstract
Several opinion polls have found that many consumers resist making purchases via the Internet because of their concerns about the privacy of the personal information they provide to Internet merchants. Using the theory of planned behavior as its basis, this study investigated the relationships among beliefs about Internet privacy and trustworthiness, along with beliefs about perceived behavioral control and the expectations of important others, and online purchasing behavior. Data were collected from 193 college students. Analysis of the data indicates that beliefs about trustworthiness positively affect attitudes toward buying online, which in turn positively affect purchasing behavior. Beliefs about self‐efficacy regarding purchasing positively affect perceived behavioral control, which in turn affects online purchasing behavior. In short, respondents who believed in the trustworthiness of the Internet and in their own abilities to buy online were more likely to make Internet purchases than were those without such beliefs.
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Apostolos Malatras, George Pavlou, Petros Belsis, Stefanos Gritzalis, Christos Skourlas and Ioannis Chalaris
Pervasive environments are mostly based on the ad hoc networking paradigm and are characterized by ubiquity in both users and devices and artifacts. In these inherently unstable…
Abstract
Pervasive environments are mostly based on the ad hoc networking paradigm and are characterized by ubiquity in both users and devices and artifacts. In these inherently unstable conditions and bearing in mind the resource’s limitations that are attributed to participating devices, the deployment of Knowledge Management techniques is considered complicated due to the particular requirements. Security considerations are also very important since the distribution of knowledge information to multiple locations over a network, poses inherent problems and calls for advanced methods in order to mitigate node misbehaviour and in order to enforce authorized and authenticated access to this information. This paper addresses the issue of secure and distributed knowledge management applications in pervasive environments. We present a prototype implementation after having discussed detailed design principles as far as the communications and the application itself is regarded. Robustness and lightweight implementation are the cornerstones of the proposed solution. The approach we have undertaken makes use of overlay networks to achieve efficiency and performance optimization, exploiting ontologies. The work presented in this paper extends our initial work to tackle this problem, as this was described in (28).
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Mohammad Ali Ashraf, Mohd Hasanur Raihan Joarder and Sarker Rafij Ahmed Ratan
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting anti-consumption behavior of the consumers toward organic food purchase: in particular, how do individual beliefs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting anti-consumption behavior of the consumers toward organic food purchase: in particular, how do individual beliefs about trustworthiness of organic foods, normative structure of social pressure and self-efficacy affect individual intentions to make organic food purchases and actual purchasing behavior? To answer this question, a theoretical framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as its foundation has been established. Using measurement scales in order to measure different aspects of trustworthiness, normative structure, self-efficacy, attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC) and subjective norms, a survey instrument has been developed to examine the several associations implied by the model of TPB.
Design/methodology/approach
In doing so, data on a structured questionnaire were collected from various parts of a city based on convenience random sampling procedure. The respondents were interviewed face-to-face to collect information on a structured questionnaire. Data (n=337) were analyzed using a research framework formulated based on the TPB through the structural equation modeling procedure.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that among the seven independent variables of trustworthiness, normative structure, self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and PBC, only subjective norm has not been statistically significant to influence organic food purchase behavior.
Research limitations/implications
The result implies that various sociopolitical forces and skewed monthly incomes are inhibiting the consumers (anti-consumption) to increasingly buy the organic food products.
Practical implications
In this regard, government, policy planners, academia as well as media have profound roles to play to encourage people to buy more organic food for their health safety and overall consumer well-being.
Originality/value
This research is based on primary data collected from the respondents of a sub-urban areas of a metropolitan city. The findings will help formulate a sound food policy for ensuring social well-being of the consumers.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer behavior toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh. Specifically, how do individual beliefs about trustworthiness of the halal food…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer behavior toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh. Specifically, how do individual beliefs about trustworthiness of the halal food products affect individual intentions to purchases and actual purchasing behavior?
Design/methodology/approach
To answer this question, a theoretical framework using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as its basis was established. Using measurement scales created to assess different aspects of trustworthiness, and perceived behavioral control and subjective norms, a survey instrument was developed to test the various relationships implied by TPB. Data were collected from the households located in the metropolitan city of Dhaka during the months of November and December 2017, and the analysis of this data helps answer questions about the different relationships of the constructs of the study.
Findings
The findings of the study revealed that four factors, namely, trustworthiness, attitude, normative structure and self-efficacy, significantly influence halal food purchasing. The results also demonstrated that trustworthiness of halal food is one of the most important variables of food marketing in Bangladesh.
Research limitations/implications
In reality, there is a serious lacking of halal food marketing particularly in Bangladesh. In this respect, this study can be a pioneer one and may have some limitations in terms of research procedures.
Practical implications
It is crucial for the halal food marketing and its management organizations to provide their products and services in Islamic way, because it is different from the conventional way of modern marketing.
Social implications
This result specifically implies that like normative structure and self-efficacy, trust in the authenticity of halal food is particularly important to influence attitude toward halal food purchase in Bangladesh.
Originality/value
This study is perhaps the first study in the context of Bangladesh food market that deals with the halal food purchase behavior of the consumers. In this regard, the findings of the study are important in Islamic marketing and halal food marketing.
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Bangwool Han, Minho Kim and Jaehoon Lee
Using the theory of planned behavior as its basis, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among beliefs about electronic service quality (E-S-QUAL);…
Abstract
Purpose
Using the theory of planned behavior as its basis, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among beliefs about electronic service quality (E-S-QUAL); consumers’ need for uniqueness (CNFU); and beliefs about perceived behavioral control, expectations of important others, and cross-border online purchasing behavioral intention. The effects of E-S-QUAL and CNFU on attitude are examined with data collected from Korean consumers who have cross-border online purchasing experience.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors evaluate the research model in this study and test the hypotheses using partial least squares, an OLS regression-based estimation method that focuses on predicting independent variables hypothesized to have a causal relationship that maximizes the explanatory variance of the dependent variable.
Findings
Analysis of the data emphasizes that beliefs about E-S-QUAL and CNFU positively affect attitudes toward buying online from international sites, which in turn positively affect purchasing intention. Also, beliefs about self-efficacy and normative structure regarding cross-border online purchasing positively affect behavioral intentions.
Originality/value
This paper develops a conceptual model explaining consumers’ intentions to shop online across national borders. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, none of the previous studies have particularly mentioned the associations between beliefs about e-service quality and actual behavioral intentions in the context of cross-border online shopping. Also, the important role of CNFU has been ignored as one of the factors that can affect consumers’ decisions to shop online beyond national borders. In regard to this matter, the authors aim to investigate cross-border online shopping factors that can help international e-commerce gain a better understanding of the needs of their consumers.
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Suddin Lada, Geoffrey Harvey Tanakinjal and Hanudin Amin
Emphasis on the importance of halal products is now growing. It is fast becoming a new market force and brand identifier and is now moving into the mainstream market, affecting…
Abstract
Purpose
Emphasis on the importance of halal products is now growing. It is fast becoming a new market force and brand identifier and is now moving into the mainstream market, affecting and changing perception on how business should be conducted, including from a marketing point of view. The purpose of this paper is to test the applicability of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) in predicting the intention to choose halal product among Malaysian consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from consumers using a convenience sampling technique. A total of 485 responses were received. Needless to say, this study extends the applicability of the TRA to study halal product usage among consumers in Malaysia.
Findings
The findings indicated that the TRA is a valid model in the prediction of the intention to choose halal products. Attitude (β=0.288, p<0.001) and subjective norm (β=0.814, p<0.001) were found to be positively related to intention, with subjective norm being the more influential predictor. Subjective norm was also positively related to the attitude (β=0.336, p<0.001) to choose halal products.
Research limitations/implications
The study contains a limited number of measures in the model. Nevertheless, it provides new information on the emerging issue of halal products.
Practical implications
The results will be primarily beneficial to restaurants, fast food restaurants and small and medium enterprises in Malaysia by offering an insight into the intentions of consumers to choose halal products.
Originality/value
The paper extends the understanding of TRA to newly emerging contexts such as halal products usage intentions.
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Ramon Ruiz-Navarro, Carolina Hintzmann and August Corrons
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of sharing economy (SE) practices, specifically focusing on virtual clothing sharing platforms (VCSPs) as a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of sharing economy (SE) practices, specifically focusing on virtual clothing sharing platforms (VCSPs) as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion (FF). Given the negative environmental impact, labor exploitation and disposable culture associated with FF, this research aims to understand how economic, environmental and social motivations affect consumer behavioral intentions toward using VCSPs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a survey of 392 participants from a global online academic institution operating across Europe, Asia, America and Africa. The sample included individuals from diverse professional, demographic and educational backgrounds, providing relevant context for studying VCSPs. The study uses the decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) and structural equation modeling to analyze the data, focusing on how motivations and COVID-19 influence consumer engagement with VCSPs.
Findings
The results reveal that environmental and prosocial motivations are the primary determinants driving VCSPs adoption, followed by economic and social factors. The study also identifies a significant impact of COVID-19 on consumer intentions.
Originality/value
This research expands the literature on SE within the fashion sector by providing new insights into consumer behavior. The proposed model enhances the predictive power of DTPB by integrating additional variables, including trust, decomposing perceived utility into four dimensions, COVID-19 influence and new relationships, offering a more holistic view of the adoption process. The findings have significant implications for advancing sustainable fashion initiatives and offer viable alternatives to FF.
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Xin Tan, Li Qin, Yongbeom Kim and Jeffrey Hsu
This study aims to understand the impact of users' privacy concerns on their acceptance of social networking web sites (SNWs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand the impact of users' privacy concerns on their acceptance of social networking web sites (SNWs).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops two research models, with privacy concern conceptualized either as an antecedent of acceptance intention, or as a moderator of the relationships in the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using a survey questionnaire, empirical data were collected from 428 undergraduate college students. Structured equation modeling was used to test the validity of the proposed research models.
Findings
The privacy concerns of the research respondents were found to be statistically significant. However, they did not directly affect users' acceptance of social networking web sites. Instead, privacy concerns did moderate the effects of perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use, on users' intention to continue to use SNWs.
Research limitations/implications
The study identifies the theoretical foundations of privacy and privacy concerns in the context of SNWs. This empirical study, based on an established theoretical foundation, will help the research community to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of privacy concern in the context of social networking.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can provide SNW operators with useful strategies and tactics to enhance users' acceptance depending on their level of privacy concern.
Originality/value
With the worldwide rapid growth of SNWs, there have been ongoing concerns about how users' private information is viewed or used by others. This study provides much needed empirical evidence about the impact of privacy concerns on users' acceptance of SNWs.
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Francisco J. Martínez‐López, Inma Rodríguez‐Ardura, Juan Carlos Gázquez‐Abad, Manuel J. Sánchez‐Franco and Claudia C. Cabal
The purpose of this paper is to understand, with an emphasis on the psychological perspective of the research problem, the consumer's adoption and use of a certain web site…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand, with an emphasis on the psychological perspective of the research problem, the consumer's adoption and use of a certain web site recommendation system as well as the main psychological outcomes involved.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach takes the form of theoretical modelling.
Findings
A conceptual model is proposed and discussed. A total of 20 research propositions are theoretically analyzed and justified.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical discussion developed here is not empirically validated. This represents an opportunity for future research.
Practical implications
The ideas extracted from the discussion of the conceptual model should be a help for recommendation systems designers and web site managers, so that they may be more aware, when working with such systems, of the psychological process consumers undergo when interacting with them. In this regard, numerous practical reflections and suggestions are presented.
Originality/value
The paper is based on and adapts classical theories of consumer behaviour, integrating them into particular theories developed within the framework of computer‐mediated environments.
Zulfiqar Ali Jumani and Sasiwemon Sukhabot
The demand for halal products is growing and attracting the attention of producers. In recent years, the importance of halal logo and popularity of halal products has increased…
Abstract
Purpose
The demand for halal products is growing and attracting the attention of producers. In recent years, the importance of halal logo and popularity of halal products has increased. The purpose of this paper was to identify the behavioral intentions among people of different religion in respect of purchasing products bearing halal logo (halal logo products) at convenience stores in Hatyai. 7-Eleven store chain was targeted to collect data in this research because it serves people of different religions.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model adopted for this research work was the theory of reasoned action (TRA). The response of consumers was collected through a structured survey, using the convenience sampling technique. A total of 215 respondents submitted their responses, consisting of 92.8 per cent local respondents and 8.2 per cent international respondents. The purposive sample technique was used to select the locations for collecting data, who was purchasing items from 7-Eleven stores and lives in Hatyai.
Findings
The findings indicate that Muslims strictly follow the halal logo and their attitude is positive in selecting halal logo products. The influence of their subjective norms is stronger because of their families and culture, as they are Muslim which influence their intentions. For non-Muslims, there is no obligation requiring them to select halal logo products, but even so, around 80 per cent of non-Muslims showed a positive attitude toward the halal logo, 54 per cent showed were interest and indicated that they may select products with halal logo in future.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted in Hatyai and the results were based on three independent variables, namely, attitude, subjective norms and intention, with religion as the demographic variable. The findings offer an insight into the importance of the halal logo for different religions at convenience stores in Hatyai.
Practical implications
This study is initially beneficial for 7-Eleven stores, other convenience stores, businesses and halal institutes. It offers an insight into the importance of the halal logo and the motives of consumers in choosing halal logo products.
Originality/value
This paper seeks to explicate consumers’ intentions to buy halal logo products in convenience stores.