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Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Gloria Berenguer-Contri, Irene Gil-Saura and Martina Gallarza

This paper aims to identify the role of coproduction and value-in-use in the overall hotel experience value, and its effects on cognitive-affective satisfaction and loyalty. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the role of coproduction and value-in-use in the overall hotel experience value, and its effects on cognitive-affective satisfaction and loyalty. The country chosen is Spain, in the context of the “new normal,” where the increase in tourist flow after the COVID-19 pandemic has been very relevant, setting up the chance to better assess and discuss value creation in a post-pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

The causal model is validated with partial least squares (PLS) in a panel of 405 hotel guests (applying sampling quotas by sex, age and region).

Findings

The chain of effects is verified with stronger links at the end and with a greater weight of value-in-use compared to coproduction. Hotels’ efforts to adapt to the pandemic situation work better if a customized, unique experience is offered and if intensive communication is with and not just to the guest. The role of experience value is key for the cocreation to produce results for satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the value creation literature by highlighting the respective roles of coproduction and value-in-use as drivers of the satisfaction−loyalty chain, and by introducing the guest’s overall hotel experience value into this chain. This is viewed against the backdrop of the contextual changes that have occurred since 2020 in the Spanish hotel industry. The post-pandemic context “forces” the client to actively participate. Analysis of the implications of this kind of new cocreation on the overall customer experience is relevant for both tourism scholars and managers.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2023

Antonio Marín-García, Irene Gil-Saura, María Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Gloria Berenguer-Contrí

The food sector is currently undergoing a process of transition as a result of the increased level of consumers' awareness towards issues related to sustainability. This work aims…

Abstract

Purpose

The food sector is currently undergoing a process of transition as a result of the increased level of consumers' awareness towards issues related to sustainability. This work aims at analyzing the existence of links between technological innovation and sustainability and its consequences on variables of paramount importance in the retail sector such as store image and loyalty towards the establishment. Moreover, we examine if the strength of these relations differs across store formats.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective of this work, a theoretical model based on the literature is proposed, contrasted through an empirical study carried out in a sample of 510 customers from three food retail formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores.

Findings

The results indicate that technological innovation strengthens sustainability. In addition, sustainability is postulated as a dynamic element of the store's image and loyalty. The intensity of these relationships may vary depending on the commercial format.

Practical implications

The implementation of innovative and sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption, the use of recycled materials to manufacture products, and the participation of retail companies in collective social actions is considered to be of primary importance.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the knowledge of the relations between customers' perceptions of technological innovation and sustainability in retailing, confirming their influence on store image and customer loyalty. Moreover, the findings reveal the importance of sustainability and innovation for the main types of retail food store format, although with some peculiarities that allow to draw relevant managerial implications for practitioners.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Maria Eugenia Ruíz-Molina, Irene Gil-Saura, Gloria Berenguer-Contrí and Sergio Belda-Miquel

The concept of Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation (SOSI) has been recently suggested from a conceptual reflection approach in an attempt to integrate innovation and…

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation (SOSI) has been recently suggested from a conceptual reflection approach in an attempt to integrate innovation and sustainability in services, being an emerging field of innovation in services. This study aims to propose a scale to measure Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation from the perspective of the company. Because the whole is different from the sum of its different parts, we need to better understand the synergy between sustainability and innovation for the future of tourism companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Upon a literature review, we propose a scale and explore its dimensionality with data from 268 to 256 Spanish hotel and travel agency managers, respectively. The dimensionality of the scale for measuring Sustainability-Oriented Service Innovation is similar in hotels and travel agencies.

Findings

Five factors emerge from the principal component analyses carried out: two dimensions referred to technological and non-technological innovation, respectively, and three dimensions labelled as economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

To guide managers towards their operations, the proposed scale is expected to inspire models to assess the impact of SOSI practices in such a highly competitive industry and to identify the most influencing dimensions on the future performance of the tourism company.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, no scale has been presented so far that brings together the dimensions of technological and non-technological innovation, as well as sustainability from a Triple Bottom Line approach.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2016

Irene Gil-Saura, M. Eugenia Ruiz Molina and Gloria Berenguer-Contri

In the current competitive environment in which retailers operate, store equity is seen as a key differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research on the dimensionality and…

1361

Abstract

Purpose

In the current competitive environment in which retailers operate, store equity is seen as a key differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research on the dimensionality and correlates of brand equity related to the retailer, this paper aims to analyze the relationship between store equity and behavioral intentions and the influence of information and communication technology on this relation.

Design/methodology/approach

From a sample of 820 customers of store chains, a multigroup structural equation model is estimated considering the level of technological development of the retailer as a moderating variable.

Findings

The authors find evidence in favor of the positive influence of store equity on consumer behavioral intentions toward the retailer and the role of technology as a moderator in this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides evidence about the multidimensionality of store equity and its positive influence on behavioral intentions towards the retailer. Furthermore, the authors find support for the notion that information and communication technology (ICT) solutions implemented by the retailer contributes to reinforce the positive impact of store equity on behavioral intentions.

Practical implications

Technology may be used to differentiate the retail chain from competitors. The retailer should concentrate its investments in ICT solutions that contribute to enhance the customer experience in the store.

Originality/value

Research on the brand equity concept in the context of retailing is still scarce. The results of this research provide support to the role of loyalty, service quality, product quality and perceived value as the dimensions of store equity. In addition to this, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that addresses the role of technology in the relationship between store equity and behavioral intentions.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2019

Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina, Irene Gil-Saura, Gloria Berenguer-Contri and Christoph Auch

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of candidates’ perceptions of the attributes of a professional certification scheme based on competences, as well as personal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of candidates’ perceptions of the attributes of a professional certification scheme based on competences, as well as personal factors, that may influence in the behavioral intentions toward such certification program, i.e. intention to participate in the certification process and willingness to pay for the certificate.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey of 2,630 professionals about the “Certified Professional” program in eight European countries, the influence of the perceived attributes of the certification program and the personal characteristics of the potential candidates on their behavioral intentions are analyzed.

Findings

Difficulty and fairness of the certification process, credibility, innovativeness, international recognition and future usefulness of the professional certificate influence positively on the candidate’s likelihood of applying for being certified and the willingness to pay. Young professionals not holding a university diploma show high probability to participate in the certification process and intention to pay for the certificate.

Practical implications

Promotional efforts to launch a professional certification scheme should concentrate in creating strong associations of the certificate with the notions of international prestige, credibility and usefulness to enhance employability and professional growth. Segmentation criteria to increase communication effectiveness are defined.

Originality/value

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of professional certification programs in competences, and literature has advocated the need to investigate the perceived value of such systems in terms of benefits and barriers perceived by potential applicants for accreditation. The present paper aims at addressing this research gap.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 43 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Madelyn Mendoza-Moreira, Beatriz Moliner-Velázquez, Gloria Berenguer-Contri and Irene Gil-Saura

Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s…

Abstract

Purpose

Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s perspective. Under this premise, this paper aims to address the behaviour of adoption of online reviews to analyse the chain of relationships between the constructs of social influence, engagement with eWOM and adoption of eWOM in a poorly researched segment such as that of female consumers of cosmetics in Ecuador.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used on a sample of 236 cosmetics consumers in Ecuador.

Findings

The results not only confirm the relationship between the variables and contribute to the understanding of behavioural patterns in a scarcely explored market, but also highlight implications crucial for brand and product marketing strategies on social media.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on a specific demographic segment may limit the generalisability of the findings to broader populations. This suggests avenues for further investigation to enhance the robustness and applicability of the study’s findings.

Practical implications

The paper provides valuable insights for marketing and communication management.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the Information Acceptance Model and the Dual Process Theory, providing empirical insights into consumer behaviour with eWOM.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2020

Gloria Berenguer-Contrí, Martina G. Gallarza, Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Irene Gil-Saura

The purpose of this paper is to describe the way in which B-to-B relationships are built, based on commitment and trust affecting value co-creation (VcC) and resulting in greater…

1332

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the way in which B-to-B relationships are built, based on commitment and trust affecting value co-creation (VcC) and resulting in greater or lesser economic and social satisfaction and the manager’s perception of the delivered value (business customer value) moderating these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a means-end approach, a causal model is estimated with PLS using a sample of 268 hotel managers who rate their relationship with their main partner (travel agency or booking center) in Spain.

Findings

VcC is a) dynamic because it is episodic, where VcC is a mediator between the trust–commitment relationship and two types of satisfaction (economic and social) and b) synergetic, because when the hotel delivers higher levels of business customer value, the effects in the linkages of VcC–satisfaction(s) are intensified. These effects are not significantly different on economic versus social satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical paper collects the perception of a single partner (hotel managers) in a single setting (hotels in Spain). The moderating role of business customer value on the VcC–satisfaction(s) relationship should be further analyzed. The paper contributes to the growing literature on B-to-B VcC by translating empirically the theoretical richness of the VcC concept as being dynamic and synergetic.

Originality/value

This paper adds quantitative evidence to theoretical assumptions on VcC as dynamic and synergetic. The quantitative modelling proves VcC as a true mediator, in a chain of variables in a B-to-B setting.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2009

Maria‐Eugenia Ruiz‐Molina, Irene Gil‐Saura and Gloria Berenguer‐Contrí

The purpose of this paper is to empirically a model that reflects the different types of relational benefits perceived by customers, as well as the benefits obtained by the…

2779

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically a model that reflects the different types of relational benefits perceived by customers, as well as the benefits obtained by the organization in terms of customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve the aim of this paper, a quantitative analysis through a personal survey to consumers for four types of retailing activities is performed. Data are analyzed through factor analysis and a structural equation model is estimated.

Findings

Confidence benefits and special treatment benefits have major influence on customer loyalty towards the retailer. These results are consistent across retail activities.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is limited in its scope and a first approach is considered that it might inspire further research adding new constructs into the model in order to deepen into the analysis of the relationship between customer and retailer relational benefits.

Practical implications

Since the benefits related to purchase risk reduction and confidence are the most influencing on customer loyalty, the retailer should concentrate his efforts in offering guarantees for his products and carrying out communication campaigns for improving corporate image. Also actions providing special treatment benefits might have a positive influence on customer loyalty.

Originality/value

Relational benefits and results for the retailer are studied in four different retail activities.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Irene Gil Saura, Gloria Berenguer Contrí, Amparo Cervera Taulet and Beatriz Moliner Velázquez

The present study attempts to contribute to the knowledge of how customer orientation (CO), service orientation (SO) and job satisfaction (JS) are defined and relate to each…

8053

Abstract

Purpose

The present study attempts to contribute to the knowledge of how customer orientation (CO), service orientation (SO) and job satisfaction (JS) are defined and relate to each other. It explores the relationships between CO and JS by analysing a company providing intermediation services to the banking sector, in its external finance division.

Design/methodology/approach

After the literature review, the method of empirical analysis consisting in quantitative intervention with an ad hoc survey using a structured questionnaire was developed. Regression analysis with mediation is used to contrast the hypotheses on the links between the constructs analysed.

Findings

Both reliability and factorial analysis of the scales used provided satisfactory results. CO was found to produce mediated effects, through SO, on overall JS. The mediator role was identified as human resources management practice, service systems practice and service leadership practice. In addition, in all cases, a direct, positive association was found between SO practices and CO.

Research limitations/implications

First, the use of just one company invites a repeat study in other companies in the sector and in other service contexts. Second, cross‐cultural approaches to the constructs analysed would be interesting. Third, it may be relevant to use longitudinal approaches for a better understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the variables analysed. Fourth, attaining all of data from employees invites to future measures of the constructs taken from different sources. Future research needs to be done on the service profit chain theory to incorporate both customer and financial performance variables.

Practical implications

The results should lead managers to consider the importance of emphasizing those organizational cues that help build a SO climate in their organizations.

Originality/value

This paper further acknowledges the links between the constructs being studied, on the basis of employees' perceptions. It was found that CO produces mediated effects, through SO, on overall JS.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2010

Beatriz Moliner Velázquez, María Fuentes Blasco, Irene Gil Saura and Gloria Berenguer Contrí

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main causes for complaining behaviour intentions expressed in three dimensions: private response, complaining response and complaining…

6211

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the main causes for complaining behaviour intentions expressed in three dimensions: private response, complaining response and complaining to third parties. The objectives are, first to study the direct influence of a set of antecedents and complaining behaviour intentions and second, to analyse the moderator effect of previous restaurant experience on subsequent relations.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was used based on a self‐administered ad‐hoc questionnaire on a sample of 388 individuals who remembered an unsatisfactory experience in a restaurant.

Findings

The results show that the following variables have significant effects on intentions: attitudes towards complaining, level of information and complaining experience, level of dissatisfaction and likelihood of success with the complaint. An increased effect of attitudes towards complaining has been found in customers with no previous experience of the restaurant.

Originality/value

This work shows that the customer's previous experience is important in the formation of complaining behaviour intentions and therefore research is needed on new variables which may play a moderator role.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 24 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

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