May Wang, Stella Cho and Trey Denton
Banks and financial services providers are increasingly delivering their services via electronic banking, also known as e-banking. Yet even though this type of delivery is now…
Abstract
Purpose
Banks and financial services providers are increasingly delivering their services via electronic banking, also known as e-banking. Yet even though this type of delivery is now common, the degree of personalization in the services provided via this channel exhibit considerable variation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of service personalization on consumer reaction to the e-banking service. Based on research of information and communication technology (ICT) service innovation and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, this study further examines one contingent factor, compatibility with previous experience with e-banking. This study focuses on the interactions effect of personalization and technology compatibility on customer e-banking service usage.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted to investigate the impacts of personalization on e-banking usage decision process and the interactions between personalization and compatibility with past e-banking experience. Quota sampling was applied and different type of customers were approached in 30 branches of the commercial bank. Data were collected from a sample of 181 banking customers in a metropolitan region in southern China.
Findings
The results indicated that personalization leads to increased performance expectancy and decreased effort expectancy, which in turn lead to increasing intention to continue to use e-banking services. In addition, compatibility with previous e-banking experience and personalization produces an interaction effect on both performance expectancy and effort expectancy.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical contribution of this study is to demonstrate how the contingent factor of compatibility moderates the impact of personalization, thus extending the UTAUT model in the area of e-banking service adoption. Implications are twofold: personalization influences evaluations of both utility and ease of use, and the effect is magnified when compatibility with prior e-banking experience is factored into the model. This is an important extension and future research should examine whether the same relationship holds in other industries using new technologies to deliver services. The UTAUT model, after extension by including the moderating impact of compatibility, works well in demonstrating the impact of various factors on the adoption of a new technological delivery system for a service.
Practical implications
This study has two significant implications for managerial practices. First, the study sheds lights on the segmentation of e-banking customers. Modern marketers know that the best way to engage with consumers is through personal messaging strategies and should make great efforts to identify customers before trying to reach them. In the e-banking realm, consumer banking preferences keep changing. With a clear understanding of the different consumer banker segments, financial institutions can identify which channels appeal to them. For example, some users are more likely than average to use e-banking. Second, this study helps e-banking service provider design different personalized e-banking service for different customers.
Social implications
This study sheds light on social value of personalization, particularly among those new to a delivery platform.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence demonstrating that personalization increases customer perceptions of performance expectancy and decreases effort expectancy, and that the effect is most profound for customers with limited level of perceived compatibility with past experience with e-banking. This paper extended the UTAUT model and research on ICT service innovation by providing more insights on the impacts of e-banking service personalization and the contingency impact of user’s background in e-banking context.
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Considerations for time, cost, and audit comfort in completing audit engagements have gradually led to extensive use of analytical review (AR) in external audits by large…
Abstract
Considerations for time, cost, and audit comfort in completing audit engagements have gradually led to extensive use of analytical review (AR) in external audits by large accounting firms in Hong Kong. AR is now being used by auditors as “attention‐directing” at the planning stage, “test‐reducing” at the fieldwork stage, and an overall reasonableness check in arriving at the true‐and‐fair decision at the final review stage. Greater reliance on AR has long been predicted in the auditing literature as an inevitable future trend. Empirical findings on auditors attesting to the extensive use of AR in Hong Kong are simply visible manifestations of the profession’s adjustment to the global movement.
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Hsing-Hua Stella Chang, Cher-Min Fong and Min-Hua Chang
Empirical evidence of the value creation process through which internationalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop international branding capability (IBC) to…
Abstract
Purpose
Empirical evidence of the value creation process through which internationalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop international branding capability (IBC) to build a value-creating brand in international markets is incomplete. This research aims to investigate a theoretical framework for the determinants and outcomes of IBC in internationalizing SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Using surveys of 519 internationalizing SMEs, this research empirically verified the antecedents to and effects of IBC on SMEs’ value creation, which thus translates into superior performance. Furthermore, this research explores contextual factors influencing the value creation process in SME internationalization.
Findings
Findings show that SMEs with strong international marketing resource orchestration (IMRO) and relational capability are more competent in developing IBC, which assists resource-constrained SMEs to create value, as manifested through international brand equity (IBE) and improved international performance. Moreover, environmental uncertainty enhances the interplay between IMRO, relational capability, and IBC, while new entrant pressure strengthens the relationship between IBC and IBE, and price competition pressure magnifies the impact of IBE on international performance.
Originality/value
Our study pioneers conceptualization of the value creation process through which SMEs develop IBC to build value-creating brands in international markets, overcoming the liabilities of smallness and outsidership.
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This study aims to provide insights to designers for seeking innovative ways to design sustainable clothes and appeal to consumers by enhancing sustainability.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide insights to designers for seeking innovative ways to design sustainable clothes and appeal to consumers by enhancing sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research purpose, the researchers went through a design process and designed three prototypes. The experts’ evaluation on the prototypes was positive.
Findings
Various design strategies derived from the Korean traditional costume were explored. Based on the strategies, three prototypes were developed, and the design experts’ evaluation on the prototypes was positive.
Originality/value
The research has implications as follows. The sustainable design process and methods used in this research for developing designs inspired from cultural costumes will provide insights to designers who want to create sustainable garments inspired by a certain culture. In addition, the design and sustainable design strategies, derived from the Chosun Dynasty, will guide apparel designers to create sustainable designs and broaden their perspectives. Furthermore, the research will provide guidance to following researchers who are interested in the topic of sustainability in apparel design. The researchers explored sustainable design strategies from the Korean culture, applied them in their design process and evaluated the design outcomes. By doing so, merits and limitations of the design strategies were more clearly understood.
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The purpose of this study was to review the role of self-efficacy in online education with an objective to propose a holistic framework for strengthening participants'…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to review the role of self-efficacy in online education with an objective to propose a holistic framework for strengthening participants' self-efficacy, especially in the Asian context.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the potential role of self-efficacy of the participants of online academic activities, this study followed the conceptual analysis method, which is breaking down concepts into constituent elements to get a superior understanding of a particular philosophy.
Findings
The findings revealed that self-efficacy, the level of confidence someone has to perform a particular task, is an important factor among teachers and students operating online platforms, and enhanced efficacy is capable of encouraging online practices. Finally, the study proposed a framework to strengthen self-efficacy among participants with intervention measures to make online education effective and impressive.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework will help stakeholders of online education to improve their efficacy and leverage the potential of online education to the fullest. Millions of first-generation online users in many Asian countries who possess low self-confidence in their ability might find the framework easier for better integration, interaction and collaboration in the online learning environment.
Originality/value
A vast literature survey was made before proposing this framework that could open up a new dimension in online education by scaffolding participants' inner thrust.
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Joann Ngai and Erin Cho
The luxury market in China has grown significantly in recent years. One unique characteristic of luxury consumers in China is their youth. While exploratory in nature, this study…
Abstract
Purpose
The luxury market in China has grown significantly in recent years. One unique characteristic of luxury consumers in China is their youth. While exploratory in nature, this study aims to identify and offer a meaningful understanding of different segments of young luxury consumers in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were obtained from personal interviews with 28 respondents between 20 and 25 years of age who were recruited via a mall‐interception method in three different high‐end department stores in Shanghai, China.
Findings
Based on key values, motivations, and behavior patterns toward luxury consumption, the authors identify four distinct segments of young luxury consumers: the overseas pack; the self‐established cool; the luxury followers; and the spirituals.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on a small sample consisting of 28 individuals.
Practical implications
While Chinese youth may share some traits as a collective group, they also have diverse reasons and patterns for luxury consumption. The authors identify at least four distinct segments whose values, motivations and behavior toward luxury are different from one another. Companies must consider the differences that exist within this generation to effectively approach this market.
Originality/value
While exploratory, the current study is the first to identify segments in luxury consumers among young generations in China.
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Marcel Grein, Annika Wiecek and Daniel Wentzel
Existing research on product design has found that a design’s complexity is an important antecedent of consumers’ aesthetic and behavioural responses. This paper aims to shed new…
Abstract
Purpose
Existing research on product design has found that a design’s complexity is an important antecedent of consumers’ aesthetic and behavioural responses. This paper aims to shed new light on the relationship between design complexity and perceptions of design quality by taking the effects of consumers’ naïve theories into account.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypotheses of this paper are tested in a series of three experiments.
Findings
The findings from three studies show that the extent to which consumers prefer more complex product designs to simpler ones depends on the extent to which they believe that the complexity of a design is indicative of the effort or of the talent of the designers involved in the design process. These competing naïve theories, in turn, are triggered by contextual information that consumers have at their disposal, such as the professional background of a designer or the brand that is associated with a particular design.
Research limitations/implications
This research was limited to a design's complexity as the central design element and to the effects of two naïve theories. Future research may also take other design factors and consumer heuristics into account.
Practical implications
This research reveals that the extent to which managers may successfully introduce both complex and simple designs may depend on the reputation of a company’s designers and the prestige of a brand.
Originality/value
This research examines design complexity from a novel theoretical perspective and shows that the effect of design complexity on perceptions of design quality is contingent on two specific naïve theories of consumers.
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Ginevra Addis, Serena Nasino, Marta Massi and Mark Anthony Camilleri
Art hotels are increasingly providing an opportunity for creative artists to exhibit their artworks and collections within their premises. This research investigates how some…
Abstract
Art hotels are increasingly providing an opportunity for creative artists to exhibit their artworks and collections within their premises. This research investigates how some hotels are transforming themselves into important cultural tourism centers. Specifically, its objectives are: (i) to better understand the extent to which travelers are aware about the existence of art hotels and to evaluate their level of interest in art-oriented initiatives; (ii) to determine which attributes and features of art hotels are appreciated by travelers; and (iii) to identify the type of travelers who are willing to stay in art hotels. The findings from a descriptive survey suggest that the incorporation of art into the hospitality industry can attract a diverse customer base and could result in a sustainable competitive advantage for hotels. This study identifies four types of travelers including: Art-Infused Travelers, Art-Seeking Travelers, Art-Indifferent Travelers, and Art-Blind Travelers. These prospective tourists were categorized according to their level of awareness and interest in art hotels and art-related experiences. In conclusion, this contribution implies that artification processes within the hospitality industry can add value to the cultural tourism market. Hence, it also advances future research avenues to academia.
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Jaspreet Kaur, Ratri Parida, Sanjukta Ghosh and Rambabu Lavuri
This study aims to examine the impact of the three dimensions of materialism, namely, possessiveness, envy and non-generosity along with attitude on the purchase intention of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of the three dimensions of materialism, namely, possessiveness, envy and non-generosity along with attitude on the purchase intention of sustainable luxury products.
Design/methodology/approach
The research study contains a descriptive approach to research with a quantitative analysis done with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with 229 respondents.
Findings
The findings of the results contribute to research by extending the model of the theory of planned behavior with the material dimensions as an add-on.
Research limitations/implications
The same could have been extended to all major metro cities of Indian where luxury brands are present in malls.
Practical implications
This shows that the consumer with a high level of materialism trait would be a very prospective segment for sustainable luxury brands.
Originality/value
The study shows that the three dimensions of materialism do impact the purchase intention of sustainable luxury producers and these findings will be crucial for devising consumer behavior-based strategies for sustainable luxury brands.
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Amira Mukendi, Iain Davies, Sarah Glozer and Pierre McDonagh
The sustainable fashion (SF) literature is fragmented across the management discipline, leaving the path to a SF future unclear. As of yet, there has not been an attempt to bring…
Abstract
Purpose
The sustainable fashion (SF) literature is fragmented across the management discipline, leaving the path to a SF future unclear. As of yet, there has not been an attempt to bring these insights together or to more generally explore the question of “what is known about SF in the management literature and where could the SF field go from there?”. The purpose of this paper is to bring together the field to identify opportunities for societal impact and further research.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted from the first appearances of SF in the management literature in 2000 up to papers published in June 2019, which resulted in 465 included papers.
Findings
The results illustrate that SF research is largely defined by two approaches, namely, pragmatic change and radical change. The findings reveal seven research streams that span across the discipline to explore how organisational and consumer habits can be shaped for the future.
Research limitations/implications
What is known about SF is constantly evolving, therefore, the paper aims to provide a representative sample of the state of SF in management literature to date.
Practical implications
This review provides decision makers with insights that have been synthesised from across the management field.
Originality/value
This review identifies knowledge gaps and informs managerial decision making in the field, particularly through serving as a foundation for further research.