Elizabeth Levin, Thu Nguyen Quach and Park Thaichon
This paper aims to determine the dimensions of service quality of advertising agencies and their effects on relationship quality between an advertising agency and their clients…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine the dimensions of service quality of advertising agencies and their effects on relationship quality between an advertising agency and their clients through the social and economic exchange.
Design/methodology/approach
The intention was to target firms which use the services of an advertising or marketing solutions agency; hence, participants were recruited from a business database service providing details for key decision makers in Australia and New Zealand. An online survey was used in this study.
Findings
Creative competence, project management processes and project outcome influenced relationship quality through value and interpersonal relationships. However, only creativity had a significant direct relationship with relationship quality.
Practical implications
Although creativity plays a major role in relationship development, agencies must have efficient and effective project management processes in place to ensure successful project completion within timeline and budget to be able to maintain ongoing relationships with their clients.
Originality/value
The research draws upon literature from three key disciplines, service quality, relationship marketing and project management, to address the gaps in the current literature related to customer relationship management in the B2B client–agency context.
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Thu Nguyen Quach, Charles Jebarajakirthy and Park Thaichon
The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to identify the dimensions for evaluating the service quality of internet service providers (ISPs); second, to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to identify the dimensions for evaluating the service quality of internet service providers (ISPs); second, to investigate the relationship between service quality and customers’ behavioural intentions; and third, to investigate the influence of ISP customers’ usage patterns on their perceptions of ISP’s service quality dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a sequential exploratory mixed method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative elements. Data in Study 1 was obtained from 2,059 internet users using an online survey. The relationships between the constructs of the proposed conceptual model were tested using structural equation modelling and the bias corrected bootstrapping technique. Also, the moderating effect of internet usage was examined. Study 2 featured 30 in-depth interviews with internet users.
Findings
The findings reveal that dominant service quality dimensions for ISPs were network quality, customer service, information quality and privacy. The contribution of these factors to overall service quality was moderated by the internet usage. Results of Study 2 indicate that most respondents with heavy usage found network quality indifferent among ISPs and demonstrated hesitation in direct contact with customer service, making information support the most significant dimension. Additionally, service quality directly influenced customers’ complaining and switching intention. It was clarified in Study 2 that intention to continue the contract also depended on factors such as switching barriers, value and promotional offers.
Originality/value
This study is original in that it is among the first studies to attempt to investigate the dimensions of an ISP’s service quality, and its influence on ISP customers’ behaviours. An additional contribution of the study stems from the incorporation of a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach.
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Elizabeth Levin, Paramaporn Thaichon and Thu Nguyen Quach
– The study aims to consider the overall impact of the service encounters and projects undertaken on the long-term relationship between the agency and its clients.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to consider the overall impact of the service encounters and projects undertaken on the long-term relationship between the agency and its clients.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a parallel mixed-method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative elements in the client–advertising agency context. Data obtain via an online survey in Study 1 were analysed using structural equation modelling and bias-corrected bootstrapping technique. Study 2 featured 15 in-depth interviews with marketing managers and project leaders.
Findings
The findings revealed that advertising agencies deliver value and create trust through creativity aspects as well as project management processes. In addition, both perceived value and trust have crucial roles in fostering client–agency relationships and the continuance of business relationships. Value has a stronger direct effect on loyalty when compared with trust, confirmed by the results of Study 2. Several respondents pointed out the influence of client characteristics on both evaluation of creativity as well as loyalty.
Practical implications
The results highlight the importance of project management and planning which should be seen as an investment by both parties. Moreover, agencies need to involve clients in the creative process and focus on marketing themselves and the value they add to enhance client loyalty.
Originality/value
This study was the first to develop a model for the drivers of loyalty, drawing from literature in three key areas: service quality, relationship marketing and project management. An additional contribution of the study stems from the incorporation of an integrated parallel mixed-methods approach.
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Thu Thi Hoai Tran and Louis De Koker
This study aims to consider the anti-money laundering/combating of financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime that applies to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microfinance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to consider the anti-money laundering/combating of financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime that applies to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microfinance programmes and projects (MFPs) in Vietnam to identify ways in which to improve the alignment between financial inclusion and financial integrity objectives in relation to this sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This doctrinal study is informed by the Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation methodology.
Findings
The AML/CFT regulatory framework for MFIs/MFPs is inadequate but improving. The money laundering and terrorist financing risks posed by microfinance are low and so is the capacity of many providers to comply with AML/CFT obligations. Given the low risk, there is space to simplify AML/CFT requirements for this sector in a manner that will better align financial inclusion and financial integrity policy objectives.
Research limitations/implications
This paper considers the implementation of AML/CFT obligations of MFIs/MFPs based on existing studies as well as own research relating to compliance and supervisory practices. Further empirical studies to determine for the whole microfinance sector could provide a more granular understanding of crime risks and compliance capacities in the sector.
Practical implications
AML/CFT regulators in Vietnam can take concrete steps to simplify the AML/CFT due diligence obligations of MFIs/MFPs and support these institutions to formalise and implement appropriate AML/CFT measures.
Social implications
MFIs/MFPs play a vital socio-economic role by providing financial services to the poor. Appropriate AML/CFT control measures can enable these providers to continue providing these services while strengthening economic formalisation and integrity goals of the government.
Originality/value
The paper provides novel supervisory perspectives on the AML/CFT regime in relation to MFIs/MFPs.
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Cong Doanh Duong, Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen, Thi Loan Le, Thi Viet Nga Ngo, Chi Dung Nguyen and Thi Dao Nguyen
This study aims to answer two questions: do self-efficacy and outcome expectations serial mediate the effect of entrepreneurial education (EE) on the intention to start a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to answer two questions: do self-efficacy and outcome expectations serial mediate the effect of entrepreneurial education (EE) on the intention to start a business? and how can the social cognitive career theory explain entrepreneurial intention (EI)?
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the social cognitive career theory to examine the effect of EE on start-up intention via self-efficacy and outcome expectations by a serial mediation model. A sample of 1,232 students in Vietnam and the structural equal modelling method was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results of this study reveal that entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) significantly mediates the effect of EE on the intention to start a business. Similarly, entrepreneurial outcome expectations (EOEs) mediate the association between EE and EI. Especially, the results of serial mediation analysis show that ESE and EOEs serially mediate the EE–intention relationship.
Originality/value
Under a new perspective of social cognitive career theory, the current study is expected to contribute to clarifying the gap in the relationship between EE and EI. In addition, this study also contributes to investigating the antecedents of ESE and outcome expectations and providing empirical evidence supporting the relevance of social cognitive career theory in explaining EI.
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Thi Viet Nga Ngo, Thi Loan Le, Thi Thanh Hong Pham, Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen and Cong Doanh Duong
By adopting the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to provide insights into how entrepreneurial education (EE) contributes to the entrepreneurial process, especially…
Abstract
Purpose
By adopting the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to provide insights into how entrepreneurial education (EE) contributes to the entrepreneurial process, especially entrepreneurial behaviour (EB).
Design/methodology/approach
The research used a sample of 2,566 students from 16 universities in Vietnam. The conceptual framework’s coefficient paths underwent testing using structural equation modeling, and the mediation effects were determined using the PROCESS bootstrapping method.
Findings
The study revealed that EE directly influences EB in Vietnam, despite having no direct effect on entrepreneurial intention (EI). In addition, EE indirectly influences EI and EB through enhancing attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control.
Practical implications
These findings suggest that policymakers should consider the value of investing in EE programmes as a means of promoting EB. Offering students opportunities to engage in real-life entrepreneurial activities, such as business plan competitions, internships with local start-ups and access to mentorship from established entrepreneurs, can play a pivotal role in their translating knowledge into action. This practical approach can significantly contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vietnam.
Originality/value
While many studies have investigated the influence of EE on EIs, there is a lack of research on the behavioural outcomes of such education. Furthermore, the findings regarding the EE–EI relationship are inconsistent. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into how EE can foster the intention and behaviour to engage in entrepreneurship.
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The primary purpose of this study is to explore the effect of technical changes on provincial-level income inequality in Vietnam. The authors also investigate whether the quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to explore the effect of technical changes on provincial-level income inequality in Vietnam. The authors also investigate whether the quality of institutions and human capital level moderate this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
This research applies the fixed-effect and random-effect models on a balanced panel data set of 63 Vietnamese provinces/cities from 2010 to 2020.
Findings
The study’s empirical results show that technical improvement has a nonlinear influence on income disparity in Vietnamese localities. When the local level of technology is limited, technological change can mitigate income disparity. However, as local technological levels increase, inequality tends to rise. Moreover, the study also reveals that the quality of a province’s institutions and the level of human resources are factors that moderate the correlation between technological change and income inequality. For provinces with better institutional quality and/or better human resources, inequality tends to decline under the impact of technological change.
Practical implications
The results of this study suggest that while encouraging technology advancement, localities should also ensure sustainable development, reduce income inequality and focus on improving institutional quality and human resources development.
Originality/value
There are increasing concerns about the impact of technical change on inequality in income distribution; however, empirical evidence on this relationship in developing countries remains scarce. This study is among the few attempts to examine this issue at the provincial level of a developing country considering the moderation effect of institutional quality and human capital level.
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Aman Kumar, Amit Shankar, Abhishek Behl, Debarun Chakraborty and Raghava R. Gundala
This research focuses on developing and testing a conceptual model that explores customer behavioural responses (engagement, experience and recommendation) towards generative…
Abstract
Purpose
This research focuses on developing and testing a conceptual model that explores customer behavioural responses (engagement, experience and recommendation) towards generative artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbots. It highlights the significant influence of anthropomorphic characteristics in enhancing perceptions of competence and warmth, further enhancing perceived authenticity. In addition, this study aims to investigate how the need for social interactions moderates these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a self-administered questionnaire distributed on Prolific Academic to gather data from 282 eligible participants worldwide. This study uses a structural equation modelling approach to answer the research questions.
Findings
The findings reveal that anthropomorphic characteristics of generative AI-enabled chatbots are positively associated with perceived competence. Moreover, the findings show that the perceived competence and warmth of generative AI-enabled chatbots are significantly associated with perceived authenticity. Furthermore, the results highlight that the perceived authenticity of generative AI-enabled chatbots is positively associated with customer engagement, experience and recommendation. Finally, the results illustrate that the impact of anthropomorphic characteristics on perceived warmth is significantly moderated by the need for social interaction.
Originality/value
This study enriches the generative AI literature and guides organizations in understanding consumer interactions for leveraging generative AI-enabled chatbots. Furthermore, this study contributes to the social response theory literature as this study investigates how user behavioural intentions towards generative AI-enabled chatbots are influenced by their perceived level of anthropomorphic characteristics.
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Sheshadri Chatterjee, Ranjan Chaudhuri, Demetris Vrontis and Minas Kastanakis
This study aims to investigate the insights on how international customer behavior is impacted toward online customer review (OCR) by the mediating effects of social and personal…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the insights on how international customer behavior is impacted toward online customer review (OCR) by the mediating effects of social and personal norms in the varied cultural context. The study also investigates how support of peer influence could moderate the effect of OCR.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has used socialization theory, congruity theory and theory of planned behavior along with studies of different literature to develop a conceptual model. The conceptual model has been validated using PLS-SEM analysis with survey considering 306 usable respondents. The mediating effects and moderating impacts have been analyzed by mediating analysis process (process tool) and multi group analysis, respectively.
Findings
The results of the model, with 62% explanative power, highlight that social norm acts as a strong mediating variable to impact OCR intention while peer influence acts as a vital moderator to impact OCR intention.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical model provides a solid foundation to future researchers for further study in this field. This study also provides the practitioners a unique opportunity towards understanding customer motivation for OCR intention. Accordingly, practitioners could bring some transformational changes in their organizations for getting better reviews from the customers.
Originality/value
This study develops a unique theoretical model with high explanative power. Very few studies have ventured in this field. This study has added value to the body of literature on consumer behavior as well as individualism. Furthermore, this study has developed some of the novel relationships between different factors such as individualism, peer influence, international consumers, social norm and so on in the context of OCR which is one of the unique contributions of this study.
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Felix Simon Rudolf Becker, Kevin Escoz Barragan, Daria Huge sive Huwe, Beatrice Shenara Ernst and Giuseppe Strina
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, this study aims to explore which specific personality traits contribute to the innovativeness of startups, with a particular emphasis on…
Abstract
Purpose
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, this study aims to explore which specific personality traits contribute to the innovativeness of startups, with a particular emphasis on understanding how technology adoption mediates this relationship. By doing so, the authors strive to unveil the nuanced dynamics of personality, technology adoption and startup innovativeness in the digital era.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct a quantitative empirical analysis using a sample of 1,314 German startups. This study utilizes a mediation analysis to examine the effects of personality traits on the innovativeness of startups, taking technology adoption as a mediator into account.
Findings
The empirical results show certain personality traits have direct effects on innovativeness. Also, the results show that technology adoption is a driver of startup innovativeness. In addition, these traits are (partially) mediated by technology adoption.
Research limitations/implications
The results shed new light on the interplay of entrepreneurs' personality and technology adoption in relation to startup innovativeness and therefore underline the importance of technology in this triangular relationship. The authors employ secondary data from startups in Germany, which complicates generalization of the results to other geographical and cultural contexts.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the scientific debate on the role of personality traits in entrepreneurship by providing empirical evidence on the mediating effect of technology adoption in the relationship between personality traits and startup innovativeness. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers interested in understanding and promoting innovativeness in the context of startups.