Establishing thought leadership through social media in B2B settings: effects on customer relationship performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Magno ◽  
Fabio Cassia
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Performance ◽  
Thought Leadership

Purpose Establishing thought leadership by disseminating relevant digital content through social media has become one of the main priorities for marketers in business-to-business (B2B) settings. However, academic research has only recently started to address this phenomenon. In particular, researchers have not yet examined whether and how thought leadership positively influences a firm’s relationship with its customers. This paper aims to propose and test a model to explain how a firm’s thought leadership improves its customer relationship performance. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional research design was applied using covariance-based structural equation modeling to estimate the suggested model. Data were collected from a sample of 160 firms in different industries that create and share content on social media. Findings Thought leadership on social media positively influences brand performance and, in turn, customer relationship performance in B2B settings. Moreover, establishing thought leadership on social media results from specific thought leadership capabilities and is supported by social media capabilities. Research limitations/implications This study advances knowledge on social media thought leadership in B2B settings by proposing and testing a model that combines available insights from three distinct but interrelated B2B streams of studies: branding, social media marketing and thought leadership. Moreover, this study conceptualizes the effects of thought leadership, which is consistent with the relational nature of B2B settings. In fact, it explores thought leadership as a means to maintain and strengthen business relationships. However, further studies are needed to explore detailed strategies that affect the effectiveness of thought leadership. Practical implications The results provide managers with evidence on the effectiveness of a thought leadership strategy. Establishing thought leadership on social media can help to nurture customer relationships over time. By sharing valuable content, suppliers can continuously demonstrate their cutting-edge competences and expertise, thus keeping their brand relevant to customers. Originality/value This is the first study to provide evidence of the benefits of social media thought leadership on customer relationships in B2B settings.

Harnessing opportunity in the new wave of thought leadership

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-38
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
New Wave ◽  
Brand Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Strategy ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Leadership Capability ◽  
Relationship Performance ◽  
Thought Leadership

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper's model reveals that pursuing a thought leadership strategy through social media is a reliable way of achieving better brand performance, which also leads to improved customer relationship performance. Investing in social media capability and thought leadership capability sets a company up well for sustaining themselves down the long road of investing in their brand with relentless high quality content marketing. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

What makes followers loyal? The role of influencer interactivity in building influencer brand equity

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-814
Author(s):  
Sunghee Jun ◽  
Jisu Yi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Brand Equity ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Emotional Attachment ◽  
Brand Trust ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to present a mechanism that explains how followers become loyal to social media influencers. It suggests influencer interactivity as a unique feature of influencer brands and investigates how it affects influencer authenticity, emotional attachment, and thus brand loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 282 social media users was conducted to estimate the conceptual model. Participants were asked to respond to the survey questions based on their perceptions of a specific influencer they follow on social media. The relationships among variables were tested via structural equation modeling. Findings The findings show that influencer interactivity is positively related to influencer authenticity and emotional attachment. Influencer authenticity mediates the effect of interactivity on emotional attachment and directly affects brand trust. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that followers’ emotional attachment to influencer brands increases brand loyalty through brand trust. Originality/value This study is the first to approach influencers as a brand, rather than a brand endorser. Specifically, this study conceptualizes the influencer brand’s interactivity and finds a link between influencer interactivity and the followers’ perception of influencer authenticity. It discusses why influencer interactivity and authenticity play key roles in shaping influencer brand equity. This study contributes to both the human brands and the influencer marketing literature by proposing a model to understand how the brand equity of the influencer brand is formed.

Here’s one for the next show

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina M Hegner ◽  
Ardion D. Beldad ◽  
Nienke Klein Langenhorst
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Marketing Tactics ◽  
Preferential Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performing Arts Organizations ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Financial constraints recently confronting performing arts organizations propel them to employ various marketing tactics to not only win new visitors but also to maintain its current clientele. Fostering a long-term relationship with clients is regarded a vital solution to a survival-related predicament these organizations face. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of four marketing tactics – personalization, two-way communication, preferential treatment, and rewarding – on the dimensions of customer relationship, namely, satisfaction, trust, and commitment. Design/methodology/approach – Data to test the various research hypotheses were collected through a survey with 252 clients of a performing arts venue in a Dutch city. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Findings – Results reveal that extension of rewards to and maintaining a two-way communication with clients of a performing arts venue positively influence their satisfaction with, trust in, and commitment to the performing arts venue. Personalization of services impacts commitment only. However, the effect of preferential treatment on the three relationship dimensions is not statistically significant. Additionally, analysis shows that satisfied customers are more likely to trust the performing arts venue, although clients’ satisfaction with and trust in the performing arts venue do not influence their commitment to the venue. Originality/value – Research into the ways to strengthen customer relationships in the performing arts is still scarce. The current research aims at investigating the impact of several marketing tactics on customer relationship measured in terms of satisfaction, trust, and commitment and shows how performing arts venues can strengthen their bonds with customers.

Knowledge management, customer relationship management and innovation capabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. Migdadi
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Customer Relationship Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to introduce a unified framework, which integrates knowledge management (KM) (knowledge acquisition, diffusion and application, knowledge from a customer, knowledge about customers and knowledge for customers), customer relationship management (CRM) success (information sharing, customer involvement, long-term partnership, joint-problem solving and technology-based CRM) and innovation capabilities (ICs) (product innovation, process innovation, marketing innovation, service innovation and administrative innovation). Then empirically test the effect of KM on CRM success, the effect of CRM success on IC and the impact of KM on IC through the mediator. Design/methodology/approach Statistical techniques used included confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling using AMOS to test the hypotheses. Findings The results show that KM influences CRM success, which, in turn, affects IC and KM impacts IC through CRM success. Research limitations/implications The study uses data provided by only one key informant per firm, which could involve a degree of subjectivity. This study is cross-sectional, which prevents us from examining the evolution over time of the phenomenon under investigation. Practical implications If organizations fully comprehend KM and CRM, they would be able to implement them successfully, creating value for their companies and fostering IC. Originality/value The existing research on CRM and KM is primarily conceptual and descriptive in nature and empirical research confirming the real impact of KM processes when developing a CRM innovation is lacking. The relationship between ICs and CRM has not been adequately studied. Hence, this study introduces a conceptual framework, which integrates KM, CRM, ICs and empirically tests the relationships among them.

Does the use of social media affect customer relationship performance? Evidences from Italy

2019 ◽  
pp. 55-74
Author(s):  
Alice Mazzucchelli ◽  
Roberto Chierici ◽  
Barbara Del Bosco ◽  
Francesca Ceruti
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Internal Information ◽  
Information Generation ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Relationship Performance ◽  
The Impact

The study investigates how social media information generation, internal information sharing and responsiveness affect the impact of the use of social media on customer relationship performance (CRP). 180 valid and complete questionnaires were collected from managers of firms operating in Italy. Results obtained from structural equation modeling analysis show that social media information generation and social media responsiveness have a significant and positive effect on the impact of social media on CRP (evaluated by managers). Moreover, internal information sharing does not directly affect CRP, but its effect turns out to be mediated by responsiveness.

CRM system implementation and firm performance: the role of consultant facilitation and user involvement

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samppa Suoniemi ◽  
Alex Zablah ◽  
Harri Terho ◽  
Rami Olkkonen ◽  
Detmar Straub ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crm System

Purpose The current research aims to answer the following question: To what extent and under what conditions does hiring consultants to implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system produce performance gains for companies? To answer this question, this research delves into the critical interdependent roles of CRM consultant resources (CR) and user involvement (UI) in overcoming CRM’s technological and organizational implementation challenges. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative field study methodology was used to empirically test the research hypotheses. Cross-sectional data (N = 126) were collected from large client companies using CRM technology. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to estimate the significance levels of the structural model. Findings The findings indicate that the extent to which CRM consultants improve CRM system quality (SQ) and, ultimately, firm performance, largely depends on UI, which acts as the key facilitating mechanism to cope with application complexity (APP) and requirements uncertainty (REQ). Originality/value This research probes into the largely unexplored interactions between CRM CR, UI, APP and REQ. Using these parameters, this model successfully predicts CRM SQ and firm performance.

Engaging leadership in the job demands-resources model

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilmar B. Schaufeli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate leadership into the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Based on self-determination theory, it was argued that engaging leaders who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers would reduce employee’s levels of burnout and increase their levels of work engagement. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of the Dutch workforce (n=1,213) and the research model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – It appeared that leadership only had an indirect effect on burnout and engagement – via job demands and job resources – but not a direct effect. Moreover, leadership also had a direct relationship with organizational outcomes such as employability, performance, and commitment. Research limitations/implications – The study used a cross-sectional design and all variables were based on self-reports. Hence, results should be replicated in a longitudinal study and using more objective measures (e.g. for work performance). Practical implications – Since engaged leaders, who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers, provide a work context in which employees thrive, organizations are well advised to promote engaging leadership. Social implications – Leadership seems to be a crucial factor which has an indirect impact – via job demands and job resources – on employee well-being. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that engaging leadership can be integrated into the JD-R framework.

Should I suggest this YouTube clip? The impact of UGC source credibility on eWOM and purchase intention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazzini Muda ◽  
Muhammad Iskandar Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn spite of the increasing organic and interactive marketing activities over social media, a general understanding of the source credibility of voluntary user-generated content (UGC) is still limited. In line with the social identity theory, this paper examines the effects of consumers' perceived source credibility of UGC in YouTube videos on their attitudes and behavioral intentions. Additionally, source homophily theory is included to predict the antecedent of source credibility.Design/methodology/approachThree hundred and seventy two Generation Y respondents were interviewed using snowball sampling. Data were analyzed with component-based structural equation modeling technique of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFindings confirmed that perceived source credibility indirectly affects purchase intention (PI) and electronic word-of-mouth via attitude toward UGC. Besides, perceived source credibility mediates the effect of perceived source homophily on attitude toward UGC.Practical implicationsSince today's consumers have begun to trust and rely more on UGC than company-generated content on social media when making purchase decisions, companies may reconsider democratizing certain aspects of their branding strategies. Firms may fine-tune their marketing communication budgets – not only just by sponsoring public figures and celebrities but also by nurturing coproductive engagements with independent content creators who are ordinary consumers. Endowed with their imposing credibility, these micro-influencers and prosumers have high potentials to be uplifted to brand ambassadors.Originality/valueWhile consumers' purchase outcome can be measured easily using metrics and analytics, the roles of source homophily in stages leading up to the purchase is still elusive. Drawing on the rich theoretical basis of source homophily may help researchers to understand not only how credibility and attitude are related to PI but also how this nexus generates positive word of mouth among UGC followers within the social media circles.

Work from home: Indonesian employees' mental well-being and productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Auditya Purwandini Sutarto ◽  
Shanti Wardaningsih ◽  
Wika Harisa Putri
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Well Being

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore to what extent employees' mental well-being affects their productivity while working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 crisis and whether mental well-being and productivity differ across some socio-demographic factors.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study with online questionnaires was designed with 472 valid responses in Indonesia. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) were administered. Non-parametric tests and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe prevalence of depression was 18.4%, anxiety 46.4% and stress 13.1%, with relatively good productivity. Gender, age, education level, job experiences, marital status, number of children and nature of the organization were associated with the employees' psychological health but not with their productivity, while the workspace availability influenced both outcomes. The study path model showed the negative correlation between WFH employees' psychological well-being and productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may contribute to the implication of current mandatory WFH on mental well-being and productivity. Further studies need to address the representativeness and generalizability issues as well as incorporating potential stressors.Practical implicationsOrganizations may adopt WFH as a future working arrangement and identify the individual and occupational characteristics that provide the most impacts on productivity. It is also necessary for them to develop proper strategies to mitigate the psychological risks and overcome the WFH challenges.Originality/valueThere is still a lack of studies investigating the relationship between simultaneous effects of WFH on psychological well-being and productivity, and how they affect some socio-demographic variables in the context of COVID-19.

Research on the influencing factors of the switching behavior of Chinese social media users: QQ transfer to WeChat

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Yin ◽  
Yujing Zhou ◽  
Peiyu He ◽  
Meng Tu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Switching Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Important Relationship ◽  
Transfer Behavior ◽  
Behavior Function

PurposeThis research takes the transfer behavior of users from Tencent QQ to WeChat as an example to discuss the wider transfer behavior of social media users on the Internet.Design/methodology/approachThis paper collects data through a combination of offline interviews and online questionnaire surveys, and utilizes data analysis tools to construct structural equation modeling (SEM). Using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics 22.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 22.0 software with SEM, this study was carried out to provide reasonable statistical support for relevant proposed hypotheses based on 368 effective samples acquired through the questionnaire.FindingsThe findings of this study show that subjective norm, transfer experience, social communication, and knowledge acquisition all have significant associations with transfer intention and switching behavior. To be specific, transfer intention exerts a positive association on switching behavior; function setting, privacy protection and personal innovation have a favorable association with transfer intention; transfer cost has a significantly negative relationship with transfer intention and switching behavior; function setting has no important relationship on switching behavior.Originality/valueThe research results provide a reference for improving the viscosity and loyalty of social media users in the new era and resolving the problem of user churn.

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