The influence of a virtual agent on web-users' desire to visit the company

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Etemad-Sajadi
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Virtual Agents ◽  
Virtual Agent ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to measure the perception and the behavioural intention of web-users who interact with a virtual agent on a web site. The author wants to measure the added value of this technology in terms of providing e-service and measure web-users' desire to have a concrete experience with a firm after experiencing its web site. Design/methodology/approach – The author integrated a virtual agent on a restaurant's web site and conducted an online survey. The author asked respondents to interact with the virtual agent and then fill in the questionnaire. The author used the expanded version of the technology acceptance model (TAM) for measuring the intention of potential customers to accept a new technology and for evaluating the characteristics of the virtual agent. In order to measure the e-service quality, the author adapted items of WebQual to restaurant industry. As the author had several latent variables, the author used partial least squares (PLS), a variance-based structural equation modeling method. Findings – Results show that the utilitarian and hedonic values of the virtual agent increase significantly the desire of potential clients to experiment the restaurant. Hedonic value seems to play a major role. This is a crucial factor for restaurant and hotel industries which can be considered as hedonic industries. Practical implications – This research can help firms to manage relationships with current and potential clients through their web site. The nature of the company plays an important role in the success of the virtual agent's implementation. Even if in the case the author applied the virtual agent to a hedonic industry, a lot of companies in other sectors can benefit from having a virtual agent, especially if the company in question is service-oriented (e.g. bank, airline, etc.). Originality/value – According to the author's knowledge, virtual agents have never been applied to restaurant/hotel industries before. The results of this research significantly advanced the understanding of the impact of virtual agents, especially in the hospitality industry. Moreover, the author applied the TAM to the characteristics of virtual agent, which is very new for the academic world. Finally, the framework the author presented in this research could be used as a basis of measurement of virtual agent effectiveness.

Examining the impact mechanism of social psychological motivations on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 232-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Shao
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Continuance Intention ◽  
Impact Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Development ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact mechanism of psychological motivations, social influence and institutional influence on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, and further, to explore if there exist behavioral differences between males and females. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the social cognitive theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance theory, this study developed a theoretical model and conducted an empirical study in China. In total, 247 valid data were collected from college students using online survey, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to examine the research model. Findings The empirical results suggest that self-efficacy, self-enjoyment, self-development and social norm are positively associated with individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, while management commitment in the university has little influence on continuance intention. The moderating test further suggests that males are more likely to be influenced by self-development and perceived usefulness compared with females. Practical implications This study can provide several guidelines to the administrators of the MOOC platform regarding platform design, course selection and social community establishment, so as to encourage more students to participate in the MOOC platform. Originality/value This study applied the SCT in the new context of MOOCs to examine the joint effects of social, institutional and psychological motivation factors on individuals’ continuance intention, and unpacks the moderating effect of gender.

Malaysian SMEs m-commerce adoption: TAM 3, UTAUT 2 and TOE approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maruf Gbadebo Salimon ◽  
Olanrewaju Kareem ◽  
Sany Sanuri Mohd Mokhtar ◽  
Olayemi Abdullateef Aliyu ◽  
Jibril Adewale Bamgbade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Universal Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environment Model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt mobile commerce (m-commerce) by integrating the constructs of Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM 3), Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 and Technology-Organization-Environment model. Though numerous m-commerce adoption (MCA) studies have been conducted, lesser attention is paid to how hedonic motivation (HM) can influence organizational users such as SMEs. This study bridges the gap by integrating the three models to provide a new lens to guide SMEs. Design/methodology/approach To examine the factors that influence the adoption of m-commerce, the researchers collected data from SMEs in Malaysia using an online survey. The sample size of the participants was determined through the available list provided by SME Corp Malaysia. The researchers also used Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size and G * Power techniques to determine that the sample size was appropriate. The data collected were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling. Findings The findings of this study reveal that technological factors (computer self-efficacy [CSE], result demonstrability [RD] and computer anxiety [CA]) positively and significantly influence MCA. Likewise, the organizational/environmental factors (m-commerce knowledge, pressure from trading partners and pressure from competitors) positively and significantly influence MCA. The moderating influence of HM was also achieved on the relationship between CSE and RD. However, the proposed hedonic moderating relationship between CA and the adoption of m-commerce is not significant. Research limitations/implications This study integrates three models to explain the adoption of m-commerce among SMEs in Malaysia and tested the moderating influence of HM. The results obtained better explain the decision by the SMEs to use m-commerce. Originality/value The study critically considered how m-commerce can be adopted by SMEs in Malaysia, which previous studies have largely ignored. Considering this, the study, therefore, advances a new relationship by integrating Technology-organization-environment model with TAM 3 and the moderating influence of HM to explain MCA among SMEs. This paper is one of the few research studies to test the moderating influence of HM in this regard.

scholarly journals Revisiting customer loyalty toward mobile e-commerce in the hospitality industry: does brand viscosity matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialin Snow Wu ◽  
Shun Ye ◽  
Chen Jerry Zheng ◽  
Rob Law
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Switching Costs ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose To better understand how to retain hospitality customers in the fierce competition among mobile applications, this study aims to propose and empirically validates an integrative framework, which elaborates how conscious and subconscious factors, together with affective factors, may induce app loyalty and how brand viscosity moderates such effects. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an online survey to collect data and received a total of 268 valid responses. This study splits the data into two groups (brand viscosity vs non-viscosity). Then, the authors performed a multi-group structural equation modeling with Chi-square difference tests to compare the model between the two groups. Findings The findings support the integrative model and reveal that the influence of app satisfaction on loyalty is stronger for app users who do not stick to one brand across the website and mobile app channels. Moreover, for those with brand viscosity, habit and switching cost are two significant determinants that exert positive effects in inducing app loyalty. Research limitations/implications Brand viscosity across different channels matters for the effects of habit and switching costs in shaping app loyalty. E-commerce managers should elaborate on brand management among various booking channels and establish effective digital marketing strategies to facilitate the formation of usage habits and switching costs and to enhance brand viscosity across channels. Originality/value This research advances the knowledge of app loyalty in hospitality by providing a comprehensive explanatory framework from affective, conscious and subconscious lenses. This research is among the first to unveil the impact of brand viscosity on the links between loyalty and its determinants.

Social media overload, gender differences and knowledge withholding

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongming Wu ◽  
Junjun Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Role Theory ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeDrawing on the stress and coping theory, conservation of resources (COR) theory and social role theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of social media overload on knowledge withholding behavior and examine the gender differences in social media overload, engendering knowledge withholding.Design/methodology/approachBy hiring a professional online survey company, this study collected valid responses from 325 general social media users. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, bootstrapping method and multi-group analysis were used to test the proposed theoretical model.FindingsThe empirical results reveal that three types of social media overload positively affect users' knowledge withholding behavior and that emotional exhaustion significantly mediates the above relationships. The multi-group analysis demonstrates that gender differences do exist in the decision-making process of knowledge withholding; for example, females are more likely than males to become emotionally exhausted from social media overload, while males are more likely than females to engage in knowledge withholding behavior in the case of emotional exhaustion.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining the relationship between social media overload and knowledge withholding, verifying the mediating role of emotional exhaustion as the key mechanism linking them, and narrowing the research gap of lacking gender differences research in knowledge withholding literature.

Repurchase intentions in Y generation: mediation of trust and e-satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shrawan Kumar Trivedi ◽  
Mohit Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Repurchase Intention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Repurchase Intentions ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Gen Y ◽  
The Impact

PurposeResearch on online businesses has focused on the adoption of e-commerce and initial purchase behavior; repurchase intention and its antecedents remain underresearched. The present study develops an empirical model to explore the extent to which trust and e-satisfaction mediate the effect of vendor-specific attributes and customer intention to repurchase from the same online platform.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model is tested and validated in the context of Generation Y in India. A self-administrated online survey was employed, and the students aged between 20 and 35 at universities in Northern India are selected as subject. The data is analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0, where structural equation modeling is used to examine the model and test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that trust mediates fully between security concerns, privacy concerns, and repurchase intention. E-satisfaction mediates between security and ease of use (EOU).Practical implicationsThis study reveals the fact that security, EOU, and privacy concerns are the critical determinants that have the most impact on consumer's purchasing behavior. Gen Y consumers of India need some strong security features, an easy-to-use interface, a trusted privacy policy. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to observe e-satisfaction and trust as a mediator when identifying potential problems; online satisfaction is essential for the group in this study, and the results show that it impacts on the relation between repurchase intention and some determinant of repurchase intentions.Originality/valueThis research determines the impact of security, privacy concerns, EOU on the online repurchasing behavior of Gen Y in India. The mediation effect of e-satisfaction and trust has also been determined.

The moderating effect of e-bank structure on French consumers’ trust

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 501-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souheila Kaabachi ◽  
Selima Ben Mrad ◽  
Anne Fiedler
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Trust ◽  
Bank Structure ◽  
Website Features ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an e-bank’s structure (click-and-mortar bank vs internet-only bank) influences the consumer’s evaluation of website quality, and to identify the most significant website features that influence online trust and lead to consumer loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A non-probability convenience sample of 476 online bank users (248 click-and-mortar and 230 internet-only bank users) was used in this study. An online survey was conducted. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings Findings suggest that e-trust and e-loyalty levels depend on the e-banking structure. Click-and-mortar-based online users were found to have more trust and loyalty in their online banks than internet-only bank users. Findings demonstrate that website features are evaluated differently according to the e-bank structure. Information design and interactivity are very important for internet-only banks, and their effect on online trust seems to be higher. On the other hand, website personalization was evaluated as more important for click-and-mortar banks and had a stronger impact on online trust. Practical implications To promote the trustworthiness of their websites and retain customers, internet-only banks should make the experience more tangible for users by developing a pleasant online experience. Personalization is an important variable that can enhance the consumer’s engagement with the brand. Click-and-mortar banks should enhance their interactivity by providing a continuous and consistent experience across different channels of distribution whether online or in-person and provide more interactive tools on their websites. Originality/value This study contributes significantly to the marketing research literature related to consumer trust as well as to the electronic banking literature. It is the first study to compare customers of click-and-mortar banks with customers of internet-only banks when evaluating website features. It also explores the impact of the e-bank model on the relationship between website features and online trust and customer loyalty.

E-commerce brand

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisheng Chiu ◽  
Heetae Cho
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Repurchase Intention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Brand Leadership ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over 40 Years

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of perceived brand leadership of an e-commerce website on satisfaction and repurchase intention. Moreover, the different roles of gender and age were explored in the proposed model.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to Chinese consumers (n=476) who have purchased products on e-commerce websites. Using SmartPLS 3.0 software, a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was conducted in this study.FindingsThe results showed that all factors of perceived brand leadership (i.e. quality, value, innovativeness and popularity) have positive influences on satisfaction, and in turn satisfaction significantly affects repurchase intention. Also, value and popularity have positive influences on repurchase intention. In addition, gender differences were found in the proposed model. More specifically, the influence of quality on satisfaction was stronger for male consumers, while the impact of popularity on satisfaction was stronger for female. In terms of age differences, the influence of quality on satisfaction was stronger for the consumers over 40 years old as compared to the younger consumers (i.e. the 20s). Moreover, the influence of innovativeness on satisfaction and repurchase intention was stronger for the 20s consumers as compared to the consumers who are over 40 years old.Originality/valueThis study attempts to apply the concept of brand leadership to the e-commerce setting by addressing differential consumption decision-making process. In addition, different gender and age groups reveal unique preferences and consumption patterns.

Learning nuggets, personalized eLearning (PeL) and product training for professionals with niche skills: a case study from India

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
Shirshendu Roy ◽  
Samar Bhattacharya ◽  
Prasun Das
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Doctoral Program ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to describe the impact of personalized eLearning (PeL) using small videos and simulations. It sets out the results of a research project carried out across four Indian organizations. Design/methodology/approach This is an empirical study. The respondents completed product training using small videos and simulations as training content. The courses were assigned to learners using PeL concept. An online survey was conducted to capture feedback on learning content and process, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to explain the acceptance. Findings The research concluded that flexibility and engagement play an important role in competency development using eLearning. It also revealed the positive role of small videos, simulations, and PeL to improve product knowledge. The research findings are consistent with earlier studies. Research limitations/implications The pilot study was a part of a thesis topic for a doctoral program. The study is limited to four domains, namely, aerospace engineering, biological science, thermodynamics, and nuclear research. More studies are required to generalize results. Data were collected through self-responses and focus group discussion. Hence, the “perception” of respondents has some influence on the overall outcome. Practical implications The foundation’s result will help learning & development (L&D) professionals and courseware designers to identify important factors for small video and simulation-based learning in an Indian context. The recommendations will help practitioners design effective PeL content for product training. Originality/value This research increases the knowledge base related to competency development using eLearning for product training in an Indian context.

The impact of using a virtual employee engagement platform (VEEP) on employee engagement and intention to stay

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 242-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungsun (Sunny) Kim ◽  
Anthony Gatling
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Intention To Stay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the perceived ease of use and the usefulness of a virtual employee engagement platform (VEEP) positively influence employees’ intentions to use the VEEP and, in turn, actual use of VEEP. This study further examined how using the VEEP influences employee engagement as well as two organizational outcomes (i.e. employee participation and intention to stay). Design/methodology/approach The survey items for this study were developed based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and motivation theory. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed relationships in a sample of 373 employees of a hospitality organization in the USA. Findings The results indicate that employees’ perceived ease of use and usefulness of a hospitality company’s VEEP positively influence employees’ intentions to use the VEEP. The study also found employees with greater intentions to use their company’s VEEP tend to use the VEEP more frequently, which in turn positively influenced their engagement. Eventually, the more-engaged employees showed a higher level of participation, as well as intention to stay. Practical implications This study addresses the call by researchers to demonstrate how a VEEP can positively influence employee engagement and to present new insights into how employee engagement can contribute to improving organizational outcomes in a hospitality setting. Originality/value This study is the first empirical study involving the emergent field of engagement platforms and employee engagement in a hospitality setting. Moreover, this research provides support for increased adoption and investment in the VEEP by hospitality companies.

Consumer acceptance of smart speakers: a mixed methods approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Kowalczuk
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acceptance Model

PurposeVoice-activated smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home were recently developed and are gaining popularity. Understanding and theorizing the underlying mechanisms that encourage or impede consumers to use smart speakers is fundamental for enhancing acceptance and future development of these new devices. Therefore, building on technology acceptance research, this study aims to develop and test an acceptance model for investigating consumers’ intention to use smart speakers.Design/methodology/approachFirst, antecedents that may significantly affect the usage intention of smart speakers were identified through an explorative approach by a netnographic analysis of customer reviews (N= 2,186) and Twitter data (N= 899). Afterward, these results and contemporary literature were used to develop and validate an acceptance model for smart speakers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses on data collected from 293 participants of an online survey.FindingsBesides perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, the quality and diversity of a system, its enjoyment, consumer’s technology optimism and risk (surveillance anxiety and security/privacy risk) strongly affect the acceptance of smart speakers. Among these variables, enjoyment had the strongest effect on behavioral intention to use smart speakers.Originality/valueThis is the first study that incorporates netnography and SEM for investigating technology acceptance and applies it to the field of interactive smart devices.

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