How avatars create identification and loyalty among online gamers

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1443-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-I Teng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Online Games ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Playing Game

Purpose Online games are popular electronic commerce platforms in which gamers use avatars to interact with others. Avatar identification (the extent to which gamers regard avatars as an extension of themselves) is known to be related to online gamer loyalty. However, few studies have examined how avatars could be designed to enhance avatar identification and online gamer loyalty, indicating a gap. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contextualize self-affirmation theory into online gaming contexts, identified key theoretical elements and examined how they are related to avatar identification and online gamer loyalty. Design/methodology/approach This study surveyed 1,348 massively multi-player online role-playing game players, and their responses were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings The analytical results indicate that irreplaceability within a team and avatar customization are positively related to unique avatar image, while avatar customization is positively related to positive avatar image. Moreover, avatar physical attractiveness and avatar ability to achieve are positively related to positive avatar image. Both unique and positive images of an avatar (as perceived by the user) are positively related to avatar identification, and further to online gamer loyalty. Originality/value This study proposes new constructs: irreplaceability within a team, avatar ability to achieve, unique avatar image and positive avatar image. Such new constructs provide insights to aid electronic commerce managers in avatar design, thus instilling gamer identification with avatars, and thus loyalty.

Comparing the service experience of satisfied and non-satisfied customers in the context of wine tasting rooms using the SERVQUAL model

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-324
Author(s):  
Matti Haverila ◽  
Kai Haverila ◽  
Mehak Arora
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Value For Money ◽  
Service Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Repurchase Intent

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare satisfied and non-satisfied customers in the context of wine tasting rooms using the SERVQUAL model and to examine the relationships in the model in terms of service experience to better understand customer needs. Design/methodology/approach The data used in this study were derived from a survey conducted among wineries in British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of survey results using the partial least squares structural equation modeling was undertaken. Sample size was 402. Findings The findings show that the SERVQUAL constructs that had the most impact on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction were tangibility and assurance. Somewhat surprisingly, the perceived value for money construct was not significantly related to customer satisfaction but was significantly related to repurchase intent. Furthermore, all SERVQUAL constructs, except the reliability construct, were significantly related to customer satisfaction. Originality/value This study provides an overview of how wineries can improve their services to increase the number of satisfied customers.

How do avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty?

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gen-Yih Liao ◽  
T.C.E. Cheng ◽  
Ching-I Teng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Important Process ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flow Theories

Purpose Avatars are known to be influential in gaming communication. However, little is known about how avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow, i.e., the experience of total concentration with intrinsic enjoyment and loyalty. Grounded in social identity and flow theories, the purpose of this paper is to construct a model to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization can impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The responses of 1,944 online gamers are collected. Structural equation modeling is used for analyses. Findings The analytical results indicate that avatar attractiveness and customization are positively related to avatar identification, which is positively related to flow, and then to online gamer loyalty. In addition, avatar identification and flow are important process variables in the above relations. Originality/value This study is novel in being the first attempt to apply social identity and flow theories to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization contribute to online gamers’ flow and loyalty.

scholarly journals Me, myself and I

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1519-1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Steinbach ◽  
Carl Marcus Wallenburg ◽  
Kostas Selviaridis
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Customer Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Outsourcing ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This research focuses on the role of customer behavior in service outsourcing relationships that are governed by outcome-oriented contracts. The purpose of this paper is to explain how non-collaborative customer behavior impedes the effectiveness of outcome-oriented contracts to align the goals and incentives of the customer and service provider, and leads to service provider opportunism. Design/methodology/approach Nine hypotheses are developed regarding customer behavior and the reaction of the service provider to this. These are tested using structural equation modeling with data from 213 service outsourcing relationships. Findings Outcome-orientated contracts in service outsourcing may have unintended consequences because they create value attribution ambiguity. This ambiguity induces non-collaborative customer behavior, which, in turn, results in service provider opportunism. This reveals a paradox, where customer behavior aimed at curbing service provider opportunism instead induces such opportunism. This chain of effects can be counteracted by increased outcome attributability, which reduces the ambiguity and, thus, the motivation for non-collaborative customer behavior. Originality/value This research extends the existing literature by stressing that non-collaborative customer behavior is a key reason why outcome-oriented contracts fail in effectively governing outsourcing relationships, and that this can be counteracted by increased outcome attributability.

A new model for assessing the role of customer behavior history, product classification, and prices on the success of the recommender systems in e-commerce

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1325-1346
Author(s):  
Karzan Wakil ◽  
Fatemeh Alyari ◽  
Mahdi Ghasvari ◽  
Zahra Lesani ◽  
Lila Rajabion
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Recommender Systems ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
User Profile ◽  
Modeling Technique ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Classification ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new method for evaluating the success of the recommender systems based on customer history, product classification and prices criteria in the electronic commerce. To evaluate the validity of the model, the structural equation modeling technique is employed. Design/methodology/approach A method has been suggested to evaluate the impact of customer history, product classification and prices on the success of the recommender systems in electronic commerce. After that, the authors investigated the relationship between these factors. To achieve this goal, the structural equation modeling technique was used for statistical conclusion validity. The results of gathered data from employees of a company in Iran is indicated the impact of the customer history on the success of recommender systems in e-commerce which is related with the user profile, expert opinion, neighbors, loyalty and clickstream. These factors positively influence the success of recommender systems in ecommerce. Findings The obtained results demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed model in term of the success of the recommender systems in the electronic commerce. Originality/value In this paper, the effective factors of success of recommender systems in electronic commerce are pointed out and the approach to increase the efficiency of this system is applied into a practical example.

The role of familiarity in consumer destination image formation

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soyeon Kim ◽  
Xinran Lehto ◽  
Jay Kandampully
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to examine the effects of destination familiarity on consumers’ evaluations (cognitive image) and feelings (affective image) about the destination, leading to their intention to visit. Design/methodology/approach The data for this study were collected through a Web-based survey. Based on a sample of 460 respondents, structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results showed that familiarity with a destination not only influences consumers’ cognitive evaluations of the destination but also affects their feelings about it, which translates into their intentions in travelling to the destination. The findings indicate that destination familiarity can enhance consumers’ knowledge about the destination, but more importantly, their affective perceptions can lead to a higher likelihood of visiting a destination. Practical implications The findings provide useful guidance for efficient marketing programs to attract more visitors to a certain tourist destination. Destination marketers must assess the level of familiarity of potential travelers in the development, design and promotion of a destination. This understanding will enable the marketers to more effectively communicate with their target markets and allow them to tailor advertising to different segments of their customers based on their familiarity. Originality/value The majority of previous studies regarding destination familiarity tend to measure the overall familiarity or experiential familiarity (e.g. a comparison between visitors vs non-visitors) without considering consumers’ indirect familiarity with a destination. This study attempts to conceptualize and empirically test the role of destination familiarity on consumers’ cognitive and affective images and intentions.

Antecedents of satisfaction and loyalty in different spectator tribes in a football context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lamberti ◽  
Josep Rialp ◽  
Alexandra Simon
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sport Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Emotional Involvement ◽  
Content Type

PurposeExtending existing research in a football context, this study explores how image and service quality influence spectator tribe satisfaction and loyalty and variations in behaviors depending on age, gender and emotional involvement.Design/methodology/approachSpectators aged 18 years and older who attended Barcelona Football Club home La Liga matches were sampled. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the model, and hybrid multigroup PLS-SEM was used to explore observed heterogeneity.FindingsImage and service quality both influence spectator satisfaction and loyalty. Satisfaction and loyalty are associated differently with three tribes: a nonpassionate tribe characterized by low emotional involvement and younger and older passionate tribes composed of emotionally involved spectators aged <30 and >30 years old, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s results contribute to strengthening the suitability of PLS-SEM and multigroup in sport management, in particular for analyzing the behavior of specific groups of football spectators.Originality/valueThe findings of this study underline image and service quality as crucial to football spectator satisfaction and loyalty, with emotional involvement and age defining different consumer tribes as potential targets for marketing purposes.

The impact of brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumers’ relationship quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnold Japutra ◽  
Keni Keni ◽  
Bang Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumers’ relationship quality. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilizes survey data in Indonesia and structural equation modeling. In total, 282 participants responded to the survey. Findings – Brand logo benefit predicts all three relationship quality constructs, whereas brand logo identification only predicts satisfaction and trust. Out of the two, brand logo benefit is a better predictor of satisfaction, trust, and commitment. Originality/value – This is a first empirical study to examine brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumer’s relationship quality. In addition, this is the first study to investigate the link between brand logo benefit with satisfaction and trust.

Cooperative practices and non-financial performance of savings and credit cooperative societies

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-425
Author(s):  
Lawrence Musiitwa Kyazze ◽  
Isa Nsereko ◽  
Isaac Nkote
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cooperative practices of accountability, cooperative ownership, advanced communication and non-financial performance in savings and credit cooperative societies. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a cross-sectional research design and adopted a mixed methodological approach were hypotheses were statistically tested using structural equation modeling based on survey data (n = 220) and narratives from qualitative findings supported the quantitative findings from savings and credit cooperative societies. Findings The findings reveal that cooperative practices of accountability, cooperative ownership and advanced communication are significantly and positively associated with non-financial performance of savings and credit cooperative societies. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between cooperative practices of accountability, cooperative ownership and advanced communication and non-financial performance in savings and credit cooperative societies in emerging economies like Uganda. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is limited or no study that has used the construct of agency theory in explaining the relationship between cooperative practices and non-financial performance in savings and credit cooperative societies.

Effect of information sharing and process coordination on logistics outsourcing

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Liu ◽  
Baofeng Huo ◽  
Shulin Liu ◽  
Xiande Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Logistics Outsourcing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Greater China ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Process Coordination

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test how integrative mechanisms, including information sharing and process coordination, influence logistics outsourcing, and how logistics outsourcing influence performance from an extended RBV perspective. Design/methodology/approach – The structural equation modeling (SEM) method is used to examine the proposed model, based on data collected from 361 companies in greater China. Findings – Integrative mechanisms are helpful for logistics outsourcing (basic, customized, and advanced outsourcing). Specially, information sharing contributes to customized and advanced outsourcing, but has no significant effect on basic outsourcing. In contrast, process coordination improves basic and advanced outsourcing, but insignificantly influences customized outsourcing. Besides, each type of logistics outsourcing has differently effects on 3PL users’ performance. This study contributes to 3PL theories and practices. Originality/value – This study empirically examines the antecedents and the outcomes of logistics outsourcing, contributing to 3PL literature and practices.

Structural equation modeling for validating impact of 5S implementation on business excellence of manufacturing organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1592-1615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jugraj Singh Randhawa ◽  
Inderpreet Singh Ahuja
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Excellence ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
High Level ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to deploy structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the interrelationships amongst significant variables of 5S implementation and business excellence performance parameters (BEPP) in SEM_5S model. Design/methodology/approach The confirmatory factor analysis approach is utilized to generate the effective SEM_5S model by using AMOS 20.0 (analysis of moment structures) software. The data have been collected from different manufacturing organizations that have successfully deployed the 5S program by using well-designed questionnaire for the evaluation of SEM_5S model. Findings SEM of 5S various parameters has established that attributes like top management involvement initiatives, employee involvement initiatives, basic 5S initiatives (BFSI) and fifth S initiatives (Shitsuke) should be holistically emphasized during the implementation of 5S program, leading to attainment of high level of melioration in the BEPP. SEM has been deployed to evaluate the original and modification indices of the model, which further establishes the improvement in SEM’s effectiveness. The model establishes the significant impact of 5S implementation on business excellence of manufacturing organizations. Originality/value The outcomes of the study will help the organizational managers, HR executives and practitioners from manufacturing organizations to know about the significant factors which should be followed holistically to achieve overall organizational business excellence through strategic 5S initiatives.

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