The effects of relationship maintenance and relationship investment on self-service technology relationship performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin Hsin Chang ◽  
Chen Su Fu ◽  
Po Wen Fang ◽  
Yu-Cheng Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
Relationship Maintenance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Consciousness ◽  
Utilitarian Value ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology ◽  
Relationship Performance ◽  
Relationship Investment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend the utilitarian value of the dedication-based relationship maintenance mechanism of social exchange theory and customer perceived relationship investment to investigate the relationship performance of a retailer launching a self-service technology (SST). Computer anxiety and time consciousness are hypothesized to moderate the effects among these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The results of the structural equation model, with in-store kiosk use experience data collected for 211 respondents, supported the research model. Multiple regression analysis was used for testing the moderating effects. Findings – The utilitarian value of dedication-based relationship maintenance is related to perceived relationship investment. Higher levels of customer-perceived relationship investment impact relationship performance. Computer anxiety and time consciousness act separately as both partial and full moderators. Research limitations/implications – First, this study did not consider different kinds of products/services to have different effects with regard to customer cognition. Second, most of the respondents were students, and this is a limitation in business research, because of such factors as lower incomes and higher information technology ability as compared to individuals with other occupations. Third, it is difficult to distinguish whether the level of perceived convenience is due to the convenience stores per se or the in-store kiosks that they have. Future research may thus consider analyzing in more detail how perceived convenience is evoked. Finally, future research can consider constraint-based relationship maintenance mechanisms with regard to operating in-store kiosk businesses. Practical implications – Retailers who are willing to continually launch SSTs should tie such efforts to their relationship marketing strategies. Moreover, retailers who are willing to launch e-businesses should establish strategies designed to enhance customer experience with regard to the use of technology. Finally, launching SSTs should involve the continual development of an effective purchasing process and functional relationship marketing strategies. Originality/value – This paper can help managers organize relationship maintenance mechanisms, especially with regard to the development of user utilitarian value, in order to obtain improved relationship performance.

Technology in use – characterizing customer self-service devices (SSDS)

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Gummerus ◽  
Michaela Lipkin ◽  
Apramey Dube ◽  
Kristina Heinonen
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Smart Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

PurposeThis study aims to introduce and characterize a specific form of self-service technology (SST), customer self-service devices (SSDs), as well as propose and apply a classification scheme of SSDs to encourage future research on such SSTs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on conceptual development of customer SSDs and exploratory qualitative insight from representatives of companies offering various types of SSDs.FindingsThis paper introduces SSDs as customer-possessed and controlled smart service devices aiming to solve problems from the customer’s perspective, often within completely new, customer-defined service processes and ecosystems. SSDs are not confined to the company-controlled service environment, and customers may thus use them wherever and whenever they so wish. The study characterizes SSDs based on service and customer use features, as well as on the subject of the service act (self/other vs belongings) and nature of service act (monitoring vs acting).Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to conceptual exploration with qualitative insights from six companies. Future research is needed to empirically study different SSDs by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in various settings.Originality/valueThe paper conceptualizes SSDs as an extension to the traditional SST framework. It contributes to the understanding of how personal handheld devices can contribute to customer experiences. It provides research directions to stimulate further research in SSTs.

Attributes valued by students in higher education services: a lean perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-882
Author(s):  
Anete Petrusch ◽  
Guilherme Luís Roehe Vaccaro
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Education Services ◽  
Administrative Services ◽  
Field Evidence ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use theoretical and field evidence to discuss what the value-attributes for academic-administrative services as perceived by students in higher education institutions (HEIs) and how such organizations deliver them. An emerging framework relating value-attributes for HEIs’ administrative and academic services is presented from the perspective of students. Design/methodology/approach Focus group analysis with Brazilian HEI’s students supported this study. Extensive theoretical references from lean services and services theory contribute to building an emerging framework that extends the background on the subject. Findings The following framework of eight value-attributes for administrative services in HEIs were studied: reliability, empathy, access, responsiveness, self-service technology convenience, communication, personalization and imperceptibility. The value-attributes may receive different degrees of prioritization and improvement effort according to the type of service and strategic positioning of the organization. Research limitations/implications Field evidence is limited by the extent of students and organizations accessed. Implications include directing future research to produce a quantitatively validated model and as an emerging framework, to support decision-planning in the context of HEIs. Originality/value The study extends the literature relating the connection between lean services, services theory and higher education services. No similar study has been found in Brazilian HEIs.

scholarly journals How hotels adjust technology-based strategy to respond to COVID-19 and gain competitive productivity (CP): strategic management process and dynamic capabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Liu ◽  
Jingjing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology ◽  
Strategic Management Process

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how hotels evolve their dynamic capabilities to adjust their technology-based strategy to improve performance and to gain competitive productivity (CP) during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews with hoteliers were conducted to unveil their dynamic capabilities amid the pandemic as regard adjustments and performance of self-service technology (SST)-based strategies. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings Data analysis revealed four types of dynamic capabilities (i.e. sensing, learning, integrating and coordinating capabilities). Equipped with these capabilities, hotels made minor adjustments to their SST strategies. In general, during an economic downturn, hotels refrained from introducing new SSTs. SSTs introduced before the pandemic were used more frequently and received enhanced customer feedback. The findings further revealed that the factors influencing hotels’ application of SSTs before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 remained similar. Originality/value This is the first research integrating CP, dynamic capabilities and strategic management process to explain how hotels adjust technological strategies to recover in a suddenly changed environment. Such a framework enables scholars and practitioners from content-oriented and process-oriented perspectives to make quick but sound strategic management decisions in adapting to turbulent environments. This timely study enriches the expertise of using technology as a recovery strategy and contributes to future research on the practical application of SSTs and crisis management.

Understanding the differences of public and private self-service technology

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel E. Collier ◽  
Daniel L. Sherrell ◽  
Emin Babakus ◽  
Alisha Blakeney Horky
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology ◽  
Individual Self ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential differences between types of self-service technology. Specifically, the paper explores how the dynamics of public and private self-service technology influence customers' decision to use the technology. Design/methodology/approach – Existing customers of private and public self-service technology were surveyed from the same industry. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examine how relevant self-service constructs influence evaluations and attitudes of customers across both settings. Findings – The analysis reveals that customers' control and convenience perceptions differ across public and private self-service technology. Additionally, customers placed a heavier emphasis on the hedonic or utilitarian evaluation of a service experience based on the type of self-service technology. Practical implications – For managers of self-service applications, understanding the unique differences of public and private self-service technology can aid in the implementation and adoption of the technology. By properly understanding the differences of the self-service types, managers can provide a beneficial experience to the customer. Originality/value – By identifying and describing two distinct categories of SSTs, this study allows managers and researchers to better understand how and why individuals choose to utilize individual self-service technologies. Through understanding the unique dynamics of a public and a private SST experience, retailers can determine the appropriate strategy for customer adoption based on the utilitarian or hedonic functions of the technology.

Consumer responses to the failure of self-service banking technology: moderating role of failure stability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nedra Bahri Ammari ◽  
Abir Hsouna ◽  
Mounia Benabdallah ◽  
Anish Yousaf ◽  
Abhishek Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Negative Word ◽  
The Self ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Dissatisfaction ◽  
Self Service ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Self Service Technology ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of dissatisfaction and anger, driven by the failure of the self-service technology of banks, on customers' post-purchase behavioural reactions, such as complaints, negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) and supplier change. The stability of the failure is proposed to moderate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed research model was tested through data collected from an online survey of a Tunisian sample of 300 respondents, using the scenario method.FindingsThe study validates the positive impact of dissatisfaction on anger and negative word-of-mouth, as well as that of anger on complaint behaviour and negative word-of-mouth. The relation between dissatisfaction and negative word-of-mouth is mediated by anger. When the failure is stable, dissatisfied users of the self-service technology seek to enhance their negative word-of-mouth and supplier change. The results also show that the stability of the failure enhances the effect of anger on complaint behaviour.Practical implicationsBanks should invest efforts to accelerate the recovery of services to reduce consumer dissatisfaction and anger and prevent adverse behavioural outcomes. Further, they need to ensure that failures are not repeated, as failure stability activates some otherwise non-significant behavioural outcomes, like supplier change.Originality/valuePrevious works have focused on the impact of dissatisfaction and negative emotions for interpersonal services, but very few works have come to associate dissatisfaction, anger, complaint, negative word-of-mouth and supplier change in an integrative framework for an self-service technology failure.

Enhancing the value co-creation process: artificial intelligence and mobile banking service platforms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth H. Manser Payne ◽  
James Peltier ◽  
Victor A. Barger
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships that influence the value co-creation process and lead to consumer comfort with artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile banking (AIMB) service platforms. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model was developed to investigate the value-in-use perceptions of AI-based mobile banking applications via five antecedents: baseline perceptions of current bank service delivery; service delivery configuration benefits; general data security; safety perceptions of specific mobile banking services; and perceptions of AI service delivery. Data were collected from 218 respondents and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings This study highlights the role and importance of the sequential relationships that impact the assessment of AIMB. The findings suggest that service delivery and the customer’s role in value co-creation change as AI is introduced into a digital self-service technology channel. Furthermore, AIMB offers transaction-oriented (utilitarian) value propositions more so than relationship-oriented (hedonic) value propositions. Research limitations/implications The sample consisted on digital natives. Additional age cohorts are needed. Practical implications As financial institutions redirect their business models toward digital self-service technology channels, the need for customers to feel comfortable while interacting with an AI agent will be critical for enhancing the customer experience and firm performance. Originality/value The authors extend the service-dominant logic (SDL) literature by showing that value co-creation is a function of both firms’ technologies and consumers’ value-in-use, a finding that appears to be unique in the literature. The authors advance the digital transformation literature by evaluating AIMB as an interactive process that requires an understanding of key technology constructs, including perceptions of baseline service relationships, desired service configurations, security and safety issues and whether AI is useful for value co-creation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SDL framework that investigates interactive and structural relationships to explain value-in-use perceptions of AIMB.

Modeling the contingent role of technological optimism on customer satisfaction with self-service technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-578
Author(s):  
Abdul Kadir Othman ◽  
Muhammad Iskandar Hamzah ◽  
Lailatul Faizah Abu Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Customer Group ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

PurposeBased on the E-Service Quality (E-SQ) model, this study investigates the effects of self-service technology (SST) quality attributes, specifically automated teller machines (ATMs), on customer satisfaction. The interaction effects of technological optimism on the abovementioned link are also examined. SST usage is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that consists of five dimensions (reliability, security, convenience, functionality and responsiveness).Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through a survey of a sample of Malaysian participants who used cash-recycling ATMs. The proposed theoretical model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe results suggest that reliability, convenience, and functionality are critical factors that affect customer satisfaction in using ATMs. Technological optimism was found to weaken the relationship between reliability and customer satisfaction.Practical implicationsConsidering the relative novelty of cash-recycling ATMs in the market, banks should ensure a smooth, error-free and accessible functioning of the system. Special attention has to be given to tech-savvy consumers whose higher level of optimism, with an increase of perceptions of reliability, may suppress their heighten sense of fulfillment. This customer group could be offered interactive digital engagement through mobile applications and social networking channels.Originality/valueThe E-SQ model is a helpful tool to understand the reasons underlying user satisfaction with cash-recycling ATMs. The results also contribute to the theoretical development of the E-SQ model through the integration of technological optimism as a contingent factor.

Customer value in self-service kiosks: a systematic literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Vakulenko ◽  
Daniel Hellström ◽  
Pejvak Oghazi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a cohesive overview of the available self-service and customer value literature, identify customer value in self-service kiosks (SSKs), and analyze this value from the customer experience perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study comprises a systematic literature review of available works on customer value. Findings The paper presents conclusions on the SSK’s technological forms, presence in industries, and conceptual state. The review also provides a cohesive inventory of customer value elements in SSKs. The in-depth analysis proposes two alternative models of the customer value creation process: linear and circular. Research limitations/implications The study reveals gaps stemming from the inconsistency and fragmented nature of previous research on customer value in SSKs. The gaps are treated as opportunities for future studies. Practical implications By identifying new sources of competitive advantage and new ways to improve customer service strategies and experience management, the findings support managerial decision making at the stages of considering, implementing, and improving SSK networks. Originality/value This study is the first to systematically review and provide an inventory of customer value elements in SSKs. It, therefore, offers new perspectives on customer value creation using self-service technology.

Unraveling customer experiences in a new servicescape: an ethnographic schema elicitation technique (ESET)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Stead ◽  
Gaby Odekerken-Schröder ◽  
Dominik Mahr
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Customer Journey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Customer Perspective ◽  
Tailored Approach ◽  
Self Service ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Self Service Technology

PurposeThis article investigates the role of schemas in shaping customer experiences in new servicescapes, across the customer journey. The authors take a customer perspective that reveals how schematic information processing takes place at four pyramidal levels—event, touchpoint, encounter and concrete activities—that in turn lead to customer responses.Design/methodology/approachThe study introduces a novel ethnographic schema elicitation technique (ESET), which enables unraveling schemas at the touchpoint level across the customer journey of a European grocery store that recently launched a new SST innovation. This tailored approach provides fine-grained insights into customer experiences at the moment they occur.FindingsThe conceptual framework unravels schematic information processing, as illustrated with an empirical study. The activation of different schemas and their modification is highlighted in rich qualitative data.Research limitations/implicationsInnovative service offerings require customers to adapt their existing behaviors. Understanding this highly individual process, which requires schema modification, could be furthered by longitudinal in-depth research.Practical implicationsBy understanding schematic information processing, managers and policymakers can develop better strategies for activating sustainability or health-conscious schemas that guide customer behavior in positive directions.Originality/valueBy applying ESET to new self-service technology, the authors provide valuable insights for service managers and retailers. They show the particular need for prudence in changing schemas in ways that avoid negative cognitive, emotional or behavioral responses.

scholarly journals Firm self-service technology readiness

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 751-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Ramaseshan ◽  
Russel Philip Kingshott ◽  
Alisha Stein
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Service ◽  
Self Service Technology

Purpose – Technological advances and new business models have contributed to the usage of self-service technology (SST) by firms. As SST continues to create organizational efficiencies, firms have jumped on the bandwagon without considering their own readiness to use SST. To date, there has been no systematic attempt to develop a valid scale of firm SST readiness and assess its influence on firm performance. The purpose of this paper is to present and validate a multidimensional firm SST readiness scale. Design/methodology/approach – A series of studies was conducted for the development and validation of the firm SST readiness scale. Study 1 included generating items from semi-structured interviews with managers and an extensive literature review. Study 2 comprised item reduction and identifying the dimensionality of the scale through exploratory factor analysis (n=177 participants from service organizations). The reliability and validity of the scale were tested in Study 3 by performing confirmatory factor analysis using data obtained from managers of service organizations in the USA (n=257). Study 4 measured the predictive validity of the firm SST readiness instrument using several structural models. Findings – This paper proposes a new multidimensional construct labelled “firm SST readiness”, consisting of four dimensions: managerial acquiescence, customer alignment, employee engagement, and channel integration. The predictive validity of the new scale on two key firm outcome variables: customer value and firm performance is also demonstrated. Originality/value – This is the first study to provide a comprehensive, psychometrically sound, and operationally valid measure of firm SST readiness.

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