Consumer perceptions of salesperson gender and credibility: an evolutionary explanation

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Paul Prendergast ◽  
Sze Sze Li ◽  
Connie Li
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Attractiveness ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Experimental Findings ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the homophily theory and the related concept of source similarity which predict that a male salesperson is more effective in serving male customers, and a female is more effective with females. For products designed to enhance female attractiveness, however, Darwinian theories of reproduction suggest that a male may be more effective than a female in dealing with female customers. This study of Hong Kong consumers examined the possibility and, in doing so, challenged the assumed utility of homophily in selling cosmetics. Design/methodology/approach – Two studies were conducted. The first was an experiment where female subjects were asked to report their responses to female and male salespersons selling cosmetics. The second study was a phenomenological study exploring the responses of female customers who had encountered male salespeople in cosmetics shops. Findings – The experiment found that a male salesperson tended to induce significantly stronger purchase intention than a female, and that salesperson credibility (specifically, trustworthiness and attractiveness) plays a significant role in mediating the impact of salesperson gender on purchase intention. The follow-up phenomenological study of female customers who had encountered male salespeople in cosmetics shops supported the experimental findings and offered additional support for their evolutionary basis. Research limitations/implications – Darwinian theories of reproduction and source credibility together offer a more complete explanation for the effectiveness of salespeople in the gender-sensitive cosmetics market. However, the experiment involved creating fictitious salespeople matched for trust, expertise and attractiveness. The artificiality of the treatments was necessary to construct a controlled scenario to uphold internal validity, but it may limit the generalizability of the results. Practical implications – To encourage a positive consumer response, retailers need to consider salesperson gender and training. In some specific contexts (such as the selling of products designed to enhance female attractiveness), male salespeople ought to be used ahead of female salespeople, and those male salespeople need to have high credibility to be effective. However, as such, salesmen may not be seen as more expert than saleswomen; expertise needs to be an area of focus in terms of salesperson training. Originality/value – The results of previous research testing homophily theory suggest that a salesperson of the same gender as the customer ought to induce stronger purchase intentions. This study has shown that for the selling of appearance-related products, gender heterophily may be more effective than homophily. Darwinian interpretations of intrasexual rivalry and courtship might help explain why males sell cosmetics more effectively.

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.

scholarly journals Factors affecting eWOM credibility, information adoption and purchase intention on Generation Y: a case from Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Daowd ◽  
Ruaa Hasan ◽  
Tillal Eldabi ◽  
Piyya Muhammad Rafi-ul-Shan ◽  
Dongmei Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Generation Y ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Argument Quality ◽  
The Impact

PurposeWith the ever-expanding online shopping, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has become a significant factor affecting the consumer decision-making behaviour. This is specially the case when considering Generation Y (Millennials), who are old enough to be independent buyers and young to be almost immersed in online living. This article aims to assess the impact of eWOM on purchase intention by developing a conceptual model of hypotheses encompassing a multitude of factors that may be associated with this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe researcher investigates what factors impact eWOM credibility and make the consumer may adopt it when making a purchase. To examine our research model, a quantitative approach is employed for this purpose using a sample through online survey from Thailand – where there is a large number portion Generation Y consumer base.FindingsIt was found that source style as a visual attribute information is the most significant factor that may impact eWOM credibility in addition to source credibility, argument quality and source homophily, respectively.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, it helps firms to understand what needs to be taken into consideration when building their marketing strategy.Originality/valueThis is believed to add significant insights into the eWOM literature by identifying its route of impact toward the purchase intention on Generation Y.

Psychological ownership in social media influencer marketing

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Pick
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Psychological Ownership ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Attitude Towards Advertising

Purpose Social media, especially social media-based influencer marketing, has become an important factor in consumer decision-making. Studies have recently begun investigating how influencers affect consumer behaviour. Despite the increasing interest, the purpose of this study is to examine influencers’ evaluation impact on consumer behaviour are scarce. Design/methodology/approach An online study undertook research to gain further understanding. Specifically, the study examines the following: firstly, the impact of consumers’ perceived influencer credibility (IC), using the source credibility model in respect of purchase intention, attitude towards advertising and product; secondly, the impact of the organizational behaviour concept psychological ownership (PO) on consumer behaviour by showing that the concept has significant positive effects on attitude towards the product and purchase intention like in prior research; thirdly, the perceived connection and relationship between the influencer and consumer to understand the relations. Findings The results show that perceived IC serves as a significant criterion, determining purchase intention, attitude towards advertising and product, while contributing an instrument for transferring convincing messages, which increase the perceived connection to the influencer and the PO feeling for a product and, thus, influence consumer behaviour positively. Originality/value Theories on source credibility and a connection to the PO concept allowed to develop a framework to assess the importance of IC and its influence on consumers’ perception of the products that influencers advertise to better understand the interactions in the influencer marketing context.

The role of viral marketing strategies in predicting purchasing intention of eco-labelled products

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Hosseinikhah Choshaly ◽  
Marva Mirabolghasemi
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Viral Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Purchasing Intention ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Viral marketing through the internet is an important and cost-effective way to promote products. This study aims to examine the impact of viral marketing strategies (level of information, level of entertainment, irritation level and source credibility) on the purchasing intention of eco-labelled products. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of a total of 200 shoppers in Hyperstar store in Tehran located in the Tehran Pars area. Data is analysed using descriptive analysis and structural equation modelling technique using Smart partial least squares 3.0. Findings Findings indicate that informativeness, entertainment and source credibility are positively related to the purchase intention of eco-labelled products, whereas, irritation is negatively related to the purchasing intention of eco-labelled products. Practical implications This study provides directions for green marketers to develop meaningful communication tools to make customers more knowledgeable about eco-labelled products and tries to promote some of the positive associations that consumers have through green viral communication behaviours. Originality/value This study offers empirical insights from the perspective of an emerging economy on the determinants of purchase intention of eco-labelled products.

The impact of altruistic attribution and brand equity in food label campaigns

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 634-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Legendre ◽  
François Coderre
Keyword(s):  
Brand Equity ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Panel ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of two determinants of purchase intention in food label campaigns: altruistic attribution and brand equity.Design/methodology/approachA 2 × 2 between-group factorial experimental design was used, with 2 levels of altruistic attribution (high/low) and 2 levels of brand equity (high/low). The product used for the study was pork chops. A survey was conducted on 602 respondents representing the population of Quebec, Canada.FindingsStructural equation modelling was used to evaluate the fit of the data with the proposed mod el. The results demonstrate that altruistic attribution and brand equity have an indirect impact on purchase intention via perceptions of taste and food safety. Altruistic attribution, but not brand equity, also has a direct impact on purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe experiment in this study was conducted via an online consumer panel to increase internal validity. As a result, one of the limitations of the study concerns its external validity.Practical implicationsThis research provides strategic guidelines for businesses or organisations that wish to develop food label campaigns. They must simultaneously consider both altruistic attribution and pre-existing brand equity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the impact of altruistic attribution and brand equity on purchase intention in the context of food label campaigns. The study mobilises attribution theory and the multidimensional consumer-based brand equity scale.

The impact of source credible online reviews on purchase intention

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uttam Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Brand Equity ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Credibility Theory ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to highlight the importance of brand equity dimensions which act as a mediator between online reviews and consumer’s purchase intention. In particular, the present study tries to determine which the Aaker’s (1991) brand equity dimensions have the mediating roles between source credible online reviews and purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from select e-commerce site’s brand community on Facebook social media platform through Google form application. The present study first determines the reliability of the variables. To check the unidimensionality of the variables, exploratory factor analysis has been performed. This study makes use of structural equation modeling bootstrapping method to examine the mediating effects of brand equity dimensions between source credible online reviews and purchase intention. Findings Data analysis reveals that marketers should concentrate more on brand awareness and perceived value, which ultimately influence the purchase intention of the consumers. Originality/value This paper is one of the first that examines the mediating effects of consumer-based brand equity dimensions between source credible online reviews and consumer’s purchase intention. Further, the present study integrates source credibility theory and attribution theory to develop the research model.

scholarly journals eWOM in C2C Platforms: Combining IAM and Customer Satisfaction to Examine the Impact on Purchase Intention

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1612-1630
Author(s):  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
M. Dolores Gallego
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Argument Quality ◽  
The Impact

This study is focused on communications that come from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) ecommerce relationships. This topic is directly associated with the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) phenomenon. eWOM is related to the set of positive or negative opinions made by potential, actual, or former customers about a seller. The present study proposes a structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) research model to analyze consumers’ opinions impact on attitude toward purchasing. This model is based on the Information Adoption Model (IAM) in combination with an ecommerce satisfaction perspective, comprising five constructs: (1) service quality, (2) ecommerce satisfaction, (3) argument quality, (4) source credibility and (5) purchase intention. The model was tested by applying the Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS) software for which 116 effective data from customers of the Taobao C2C platform were used. The findings reveal that all of the defined relationships were supported, confirming the positive impact of all the proposed constructs on the purchase intention. In this respect, the findings suggest that C2C platforms should strengthen the analyzed connections to grow the business and to promote transactions. Finally, implications and limitations related to the explanatory capacity and the sample are identified.

The impact of hedonic dining experiences on word of mouth, switching intentions and willingness to pay

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupama Sukhu ◽  
Anil Bilgihan
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Service Encounters ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hedonic Value ◽  
Restaurant Managers ◽  
Positive Word Of Mouth ◽  
The Impact

PurposeWhen customers decide to dine out, they choose a restaurant for both physiological and psychological reasons. The psychological reasons include the hedonic/enjoyment goal of the consumer. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether dining experiences that provide a positive or negative hedonic value will influence positive word of mouth (PWOM), switching intentions (SI) and willingness to pay (WTP).Design/methodology/approachTwo survey-based experiments using student (N = 112) and general restaurant consumer samples (N = 270) were conducted to test the proposed theoretical model. The student sample provided internal validity, whereas the general consumer sample provided external validity for the study. Two types of manipulations were used to manipulate positive and negative restaurant service encounters. The second study randomly assigned participants into positive or negative scenarios.FindingsThe results suggest that positive (negative) service encounters lead to higher (lower) hedonic value. Higher hedonic value leads to PWOM, WTP and reduced SI. The findings of this study would assist restaurant managers and service scholars by bridging the gap between experiential and relationship marketing.Originality/valueThe current research investigates the dining out experience with a holistic lens.

New product announcement: spokesperson a manifestation of increasing firm value

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1635-1655
Author(s):  
Bikram Jit Singh Mann ◽  
Sonia Babbar
Keyword(s):  
Event Study ◽  
Firm Value ◽  
Source Credibility ◽  
Shareholder Value ◽  
Abnormal Returns ◽  
New Product ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Before introducing new products, companies make announcements regarding the launch of the product which influences stock market yields of the announcing companies. Information content of the new product announcement has never been an exclusive focused stream of research. Therefore, an assessment of the impact of the content characteristics of the new product announcement on the shareholder value and the impact of source credibility (spokesperson) in making such announcements is a major gap in the existing literature. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach First, the standard event study methodology has been employed on the sample to measure the abnormal gains/losses accruing to the announcing firms. Second, moderated regression analysis (MRA) is employed to identify the characteristics of the new product announcement and to check the role of the spokesperson in creating shareholder value. Findings The results of the event study indicate that the abnormal returns are generated during the new product announcement. The results of MRA disclose the variables having a positive and a significant influence on the effective returns of the announcing companies. Likewise, the role of the spokesperson has come out brightly as a credible communicator. Originality/value The research provides a direction to the announcing companies regarding the content of the announcement leading to a positive perception among the investing community. Likewise, it also provides direction to the investor community about the characteristics of the announcement content they give weight age in forming a perception of strength in evaluating the new product announcement, to which they are largely unaware.

scholarly journals The impact of experiential augmented reality applications on fashion purchase intention

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 433-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Watson ◽  
Bethan Alexander ◽  
Leyla Salavati
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Affective Response ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shopping Motivation ◽  
Hedonic Shopping ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Utilizing the stimulus-organism-response model, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of augmented reality (AR) (specifically augmentation) on consumers’ affective and behavioral response and to assess whether consumers’ hedonic motivation for shopping moderates this relationship. Design/methodology/approach An experiment using the manipulation of AR and no AR was conducted with 162 participants aged between 18 and 35. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling and randomly assigned to the control or stimulus group. The hypothesized associations were analyzed using linear regression with bootstrapping. Findings The paper demonstrates the benefit of using an experiential AR retail application (app) to positively impact purchase intention. The results show that this effect is mediated by positive affective response. Furthermore, hedonic shopping motivation moderates the relationship between augmentation and the positive affective response. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalizability to other forms of augmentation. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed model using different types of AR stimuli. Furthermore, replication of the study with other populations would increase the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications Results of this study provide a valuable reference for retailers of the benefits of using AR when attempting to optimize experiential value in online environments. Originality/value The study contributes to experiential retail and consumer purchase behavior research by deepening the conceptualization of the impact of experiential technologies, more specifically AR apps, by considering the role of hedonic shopping motivations.

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