Measuring customer social participation in online travel communities

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shampy Kamboj ◽  
Zillur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Communities ◽  
Service Companies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a scale to measure customer social participation in brand communities, specifically e-travel companies’ communities. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research has been undertaken to generate a pool of items. Based on Churchill’s (1979) scale development process, numerous reliability and validity tests have been conducted to confirm the scale structure. Data were collected through online and field surveys from the students and hotel guests who have either subscribed, liked or joined any e-travel service companies’ community brand page using any social networking site or have ever posted or considered reviews and ratings of any e-travel service companies via their official site or via a mobile app while planning their travel. Findings The findings depict nine items on a three-dimensional scale for measuring customer participation in travel brand communities created on social networking sites. Research limitations/implications The findings provide important implications for hotel and travel managers and are likely to encourage future studies in the field of social media and travel brand communities. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by providing refinement to the distinct operationalization and conceptualization of customer online participation, specifically in social media-based travel brand communities. This paper is the first to develop a multidimensional scale of customer social participation in e-travel companies’ communities. This is a new addition to existing literature, as the majority of empirical studies in this field are from participation other than customer social participation and contexts different from e-travel companies.

Construction and validation of the customer social participation in brand communities scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shampy Kamboj ◽  
Bijoylaxmi Sarmah
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Communities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate customer social participation (CSP) scale in the context of brand communities on social media. Design/methodology/approach In this study, various tests for reliability and validity have been performed to confirm scale structure. Data were collected using survey method from the student and non-student sample. Findings The results confirm a multi-dimensional scale with nine items for measuring customer participation in social media brand communities. Research limitations/implications The results of this study present several implications for online brand communities managers and are likely to support future research in the context of social media brand communities. Originality/value This paper is the first to develop a multi-dimensional scale of customer participation in social media brand communities. This is a new addition to existing literature, as the majority of empirical studies in this field are from participation other than CSP, and contexts different from social media brand communities.

Technology acceptance model (TAM) and social media usage: an empirical study on Facebook

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupak Rauniar ◽  
Greg Rawski ◽  
Jei Yang ◽  
Ben Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Usage Behavior ◽  
Acceptance Model

Purpose – Given the widespread popularity of social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn, theorizing and understanding the user attitude and usage behavior of social media site is fundamental in developing future understandings and deployment of these new technologies. One approach to such studies on drivers of social media usage behavior would be to revisit the technology acceptance model (TAM). The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Decades of extensive research have focussed on validating the TAM, proposed by Davis (1986), for various types of information systems and communication technologies. TAM forecasts individual adoption and voluntary use of technology. This study examines individual adoption behavior of the most popular social networking site Facebook. The influences on the intention of using social networking based on individual's perceived ease of use (EU), the user's critical mass (CM), social networking site capability (CP), perceived playfulness (PP), trustworthiness (TW), and perceived usefulness (PU) is empirically examined with a primary data set of 398 users of Facebook gathered from a web-based questionnaire survey. Findings – The results demonstrate that the revised social media TAM model proposed in this study supports all the hypotheses of social media usage behavior. The results of this study provide evidence for the importance of additional key variables to TAM in considering user engagement on social media sites and other social-media-related business strategies. Originality/value – Based on our review of existing scientific literature on social media, few empirical studies have been conducted to scientifically evaluate and explain the usage behavior of social media using Facebook. A validated instrument of usage behavior of social media can provide usability experts and practitioners with a validated tool to assess social media acceptance and usage behavior. This can help us gain a better understanding of “who is and who is not using these sites, why and for what purposes” (Boyd and Ellison, 2007).

Social networking sites and customers’ attitude towards advertisements

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 477-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaustav Mukherjee ◽  
Neelotpaul Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The study aims to demonstrate the impact of social media users’ positive attitude towards the social networking sites (SNS) on the generation of a positive attitude towards social networking advertisements (SNA). A favourable attitude towards the SNA thus generated can positively influence brand attitude and purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted to collect relevant data using a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was conducted using the statistical software AMOS 18. Findings Empirical analysis revealed the importance of brand advertisements on the social networks in inciting a positive attitude as well as a purchase intention for the brand in the SNS users’ minds. Research limitations/implications The study has been conducted in the Indian context using Facebook as a model social networking site. Practical implications Social media being one of the most popular and user-friendly platforms for regular communications, marketers are suggested to allocate a sizeable share of the advertising budget for social media advertisements and customer engagement so as to help build a positive attitude towards the advertised brand in the SNS users’ minds. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the impact of users’ positive evaluation of SNS as an effective communication medium, on the generation of a positive attitude towards the SNA, has been dealt for the first time here.

Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: Instagram’s instant appeal

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Elson Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past

Purpose The rise in the popularity of smartphone apps is hard to ignore. People are accessing information and connecting through social media on their smartphones at increasing rates. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a literature review. Findings Almost half of the total digital media time spent by US adults is spent on smartphone apps. Smartphone apps account for two-thirds of all growth in digital media engagement in the past two years, and those users spend the most time using social networking apps. Originality/value Photo apps were found to have some of the highest engagement in users, and the photo app Instagram is the second most used mobile app among US adults in the age group of 18-34 years.

scholarly journals Link between social distancing, cognitive dissonance, and social networking site usage intensity: a country-level study during the COVID-19 outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanusree Chakraborty ◽  
Anup Kumar ◽  
Parijat Upadhyay ◽  
Yogesh K. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cognitive Appraisal ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing

PurposeSocial distancing is an important strategy to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is imperative to understand the behavioral impact of social distancing on individuals. This research studied social distancing from a cognitive appraisal of voluntary social distancing compliance (CAVSD) point of view and a non-medical perspective, specifically the psychological impact (PI) of social distancing on the usage intensity of social networking sites (SNS) during the COVID-19 outbreak in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted on 477 SNS users as a full sample and groups based on age, sex and work status. The model was empirically investigated using structural equation modeling.FindingsCAVSD was negatively associated with PI although it was not a significant predictor, while CAVSD and PI were significant predictors of SNS usage intensity; moreover, SNS usage intensity differed between groups of people.Practical implicationsThese findings are significant for organizations, corporations and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors. There is a need to identify subsections of individuals in need of social support and relief from isolation and loneliness. Individuals are relying on social media to handle social distancing and the pandemic, and this shows up in an increase in social networking activity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by positing social networking as a basic virtual need for socialization, and social media platform assists in that. Cognitive appraisal is an important determinant of individual response.

Applying uses and gratifications theory to understand customer participation in social media brand communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shampy Kamboj
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Uses And Gratifications ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Brand Commitment ◽  
Brand Trust ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Communities ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how various gratifications obtained in the social media context affect customer participation, and its sequential effect on brand trust, brand commitment and word of mouth (WOM) in social media brand communities. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 352 respondents who used social media using a survey method. The data were assessed using AMOS with structural equation modeling. Findings The findings depicted that among all gratifications obtained in the social media context, information seeking, incentive and brand likeability strongly affect customer participation, which sequentially affect brand trust, commitment and WOM in social media brand communities. In the context of social media brand communities, brand trust partially mediates the relationship between customer participation and its two outcome variables (brand commitment and WOM). Originality/value The present paper contributes that theory of uses and gratifications has particular significance and supposed to be provided further importance in the field of social media. It also presents a vivid and rich understanding of why customers use social media and participate in social media brand communities.

Social media and the ladder to the top

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-26
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Social networking site participants spend a lot of time developing relationships via a medium that has exploded during the past decade or so. This article looks at the extent to which it can really help people to create contacts that will be beneficial for their careers. Evidence appears to support the theory that time spent this way will not be wasted, although there are key choices to be made. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of customer social participation for academic purposes: a case of informal WhatsApp groups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A.I. Lakmali ◽  
Nalin Abeysekera ◽  
D.A.C. Suranga Silva
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

PurposeCustomer social participation (CSP) is a new phenomenon that has emerged with the evolution of social media. Current literature designates customer participation in social media as “CSP”. Although CSP has been investigated in the online brand community context in social media, it has been little investigated in the context of student customers using WhatsApp – a highly trending social media platform among learners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of CSP in informal WhatsApp groups for academic purposes among undergraduate students of management studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a single cross-sectional survey design. A structured online questionnaire was employed. Using convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 170 undergraduates of the Bachelor of Management Studies programme at the Open University of Sri Lanka.FindingsThe results revealed significant positive effects of functional, social and hedonic benefits with CSP. Meanwhile, the relationship between psychological benefits and CSP was insignificant. Furthermore, there is no influence of age and level of study on CSP among the learners in informal WhatsApp groups. Moreover, at present, the level of CSP in WhatsApp for academic purposes among students is moderate.Originality/valueThe role of the student as the customer and student behaviour in informal WhatsApp groups established for academic purposes have been little investigated in the field of open and distance education services. In this context, this study empirically validated the model of participation benefits and CSP in WhatsApp groups informally established for academic purposes.

Social networking for scientists: an analysis on how and why academics use ResearchGate

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 744-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Muscanell ◽  
Sonja Utz
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Career Outcomes ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the usage and utility of ResearchGate (RG), which is a social networking site where scientists disseminate their work and build their reputations. In a sample consisting largely of American and European academics, the authors analyzed the ways they use the site, what they thought about the site’s utility, and the effects of usage on career outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The authors employed an online survey approach to target scientists who have an active RG account. Scientists who were not users were also recruited in order to get a better idea of the reasons for their nonuse. Findings Most academics who have an RG account did not use it very heavily. Users did not perceive many benefits from using the site, and RG use was not related to career satisfaction or informational benefits, but was related to productivity and stress. Research limitations/implications Systematic research is needed to explore positive and negative consequences of using professional social media in academia, especially productivity and stress. Findings also suggest that RG needs to increase user engagement. Originality/value This study is one of the first to closely examine how and why people in academia use professional social media sites and whether usage leads to perceived benefits and effects on more general career outcomes.

An investigation of Facebook boredom phenomenon among college students

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atefeh Yazdanparast ◽  
Mathew Joseph ◽  
Anita Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Social Networking Site ◽  
Site Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Uses And Gratification Theory ◽  
Marketing Activities

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide an initial understanding of the factors influencing and emanating from Facebook boredom. Specifically, the study addresses important issues such as reasons for liking and disliking Facebook, Facebook users’ boredom states with this social networking site, factors associated with Facebook boredom and impact of boredom on the success and effectiveness of social marketing activities. Design/methodology/approach – A paper and pencil questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students at two local universities in exchange for course credit. Survey questions were adapted from previously validated scales, and measurement adaptations were minimal and only related to the context of questions to assure their relevance with the context of our study. Bootstrapping technique, Sobel test, ANOVA and regression techniques were used to test the hypotheses and address research questions. Findings – The results indicate that both genders are experiencing Facebook boredom and spend less time on Facebook. Moreover, Facebook boredom negatively impacts users’ attitudes toward this social networking site, which in turn impact attitudes towards ads on Facebook. This observation reveals an important point regarding the necessity of studying the phenomenon of Facebook boredom for marketers. Also, the findings indicate that age is an important factor impacting users’ level of boredom with Facebook, as younger users report significantly higher levels of Facebook boredom as compared to older users. Research limitations/implications – To capture the opinion of Facebook users, this study used a sample of college students at two universities which may not be representative of the entire population of Facebook users. Much of the existing research on Facebook, however, has focused on undergraduate college students and is primarily based on studies utilizing the undergraduate population. Originality/value – This is the first study to empirically examine the phenomenon of Facebook boredom by linking major theories of boredom with uses and gratification theory. The results add to the extant literature by identifying the underlying mechanism through which boredom with social media impacts effectiveness of social media marketing activities. The results shed more light on the consequences of Facebook boredom for digital marketers and reveal that age is an important factor in Facebook boredom.

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