Customer relationship investment and relationship strength: evidence from insurance industry in China

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guicheng Shi ◽  
Huimei Bu ◽  
Yuan Ping ◽  
Matthew Tingchi Liu ◽  
Yonggui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Relationship Strength ◽  
Relationship Investment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to elucidate how different relationship investment efforts by a service firm affect its customers’ perceived relationship investment; to determine how perceived relationship investment influences various dimensions of relationship strength; and to explore the moderating effects of customer innovativeness and complaint propensity on the relationship between the perceived relationship investment and relationship strength. Design/methodology/approach To minimize common method variance, data were collected from pairs of life insurance agents in China and their clients using self-report questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicate that customers value financial effort most followed by social effort and structural effort. Perceived relationship investment influences the affective strength most strongly, followed by cognitive strength and conative strength. Customer innovativeness and complaint propensity both moderate the effectiveness of perceived relationship investment in influencing two of the three dimensions of relationship strength. Originality/value This study is among the first to specify how service employees can guide consumer perceptions of relationship investment by applying three types of relationship investment effort. The impact of perceived relationship investment on different dimensions of relationship strength was assessed to demonstrate how service providers can benefit from investing in building consumer relationships. The moderating impact of consumer innovativeness and of complaint propensity was quantified. The research findings have important implications for managing different relationship investment as well as recruiting and training service employees.

Exploring the nexus of social media influencers and consumer brand engagement

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Lai Cheung ◽  
Wilson K.S. Leung ◽  
Morgan X. Yang ◽  
Kian Yeik Koay ◽  
Man Kit Chang
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Consumer Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeGrounded in uses and gratification theory (UGT) and observational learning theory (OLT), this study aims to understand the impact of motivational factors on consumer-influencer engagement behaviors (CIEBs). Motivating factors, including entertainment, information seeking, reward and social interaction, are regarded as antecedents of consumers' OLT, as manifested by CIEB dimensions, including consumption, contribution and creation, and subsequently drive consumer engagement with the endorsed brands.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was distributed to Malaysian social media users. A total of 263 responses were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impact of motivational factors on CIEBs.FindingsThe results show that the three dimensions of CIEBs can be predicted by different gratifications (information seeking, entertainment, reward and interaction). In addition, two of the CIEB dimensions, consumption and contribution, were found to have a significant positive influence on consumers' engagement with endorsed brands.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into how social media influencers (SMIs) could lead to CIEBs by creating entertaining and rewarding content that facilitates social interaction between consumers. SMIs and marketers that encourage consumers to browse, comment and share SMI-created posts will enhance consumer engagement with the endorsed brands, as engagement is driven by the consumption and contribution to SMI-created content.Originality/valueSMI marketing is increasing, and many brands are beginning to rely more on SMIs to promote brands. Yet, there is a dearth of studies that have examined how SMIs play a role in affecting consumers' engagement with endorsed brands. This study contributes to the marketing literature by developing and empirically testing the research model. Results suggest that social interaction, reward and entertainment are key motivational factors that drive CIEBs, which, in turn, foster consumer engagement with endorsed brands.

Emotional brand attachment: a factor in customer-bank relationships

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalom Levy ◽  
Hayiel Hino
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Emotional Attachment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between customers’ emotional attachment toward bank service providers and bank loyalty. In particular, the study examines the impact of the emotional attachment factor while treating established effecting variables by employing a new conceptual framework that integrates these variables. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs data collected from a survey involving 436 participants. The study employs Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis methods following a path analysis method and structural equation modeling for testing research hypotheses. Findings – The empirical results support the claim that the conceptual framework applied in this study better explains the relationship between customers’ emotional attachment toward bank service providers and bank loyalty. Specifically, the findings show a significant, direct and positive relationship between the customer’s emotional attachment and bank loyalty; an indirect positive relationship also exists through the connection of customer satisfaction. The study distinguishes between two integrated pathways consumers possibly follow when making decisions about services: the conscious decision-making process path and the emotional process path. Practical implications – The paper provides managerial and planning implications to bank service providers who seek to achieve excellent performance and a positive brand personality, thus maintaining long-lasting relationships with their customers. Originality/value – The study is among the few empirical works to specifically examine the impact of customers’ emotional attachment on bank loyalty and contributes to the available literature in that it suggests a systematic conceptual framework that evaluates the impact of key factors on bank loyalty.

A model of mobile payment usage among Arab consumers

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1213-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Ramadan ◽  
Jawdat Aita
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mobile Payment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of perceived satisfaction with mobile payment applications based on use experience, and subsequent stated expectations on brand loyalty and future use behavior using a theory-based research integrative model of factors that influence Arabs’ intentions to use mobile payment application(s). Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model was developed using the mixed research method approach. The focus group approach was used for the qualitative study and structural equation modeling for the quantitative study. Primary data were collected online. Participants were 305 Arab consumers from nine countries in the Middle East. Findings Satisfaction with the quality of mobile payment application(s) increased use experience and enhanced consumers’ expectations, which in turn positively affected loyalty and purchase intentions. Research limitations/implications The study encompassed mobile payment application(s) in nine countries rather than focusing on one market, or on one product type and business. The paper did not perform a comparative study between sampled Arab countries, but rather it sees all countries and respondents just as Arabs. Practical implications Service providers should build mobile application(s) based on the features of usability, availability, reliability, adaptability, accessibility, responsiveness and security. Originality/value This study is one of the first studies that empirically examines mobile payment consumer’s usage behavior from nine countries of the Arab world where there is scarce research on the topic in the region.

Beyond personality: an emergence view of influential consumers

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-169
Author(s):  
Cinthia Beccacece Satornino ◽  
Demetra Andrews ◽  
Rebeca Perren ◽  
Michael K. Brady
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expert Power ◽  
Concept Theory ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Previous research studies assume that influential consumers (“influentials”), who play a powerful role in the marketplace, are persuasive (or not) based on innate, static personality traits. By contrast, this paper proposes an emergence-based view of influentials. Grounded in dynamic self-concept theory, this research establishes that individuals possess an “influential” self-concept that can be activated by firm-originated communications. Specifically, the authors examine the impact of firm feedback on the three dimensions of influentials (and the corresponding traits and behaviors): who they are (propensity to connect with others), who they know (WOM) and what they know (expert power). Design/methodology/approach The study tests whether an influential self can be evoked by marketers using a longitudinal experimental test with data collected in three periods. The data are analyzed using a multi-mediation model and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results reveal that even after controlling for the extroversion trait, firm-originated positive feedback increases perceived expert power of participants, which increases word-of-mouth behavior in a subsequent period, both directly and indirectly via an enhanced propensity to connect with others. Research limitations/implications Cultivating the influential self-concept requires time to ensure that the self-concept is sufficiently realized to become an enduring self-concept. Practical implications By cultivating influentials, practitioners are able to leverage diffusion mechanics and reduce costs and inefficiencies associated with traditional customer relationship management marketing strategies focused on finding them. Social implications These findings have implications across all domains that rely on the diffusion and adoption of ideas or products via influentials, including but not limited to public policy, politics, public health and sustainability, in that influentials can be evoked and leveraged to diffuse ideas in these important social domains. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence that firms can evoke influential consumer behavior challenging existing views of influence as a static personality trait. It casts a line to connect influential consumers to the nascent study of social emergence.

scholarly journals Exploring e-Loyalty Antecedents in B2C e-Commerce

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 574-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Faraoni ◽  
Riccardo Rialti ◽  
Lamberto Zollo ◽  
Anna Claudia Pellicelli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Website Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Grocery Retailing ◽  
University Of Florence ◽  
Relationship Investment ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the micro-linkages fostering consumers’ e-loyalty in grocery retailers B2C e-commerce context. Specifically, the authors focused on the neglected role of security, privacy and website design. Grocery retailing has been selected as the context of research because grocery retailers too have been required to develop B2C e-commerce platforms to meet their consumers’ evolving preferences.Design/methodology/approachA survey was distributed to several students from University of Florence (Italy). Structural equation modeling was used to compile the research, and its results reflect the impact on e-loyalty development on specific features of the e-commerce environment.FindingsThe main findings of this research are related with the importance of website characteristics as antecedents of e-loyalty in online grocery retailing.Originality/valueAlbeit the explored phenomenon has been subject to extensive study, some of its facets are yet to be fully explored. In particular, though the influence of e-trust, e-satisfaction and e-commitment on e-loyalty has been shown, little attention has been paid to the factors affecting these three antecedents of e-loyalty. In this regard, this research focuses on the importance of B2C e-commerce platform characteristics such as security, perceived relationship investment and website design. In addition, the phenomenon was scarcely explored in grocery retailers B2C e-commerce context.

Service employees’ personality, customer orientation and customer incivility

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-296
Author(s):  
Sandra A. Kiffin-Petersen ◽  
Geoffrey N. Soutar
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Employees ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Perceived Experiences ◽  
Core Self

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role customer orientation plays in the relationship between service employees’ personality and their perceived experiences of customer incivility. Design/methodology/approach Service workers from a variety of industries were recruited from an online panel service and asked to complete a self-report on-line questionnaire (n = 253). PLS structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses. Findings Service employees who are high in agreeableness and core self-evaluations are more customer-oriented and, as a result, report fewer customer incivility experiences. Disagreeable and neurotic service employees are more likely to be selling-orientated, but this was unrelated to customer incivility. Research limitations/implications The results are limited because all data are self-report. However, the findings suggest that personality and customer orientation influence employees’ customer incivility experiences. Originality/value Service jobs can be stressful, in part, because employees have to deal with rude and abusive customers. However, little is known about the antecedents to customer incivility from the perspective of the service provider. The present study bridges this gap and provides an understanding of the mechanisms by which targeted employees’ personality characteristics and customer-oriented behaviors influence their experiences of customer incivility. The results suggest two possible pathways to reduce employees’ customer incivility experiences including selection and training activities to develop a high core self-evaluation and more customer-oriented behaviors.

scholarly journals Impact of brand equity on purchase intentions: empirical evidence from the health takāful industry of the United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahid Rizwan ◽  
Husam-Aldin Al-Malkawi ◽  
Kamisan Gadar ◽  
Ilham Sentosa ◽  
Naziruddin Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Brand Equity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose Although 76% of the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Muslim, takāful (Islamic insurance) has a much smaller share of business in the UAE than conventional insurance does. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of brand equity (BE), which is known as the incremental value that provides reason to buy a brand. This study provides useful insights that can help the health takāful industry to gain a feasible market share in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study in which stratified random sampling was adopted for data collection from 300 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire from August to November 2018. Underpinning the study is the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique has been used to examine the impact of BE on purchase intentions (PI) through the moderating role of demographic factors such as age, income, education and religion. Three dimensions of BE, i.e. brand awareness (BAW), brand association (BAS) and perceived quality (PQ), are evaluated in terms of their significance as dimensions of BE. Findings The major findings of this study confirm that BE has a strong positive influence on the PIs of health takāful customers in the UAE and that all three dimensions of BE make significant contributions to the overall BE. The results show that education does moderate the relationship between BE and PI while age, income and religion do not. A new finding of this study is the nonsignificant moderating role of religion, whereby it was found that takāful products in the UAE are not limited to Muslim customers but can include potential customers who are followers of other religions. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of BE on the PI of health takāful customers in the UAE. The findings of the study give academia, researchers and marketers a better understanding of the importance of BE and of its vital role in promoting takāful products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as the UAE.

The impact of trust, privacy and quality of service on the success of E-CRM: the mediating role of customer satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 1831-1847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Houriyeh Dehghanpouri ◽  
Zeynab Soltani ◽  
Reza Rostamzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Service ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of trust, privacy, service quality and customer satisfaction on the success of electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) systems. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a new model for determining the critical factors in the success of E-CRM systems is presented. The suggested model is verified using partial least squares with structural equation modeling. A questionnaire is designed and collected from 378 taxpayers in East Azerbaijan province of Iran. Findings The outcomes reveal that customer satisfaction is significantly influenced by the perceived quality of service. Customer satisfaction, in turn, is significantly impacted by the trust. Therefore, the quality of service, trust and privacy, through customer satisfaction, significantly affects the success of E-CRM systems. Research limitations/implications The main limitation can be referred to the clients that would not cooperate well as they were avoiding to give much information about the financial issue. Also, the study was conducted only in the context of Iran and a limit sample was utilized. Practical implications The research results help service providers improve E-CRM. Originality/value This study sheds light on identifying the antecedents of trust, privacy and quality of service that affect customer satisfaction; it may contribute to the theoretical framework for customer satisfaction in the context of the E-CRM. The results of the research offer practical implications for marketing managers and practitioners who prepare strategic plans and implement tools to improve the productivity or performance of the E-CRM systems. Moreover, customer satisfaction is related to the success of E-CRM systems as a result of trust, privacy and service quality. This research offers new insights into E-CRM intentions from a taxpayer in Iran.

To leave or retain? An interplay between quality digital banking services and customer satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulemana Bankuoru Egala ◽  
Dorcas Boateng ◽  
Samuel Aboagye Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Quality Service ◽  
Banking Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Dimensions ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn this paper, the authors investigated the impact of quality digital banking services delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic on customers' satisfaction and retention intentions.Design/methodology/approachThis study combined constructs drawn from the E-S-QUAL and BSQ models to measure the impact of digital banking services on subscribers of digital banking services in Ghana. The study utilized structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) to analyze 395 responses.FindingsResults revealed a significant direct effect between digital banking services satisfaction and customer retention decision. The results also revealed that digital banking services quality dimensions such as ease of use, efficiency, privacy/security and reliability impact customers' satisfaction and retention intentions.Research limitations/implicationsDigital banking service portfolios and their quality dimensions vary among banks. This offers an opportunity for banking institutions and other non-bank financial service providers to be wary of the impact of quality service delivery on customers' decisions. This paper makes significant theoretical contributions and practical implications on the relevance of quality digital banking services in customers' retention strategies for competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis study has underlined the significance of quality digital banking services in developing countries. The study underscored the need for banking and non-bank financial institutions to embrace the much-anticipated quality service demanded by customers and the need for continuous service improvement relative to the growing deployment of financial technologies.

The impact of collaborative engagement on knowledge and performance gains in episodic collaborations

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy W. Nix ◽  
Zach G. Zacharia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ancillary Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Collaborative Engagement ◽  
Relational Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ancillary Benefit

Purpose – Supply chains are embedded in a larger network of enterprises where firms exchange offerings, often compete for the same customers, and constantly innovate to improve their performance. In these dynamic environments, firms are increasingly dependent on the knowledge and expertise in external organizations to innovate, problem-solve, and improve performance. Firms are increasingly collaborating to exchange and pool skills and knowledge and deploy resources and capabilities not found in their own firm. This research using both structured interviews and survey data seeks to determine what are the direct benefits and the ancillary benefits of collaboration. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methodology approach was utilized, using qualitative structured interviews leading to developing a research model and then an empirical survey of 473 participants who are involved in their respective organization's collaboration projects. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to examine relationships between collaborative engagement, knowledge gained, operational outcomes and relational outcomes. Findings – The results of the study indicate that collaborative engagement has a direct effect on knowledge gained, operational outcomes and relational outcomes in collaboration. The ancillary benefit of collaboration is the learning that takes place leads to improved operational outcomes and relational outcomes. Research limitations/implications – In this research study all the constructs are only examined from a single perspective. This can be a limitation as it would be of greater value to collect data from all the members involved in the collaboration. Originality/value – Collaboration has been well studied in many fields but this research suggests an important ancillary benefit that needs to be considered when deciding to collaborate is the knowledge and learning that happens during a collaboration.

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