The Internet and Consumer Choice

Presents findings on how heavily consumers rely on the Internet to research and buy music, cell phones, and real estate; whether they post online comments on purchased products; and whether the Internet circumvents traditional means of purchase

Perceived congruence and online loyalty as segmentation variables in multichannel retailing: a comparison between appparel and electronics

As the interest of the literature on congruity between offline and online stores is relatively recent, empirical evidence is required to help marketing managers choose the most effective ways of contributing to the formation of consistent offerings as well as their contribution to generate customer loyalty. This study examines whether congruity can help to identify segments of heterogeneous consumers that differ significantly regarding these variables as well as other constructs related to the customer relationship with the retailer. The study attempts to identify which congruity attribute(s) are most relevant for differentiating customers by their loyalty towards the online store, so that retailers can design strategies for improving congruity between physical and online stores, and ultimately, increase online store loyalty

What drives consumers' e-loyalty to airlines web site? Conceptual framework and managerial implications

This study proposes a revised technology acceptance model that integrates expectation confirmation theory to measure continuance intentions of online shopping for airlines web sites. The sample respondent 465online users in Saudi Arabia. A structural equation model confirms model fit. Perceived usefulness, enjoyment, social pressure, and loyalty incentives are determinants of online flight booking continuance in Saudi Arabia. This research moves beyond online booking intentions and includes factors affecting online booking continuance. The research model explains 53% of the intention to continue booking using airlines web sites

The Influence of Utilitarian and Hedonic Consumption Values on Consumer Attitude Towards Online Shopping and Purchasing Intentions

Motivation: Online shopping is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon. In marketing literature, utilitarian and hedonic values are well-known consumption values that explain consumer behaviour and consumer decision-making. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of utilitarian and hedonic consumption values on consumer attitude towards online shopping that, in turn, influences online purchasing intentions. In doing so, the study aims to deepen the understanding of consumer behaviour in an online environment, which marketing practitioners may find useful as the phenomenon of online shopping gains momentum in the 4th industrial revolution. Methodology and Methods: This study followed a descriptive research design, and a quantitative research method. Data (sample, n = 215) was collected using a self-administrated questionnaire from consumers with diverse socio-economic backgrounds through Survey Monkey. The well-known utilitarian and hedonic scales were adapted to suit the online shopping context, and utilised to collect empirical data for the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to address the research objectives, and to test the hypothesised research model. Data and Empirical Analysis: The study found that four attributes/values, namely wider selection, efficiency, convenience and cost saving are determinants of consumers’ utilitarian motivation towards online shopping, while another set of four attributes/values, viz. adventure/explore, gratification, social and idea constituted consumers’ hedonic motivation towards online shopping were found. Furthermore, the study found that utilitarian and hedonic motivations are determinants of consumer attitude towards online shopping, while, in turn, consumer attitude was found to be a predictor of online purchasing intentions. Novelty: The study contributes to the literature on the contemporary online shopping phenomenon. Conducted in an emerging economy (South Africa), it provides a deeper understanding of, and an insight into how consumers behave and make decisions in an online environment. Policy Consideration: At a practical level, the paper has devised a tool (framework) for marketing practitioners to utilise in influencing consumer attitude towards online shopping and purchasing intentions, and ultimately conclude a sale through online transaction

The effects of travelling reasons on social media resources and tourist expectations

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo examinar la relación de las fuentes del contenido generado por el usuario (UGC) en las redes sociales, que proviene generalmente de fuentes de lazos fuertes y fuentes de lazos débiles, en la generación de expectativas turísticas sobre los recursos básicos y los recursos o factores de apoyo de los destinos. También se analiza el efecto moderador de las razones para viajar en la relación de las fuentes UGC y las expectativas turísticas. Para esta investigación, se recogieron 375 encuestas. Los resultados señalan que las razones o motivos del viaje son un factor importante a considerar en la generación de las expectativas turísticas, y en nuestro caso, el UGC que provenía de las fuentes de lazos débiles influyen de manera significativa en la generación de expectativas del turista cuando viaja por motivos de trabajo.This research aims to examine the relationship of user generated content (UGC) sources in social media which is provided by strong-tie sources and weak-tie sources on tourist expectations on core resources and factor supporting of the destinations, and also analyze the moderate effect of the reasons of travelling on the relationship of UGC sources and tourist expectations. 375 samples were collected. The results demonstrate that travelling reasons is an important factor to consider about the origin of tourist expectations. The UGC that was provided by weak-tie source has influence on tourist expectations when they travel with business reason

Exploring Frugal Buying, Social Influence, and App Behavior in Online Food Shopping in Indonesia

Objectives: This quantitative study investigates the relationships among Frugal Buying Habits, Social Influence, Task-oriented app usage, Pleasure-oriented app usage, and Digital persuasion in the context of online food shopping via delivery apps in Indonesia.Methodology: We employ an explanatory research design, testing hypotheses derived from existing literature. A purposive sampling method selects 300 active users of online food delivery apps. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software analyzes the data.Findings: Frugal Buying Habits are associated with both Task-oriented and Pleasure-oriented app usage. Social Influence strongly impacts Digital Persuasion. Task-oriented app usage positively correlates with Digital Persuasion while Pleasure-oriented app usage does not.Conclusion: These findings highlight opportunities for app developers to cater to frugal consumers and leverage social influence, improving user experiences. Policymakers should consider regulating digital persuasion tactics for ethical practices. This research contributes to understanding online food shopping dynamics

Linking Research and Policy: Assessing a Framework for Organic Agricultural Support in Ireland

This paper links social science research and agricultural policy through an analysis of support for organic agriculture and food. Globally, sales of organic food have experienced 20% annual increases for the past two decades, and represent the fastest growing segment of the grocery market. Although consumer interest has increased, farmers are not keeping up with demand. This is partly due to a lack of political support provided to farmers in their transition from conventional to organic production. Support policies vary by country and in some nations, such as the US, vary by state/province. There have been few attempts to document the types of support currently in place. This research draws on an existing Framework tool to investigate regionally specific and relevant policy support available to organic farmers in Ireland. This exploratory study develops a case study of Ireland within the framework of ten key categories of organic agricultural support: leadership, policy, research, technical support, financial support, marketing and promotion, education and information, consumer issues, inter-agency activities, and future developments. Data from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), and other governmental and semi-governmental agencies provide the basis for an assessment of support in each category. Assessments are based on the number of activities, availability of information to farmers, and attention from governmental personnel for each of the ten categories. This policy framework is a valuable tool for farmers, researchers, state agencies, and citizen groups seeking to document existing types of organic agricultural support and discover policy areas which deserve more attention