Modelling and testing consumer trust dimensions in e-commerce

Prior research has found trust to play a significant role in shaping purchase intentions of a consumer. However there has been limited research where consumer trust dimensions have been empirically defined and tested. In this paper we empirically test a path model such that Internet vendors would have adequate solutions to increase trust. The path model presented in this paper measures the three main dimensions of trust, i.e. competence, integrity, and benevolence. And assesses the influence of overall trust of consumers. The paper also analyses how various sources of trust, i.e. consumer characteristics, firm characteristic, website infrastructure and interactions with consumers, influence dimensions of trust. The model is tested using 365 valid responses. Findings suggest that consumers with high overall trust demonstrate a higher intention to purchase online

A position note on well-being and self-employment

Following the idea that entrance into self-employment is a phenomenon that can be partially captured by the level of ones aspirations and well being, the purpose of this position note is to outline the nexus between well being and entrance into self employment. For that purpose Wagle's (2008) objective setting of multidimensional poverty is utilized in defining the concept. A central argument to be made is that the intention to improve one's well-being through self employment and the option to enter self-employment, in many situations, cannot be completely separated from each other. Accordingly, people seek opportunities to improve aspects of their well-being, rather than business opportunities per se. This will be demonstrated by a conceptual model of entry into self-employment residing on the notion of well-being; where well-being is seen to affect and be affected by entrance into self-employment. The model does not provide a strategic map of how to enter self employment and how to succeed with that. Nor, it aims at giving very strong practical implications. Rather, it guides attention to questions about what in an individual relative level of well-being that affect entrance into self-employment. This is important since the entrepreneurship literature has yet to theorize and examine the triggering effects of well-being on the entire entrepreneurial process.Entrepreneurship; Self-employment; Well-being