Empirical Investigation of Omni-channel Customer Behavior: Multiple Mediation Effects of Website and Mobile Interactivity

While existing retail research has focused on retail channels in isolation from a single or multi-channel retailing perspective, there is a need to investigate shopping behavioral intention from an omni-channel and customer-centric retailing perspective. The main of this study is to analyze the customer omni-channel behavior under multiple mediating effects of website and mobile interactivity. Data collected from valid 287 respondents via both online and paper form. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and Smart-PLS software have been used to test proposed hypotheses. The result underlined the significant positive effects of technology literacy, attitude towards website interactivity and attitude towards mobile device interactivity on customer’s behavioral intention. Moreover, website interactivity and augmented reality have highest impact attitude towards website interactivity and attitude towards mobile device interactivity respectively

The role of omnichannel tendency in digital information processing

Purpose – Nowadays some consumers consider themselves as “omnichannels” – they combine both physical and digital channels expecting a seamless shopping experience – since they view their shopping process from a multiple-channel viewpoint. Giving that situation, the aim of this paper is to test the role of consumers’ omnichannel tendency (omni-tendency) in the information processing in the digital channel. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), emotions as well as utilitarian and hedonic experiences are proposed to understand consumer attitude towards the digital store. Through a survey, data were collected from 284 digital shoppers. PLS path modelling and PLS-MGA were used to test the research hypotheses. Findings – The results confirm that emotions positively affect the evaluation of the experiences, which in turn improves the attitude towards the digital store. Focusing on the differences among consumers, the findings show that for consumers with low omni-tendency the emotions are key to improve the evaluation of their experiences. Moreover, regarding the attitude, consumers with more omni-tendency follow the central route to process the information; and consumers with less omni-tendency follow the peripheral route. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature in three ways. First, this research includes the study of omni-tendency, as a consumer trait, in the information processing developed in the digital channel, ignored in the literature. Second, this work contributes to information processing theories in digital context confirming, specifically the applicability of ELM into the omnichannel context. This offers support to the application of traditional theories to explain new phenomena. Third, and in line with the previous contribution, this work goes a step further in understanding ELM theory by including other constructs –the omni-tendency and emotions– to explain the information processing in the digital context

Omni-Channel Intensity and Shopping Value as Key Drivers of Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

Omni-channel retailing consists of the complete alignment of the different channels and touchpoints that generate a seamless experience for consumers, allowing them to move freely through all channels. The consumer's perception of a seamless and consistent omni-channel experience is called intensity. This study reveals that this intensity in the shopping experience can offer value to consumers, and that intensity and shopping value also influence satisfaction and loyalty. We propose a relationship model that had been tested in a quantitative study with PLS, with a representative sample of buyers who had used the Click and Collect system. The main contribution of this study is to the literature on the analysis of omni-channels from the consumer experience perspective, through an in-depth analysis of the concepts of intensity and shopping value, as well as their relationship with satisfaction and loyalty. The results revealed the existence of a positive relationship between intensity and shopping value, and between these two variables and satisfaction and loyalty. Keywords: omni-channel; intensity; shopping value; satisfaction; loyalt

Omnichannel Development within the Pakistani Fashion Retail

We examined the omnichannel Development within the Pakistani Fashion Retail and observed both Retailer and Consumer perspective in our study to see the development and Potential of Omnichannel. We selected 25 retailers (of which 22 are using multi-channels) and 224 shoppers who used more than one channel for purchasing fashion products, (due to some model fitness error we reduced our final sample size to 205 respondents). We used UTAUT2 model with 2 more predictors (perceived security and Personal innovativeness) which we found effected in purchase intention of consumer from some previous literature.  As per Retailer Perspective we found that we are at an extremely early stage of omnichannel. Organizations are slowly transforming but some retailers are still under threat because of associated risks with changing their business models. Omnichannel loyalty service was found to be the weakest in current development due to profitability factors for organization which seem more important, and retailers also need to focus on data and analytics & IT structure to improve omnichannel journey. As per consumer perspective, the survey results show that the security is the main concern for the shoppers in Pakistan, it restricts shopper to provide their personal information to retailers also factors of social influence and hedonic motivation not found positively influenced in our model but habit and personal innovativeness found the key factors for omnichannel development also performance and effort expectancy founds positively influenced in the development of omnichannel. By summarizing both perspective we finally conclude (Fig. 26) that retailers should integrated their all channels in a way which gives consumer totally unified and seamless shopping experience and hit their purchase intention in a positive way which support omnichannel development in Pakistan Fashion Retail Industry. Keywords: Omnichannel, Integration, Purchase intention, transforming, loyalty services, data and analytics, Security, Effort Expectancy, Habit, Personal Innovativeness DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/54-06 Publication date:March 31st 201

Designing behavior change support systems in the context of knowledge documentation: development of theory and practical implementation

Although innovation and operating efficiently require creating, transferring, and applying knowledge, successful knowledge documentation remains a challenge for organizations. While knowledge management systems support knowledge management activities, the missing link to applying knowledge management relies on human actions and their behaviors. This dissertation extends prior design knowledge about designing Behavior Change Support Systems in the context of knowledge documentation by developing theory and showing practical implementation. Combining technical and psychological models within information systems frameworks based on the principles of abstraction, originality, justification, and benefit, this dissertation draws on design science to propose prescriptive knowledge, for example, in the form of design principles and a specific artifact

The Omnichannel phenomenon: unveiling the role of Channel Integration for consumers and retailers

This thesis work is aimed at deepening the knowledge of the phenomenon called "Omnichannel", as the main challenge of modern retailing. Omnichannel is a new retailing configuration, which envisages drastic changes compared to the Multi- and Cross-channel models. Although the Omnichannel phenomenon has been extensively studied in recent years, it is also missing a comprehensive framework. This is also shown by the variety of alternative definitions of "Omnichannel" existing in literature. The three studies presented in this thesis start from this assumption, and come to identify and investigate an element that clearly emerges as the core of Omnichannel: Channel Integration. The first study, an extensive literature review conducted with bibliometric techniques, allowed us to frame the extent of Omnichannel in terms of papers, topics and issues addressed. Furthermore, through the use of co-citation analysis, a clustering technique based on the triangulation of citations, the theoretical foundations of Omnichannel have been identified. 4 research clusters were traced back to: Consumer Behavior, Strategic Management, Channel Management, and Channel Integration. Results also show that Channel Integration is the main element of Omnichannel, capable of creating synergies with other clusters and capturing the perspectives of the consumer and retailer at the same time. The second study qualifies as an extension of these results to the future of Omnichannel, through qualitative research. It was in fact decided to proceed by discussing the topic with a panel of 18 international experts, with proven academic and managerial background. The participants commented on the results emerging from our previous study and expressed themselves on: areas, topics, methodologies and settings of priority development; generation of new theories or application of pre-existing theories; challenges, issues and retailers’ needs in Omnichannel. The results were then coded and analyzed to create a research agenda divided into 5 macro-themes of interest: a) Omnichannel customer journeys, b) Omnichannel customer experiences, c) Omnichannel transition issues, d) the human factor in Omnichannel, and e) augmented and intelligent Omnichannel environments. The experts also validated the model in 4 research clusters proposed by our first study and confirmed the central role of Channel Integration. For the third and final study, we therefore decided to investigate the role of Channel Integration in Omnichannel contexts, from the perspective of customer journeys (theme a) emerging from Study 2). We employed quantitative methodologies (MCA, CFA, SEM) to test the effect of touchpoints - which constitute the various steps of customer journeys - on consumers’ perception of Channel Integration, and the effect of the latter on patronage intention towards the retailer. Through the Categorization Theory, we proposed that the touchpoints capable of activating a Channel Integration perception are different depending on the sector and on the type of consumer (first-time and repeat customer). The research, conducted on two panels of Italian consumers in the grocery and fashion sectors – 1.031 and 759 participants, respectively –, led to the identification of substantial differences related to context and target, and confirmed a positive effect of Channel Integration perception on customer loyalty through patronage intention. The work therefore has, overall, both theoretical and managerial implications.Il presente lavoro di tesi è volto ad approfondire la conoscenza del fenomeno denominato Omnicanalità, quale principale sfida del retailing moderno. Si tratta di una nuova configurazione di retailing, che prevede cambiamenti drastici rispetto ai modelli di Multi- e Cross-canalità che l’hanno preceduta. Nonostante si tratti di un fenomeno ampiamente studiato negli ultimi anni, abbiamo rilevato una sostanziale difficoltà nel suo inquadramento, che si evince anche dalla molteplicità di definizioni alternative di “Omnicanalità” esistenti in letteratura. I tre studi che costituiscono questa tesi partono da questo presupposto, arrivando ad individuare e investigare l’elemento che emerge chiaramente come il fulcro dell’Omnicanalità. Il primo studio, una estesa literature review condotta con tecniche bibliometriche, ci ha permesso di inquadrare l’Omnicanalità in termini di studi condotti in letteratura e tematiche affrontate. Inoltre, mediante la co-citation analysis, una tecnica di clustering basata sulla triangolazione delle citazioni, sono state ricostruite le basi teoriche dell’Omnicanalità. Attraverso l’interpretazione dei contributi fondamentali così individuati, sono stati identificati 4 cluster di ricerca: Consumer Behavior, Management Strategico, Channel Management, e Channel Integration. Dall’analisi emerge anche come la Channel Integration sia l’elemento centrale dell’Omnicanalità, in grado sia di creare sinergie con gli altri cluster sia di catturare al contempo le prospettive del consumatore e del retailer. Il secondo studio si qualifica come un’estensione di tali risultati al futuro dell’Omnicanalità, attraverso un’analisi di tipo qualitativo. Si è infatti deciso di procedere discutendo il tema con un panel di 18 esperti internazionali, dalla comprovata esperienza sia accademica che professionale. I partecipanti hanno commentato i risultati emergenti dallo studio precedente e si sono espressi in merito a: aree, temi, metodologie e contesti prioritari per lo studio dell’Omnicanalità; sfide, problematiche e necessità di ricerca in tale ambito. I risultati sono stati codificati e analizzati per produrre una research agenda articolata in 5 macro-tematiche di interesse: a) Omnichannel customer journeys, b) Omnichannel customer experiences, c) problematiche di transizione verso l’Omnicanalità, d) il fattore umano nell’Omnicanalità, ed e) la gestione di ambienti Omnicanale tecnologicamente avanzati ed intelligenti. Gli esperti hanno inoltre validato il modello in 4 research clusters da noi proposto e confermato la centralità della Channel Integration. Per il terzo ed ultimo studio, si è pertanto deciso di investigare ulteriormente il tema della Channel Integration in contesti Omnicanale, secondo la prospettiva delle customer journeys (punto a) emerso dal secondo studio). Attraverso metodologie quantitative (MCA, CFA, SEM), si testa l’effetto dei touchpoints – che costituiscono i vari step delle customer journeys – sulla percezione di Channel Integration maturata dal consumatore, e l’effetto di questa sulla patronage intention verso il retailer. Attraverso la Categorization Theory, si propone che i touchpoint in grado di attivare una percezione di Channel Integration siano diversi a seconda del contesto settoriale – sulla base di differenti categorie di prodotto – e della tipologia di consumatore (first-time e repeat customer). La ricerca, condotta su due panel di consumatori italiani nei settori grocery e fashion – con 1.031 e 759 partecipanti, rispettivamente –, ha portato all’individuazione ed alla discussione di tali touchpoint, evidenziando differenze sostanziali tra i touchpoint che determinano la channel integration tra settori e tra target, e ha confermato un effetto positivo della percezione di Channel Integration sulla customer loyalty attraverso la patronage intention. Il lavoro presenta pertanto implicazioni sia teoriche che manageriali

Understanding consumer behavior in an evolving context: from single channel to omnichannel use

La presente tesis doctoral tiene como principal objetivo avanzar en el conocimiento del comportamiento del consumidor en el actual contexto, caracterizado por el uso de múltiples canales durante todo el proceso de decisión de compra. Dicho objetivo general se desagrega en cuatro objetivos específicos que, a partir de cuatro investigaciones independientes, buscan entender desde diferentes enfoques teóricos y empíricos dicha cuestión. Para testar empíricamente las propuestas realizadas en cada una de las investigaciones, la tesis se sirve principalmente dos metodologías de investigación, la encuesta y el diseño experimental. Las cuatro investigaciones ofrecen resultados que enriquecen la literatura del comportamiento del consumidor. Los hallazgos de esta tesis doctoral también se traducen en distintas implicaciones para las empresas en el actual contexto cambiante. Particularmente, los resultados ayudan a los profesionales del marketing a adoptar estrategias útiles tanto en el contexto de compra móvil como en el contexto de compra omnicanal

Omnichannel Management in B2B. Complexity-based model. Empirical evidence from a panel of experts based on Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

In recent years, academics and professionals have proposed omnichannel management as the best approach to offering multiple channels to end customers. This approach has been reinforced by the recent crisis caused by Covid-19 and the consequent demand for digital channels. In the current literature there is an evident gap in the study of omnichannel management for manufacturing or wholesale companies and their relationships with other companies, which typically use B2B models. This article includes a model that permits the identification of causal characteristics in omnichannel management based on fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM), the simulation of possible scenarios and the impact that changes in the environment or in the organization's internal activities may have on omnichannel management. From the results of a Delphi process based on an international Panel of Experts and using complexity theory, a Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) was built that can serve as a reference for B2B omnichannel management. The main value of the research is provided by the practical model that allows simulating what-if scenarios, that is, with the modification of the input conditions with respect to a base scenario and thus favors directing the omnichannel strategy to be followed in a B2B field

Model and management indicators in industrial omnichannel (B2B)

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven increases in the provision of services through digital channels, even by more traditional companies. An Omnichannel model of service provision poses new management challenges for companies. This research reviews the literature on Omnichannel Management by companies whose clients are other companies (B2B) and classifies the different areas of research to date. The principal finding is that, despite considerable academic interest in Omnichannel management, there have been few studies of Omnichannel in the B2B field. This emphasizes a significant research gap to address. We have also outlined the Research Agenda to highlight future lines of research