Developing e-service quality scales: A literature review

This study reviews the literature on e-service quality (e-SQ), with an emphasis on the methodological issues involved in developing measurement scales and issues related to the dimensionality of the e-SQ construct. We selected numerous studies on e-SQ from well-known databases and subjected them to a thorough content analysis. The review shows that dimensions of e-service quality tend to be contingent on the service industry. Despite the common dimensions often used in evaluating e-SQ, regardless of the type of service on the internet (‘reliability/fulfilment’, ‘responsiveness’, ‘web design’, ‘ease of use/usability’, ‘privacy/security’, and ‘information quality/benefit’), other dimensions are specific to e-service contexts. The study also identifies several conceptual and methodological limitations associated with developing e-SQ measurement such as the lack of a rigorous validation process, the problematic sample size and composition, the focus on functional aspects, and the use of a data-driven approach. This is the first study to undertake an extensive literature review of research on the development of e-SQ scales. The findings should be valuable to academics and practitioners alike.     

A PLS-SEM approach to understanding E-SQ,E-Satisfaction and E-Loyalty for fashion E-Retailers in Spain

Brand related goals in the online environment are consistent with those of the retail environment: providing products and services that ultimately convert customers into brand loyal customers. Investigating the components of e-loyalty may be a way to improve it. Using a Spanish sample, this study investigates a nine-dimension, latent variable model to understand the relationship between electronic service quality (e-SQ) and e-satisfaction, as well as that between e-satisfaction and e-loyalty within Spanish fashion brand e-retailers. Results suggest that for fashion e-retailers in Spain, e-service quality is positively related to e-satisfaction and e-satisfaction is positively related to e-loyalty. This work supports the use of this framework in future research to better understand these relationships in other countries.     

Building loyalty with online financial services customers: Is there a gender difference?

This study proposes a research model of the determinants of customer loyalty in an online financial services context. The study examines the online service quality dimensions that influence e-trust and e-satisfaction, which in turn influence e-loyalty. The research assesses also the moderator role of gender in e-loyalty development. Using data collected from 376 users of a click-and-brick financial institution in Canada, the study finds that: (1) e-loyalty is positively related to e-satisfaction and e-trust; (2) e-satisfaction and e-trust are positively associated to perceived website efficiency and information quality; (3) gender does not moderate relationships between online service quality, e-satisfaction, e-trust, and e-loyalty; (4) women report higher levels of online service quality, e-satisfaction, e-trust, and e-loyalty than men. The study emphasises the role of website efficiency and information quality in developing loyalty for online financial services providers. Indeed, it suggests that online financial institutions do not need to segment their online market based on gender.     

In search of e-service value: technology-exploitation vs. certainty-seeking online behaviours

The primary aim of this article is to ascertain whether the e-service value formation process changes as a function of consumers' technology readiness (TR). Through a field survey about ‘e-tail’ service value, this study finds that monetary cost is equally important for both high- and low-TR consumers. The positive effects of service-enhancing value components on overall e-service value perception are stronger in the high-TR group than in the low-TR group, whereas the positive effects of risk-reducing value components are greater in the low-TR group than in the high-TR group. High-TR consumers tend to maximise shopping value for themselves through planned online searching and purchasing. Overall, high-TR consumers are able to improve their shopping value through both ex ante and post hoc vehicles. In addition, high-TR consumers exhibit technology-exploitation online behaviours, whereas low-TR consumers exhibit certainty-seeking online behaviours. The article discusses study implications and suggestions for future research from the perspectives of diffusion of innovations, online transaction costs, and relationship marketing.     

What factors determine e-satisfaction and consumer spending in e-commerce retailing?

Evidently, the Internet has resulted in a fundamental shift in retailing practice, creating a shift in both consumer and business behavior, which has been compared to that of the Industrial Revolution. The purpose of this paper is to analyze customer satisfaction in e-commerce market. In particular, we determine the factors that affect customer e-satisfaction and the relationship between customer satisfaction and consumer spending in e-commerce retailing. We focus on how American based e-commerce firms are impacted by these developments and how marketing practices have reflected the developing e-commerce situation. The results show that customer satisfaction does have an impact on consumer spending in American based e-commerce retailers. Further, the relationship between customer satisfaction and consumer spending is positive, where higher e-satisfaction results in more spending in e-commerce. The results also show that there is a direct relationship among e-service quality, e- satisfaction and e-loyalty in terms of online spending by consumers. However, the analysis shows that e-commerce still faces challenges compared with traditional offline retailers since customers cannot feel and try the products, and may end up choosing the products that they do not want.     

Toward a conceptualization of the online shopping experience

This research article explores the content of consumers′ experience when they shop online and proposes a first step in conceptualizing the ‘online shopping experience′ (OSE). First, we carried out an extended literature review and proposed an integrative conceptual framework. Then, we relied on a consumers discourse analysis with four focus groups with consumers who differ in terms of age, gender and online shopping experience.We define the OSE and propose a conceptualization through four core dimensions: the physical, ideological, pragmatic and social dimensions. Connections are established between the flow concept and the ‘traditional’ dimensions of experience, and specific shopping values are identified. Moreover, an appropriation process of commercial websites is revealed; beyond purchase intentions and rituals, the OSE is embodied by the use of online tools and patronage routines. Finally, social interactions with Facebook friends are one of the new practices considered.     

Electronic Services Co-Creation Experience: Telecommunications Sector in Tunisia as an Example

Despite the intensive use of the Internet in service delivery, little attention has been paid so far to assessing the impact of the quality of electronic services on the willingness of customers to participate in the co-creation experience online. In order to determine how the consumer reacts to the adoption of new information and communication technologies and, in particular, online telecommunication services, we empirically test the influence of electronic service quality dimensions on the co-creation experience online, integrating the attitude, satisfaction, and intention of the customer. The data were collected from a sample of 263 Tunisian telecommunications customers and analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The results show that, even if five dimensions of the quality of the online service positively influence the attitude towards the website, all of the dimensions of the quality of e-services positively influence the e-satisfaction. The results also confirm that customers' attitude towards the website and e-satisfaction positively affect the intention to use the website, which in turn affects the willingness of clients to participate in the experience co-creation online.     

E-Service Quality: A Meta-Analytic Review

The dominance of the internet as a shopping and distribution channel also necessitates an understanding of e-service quality. Using means-ends-chain theory, we develop a conceptual framework to understand the different models and the associated multiple measures that have been developed to examine this construct. We test the measures empirically using meta-analytic techniques. We also summarize the impact of e-service quality on key outcomes—customer satisfaction, repurchase intentions, and word-of-mouth, as well as the moderating impact of three contextual factors: country culture, regulatory environment, and industry context. Results indicate that e-service quality has four underlying dimensions (website design, fulfilment, customer service, and security/privacy) though their relevance for overall e-service quality is moderated by country-specific (uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, power distance, individualism), regulatory environment-specific (financial secrecy, rule of law), and industry-specific (services/goods, retailing/banking) factors as well as research-design factors.     

Electronic word-of-mouth via consumer-opinion platforms: What motivates consumers to articulate themselves on the Internet?

Through Web-based consumer opinion platforms (e.g., epinions.com), the Internet enables customers to share their opinions on, and experiences with, goods and services with a multitude of other consumers; that is, to engage in electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication. Drawing on findings from research on virtual communities and traditional word-of-mouth literature, a typology for motives of consumer online articulation is developed. Using an online sample of some 2,000 consumers, information on the structure and relevance of the motives of consumers’ online articulations is generated. The resulting analysis suggests that consumers’ desire for social interaction, desire for economic incentives, their concern for other consumers, and the potential to enhance their own self-worth are the primary factors leading to eWOM behavior. Further, eWOM providers can be grouped based on what motivates their behavior, suggesting that firms may need to develop different strategies for encouraging eWOM behavior among their users.     

基于预期不确认理论和技术接受模型的网络购物顾客满意度影响因素分析

基于预期不确认理论和技术接受模型构建网络购物顾客满意度影响因素模型,将顾客满意度影响因素分为五个维度:个体创新性、顾客期望、网站特性认知、质量与服务感知和网购接受程度。通过结构方程模型方法进行验证,结果支持该模型及大多数假设,其中顾客期望、网站特性认知、质量与服务感知和网购接受程度均显著影响顾客满意度,个体创新性对顾客满意度的影响并不显著,并且网站特性认知、质量与服务感知和网购接受程度之间的假设关系得到验证。     

The role of etail quality,e-satisfaction and e-trust in online loyalty development process

The purpose of this study is to propose and test an integrative model of e-loyalty development process by conceptualizing that e-loyalty is influenced by e-satisfaction, e-trust and multi-dimensional aspects of etail quality. In order to capture the full picture of etail quality, we attempt to cover the complete purchase experience by focusing on four dimensions of etail quality that go beyond website functionality or system quality aspects: fulfillment/reliability, website design, security/privacy and responsiveness. From the 182 usable data obtained, hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that the e-loyalty development process is influenced by both e-satisfaction and e-trust. The relationship between e-trust and e-satisfaction is found to be significant as well. Components of etail quality have differing effects on e-satisfaction and e-trust. Evaluation of fulfillment/reliability influences e-satisfaction as well as e-trust. Website design positively influences e-satisfaction while security/privacy has a positive effect on e-trust. However, contrary to our expectation, responsiveness affects neither e-satisfaction nor e-trust. Managerial implications are provided following presentation of the findings.     

Customer-perceived value and loyalty: how do key service quality dimensions matter in the context of B2C e-commerce?

This paper develops a research model to examine the effect of e-service quality dimensions on customer-perceived value and customer loyalty. Based on a survey of 235 online customers, we identify five key e-service quality dimensions: care, reliability, products portfolio, ease of use, and security. Our empirical results show that all the five dimensions have significant and positive impacts on customer-perceived value which, in turn, increases customer loyalty. We further examine the mediating role of customer-perceived value in the relationship between each e-service quality and customer loyalty. The results suggest that customer-perceived value plays a partially mediating role in the effect of ease of use, care, product portfolio, and reliability on customer loyalty, and a fully mediating role in the relationship between security and customer loyalty. Managers may be in a position to benefit by employing the model presented in this study in an effort to improve service performance and, hence, retain customers.     

The impact of online customer satisfaction on the yahoo auction in Taiwan

In this article, the authors develop a conceptual model that links website quality, trust, merchandising, customer service, and online satisfaction for yahoo auction in Taiwan. The research objective is to provide initial evidence for the determinants of e-satisfaction (online satisfaction). We examine the role of web quality, trust, merchandising, and customer service in consumer online satisfaction assessments. This conceptual model is empirically tested from 350 consumers across a broader group of online shoppers on yahoo auction by means of internet surveys and structural equation analysis. The results show that the determinants of online trust are website quality, merchandising, and customer service. Website quality, trust, merchandising, and customer service have positive effects on online satisfaction for auction sites. The research findings were reported by discussing the implications of the findings and directions for future research.     

Relationships between process quality,outcome quality,satisfaction, and behavioural intentions for online travel agencies – evidence from Taiwan

Instead of using the SERVQUAL-type scale, this study conceptualizes e-service quality by two dimensions – process quality and outcome quality – and explores the relationships between process quality, outcome quality, satisfaction, and behavioural intentions in the context of online travel agencies. Using an empirical survey consisting of 240 Taiwanese respondents who have purchased online travel agents' products, the results reveal that process quality and outcome quality have significantly direct and positive effects on satisfaction. In addition, there exists a significant influence of satisfaction on behavioural intentions. While supporting the quality–satisfaction–behavioural intentions relationship overall, this study specifically provides more insights into the construction and effects of e-service quality.     

Computer-Mediated Customization Tendency (CMCT) and the Adaptive e-Service Experience

Adaptive customization systems are common in the delivery of e-service. However, consumers vary in their reaction to these systems. We introduce computer-mediated customization tendency (CMCT), a composite individual difference variable that reflects a consumer's personal preferences for designing and interacting with adaptive online environments to create valuable e-service experiences. To measure CMCT, we developed a formative index composed of need for control, technology innovativeness, and aesthetic appreciation. The results show CMCT influences adaptive online behavior and the perceived value of the adaptive e-service experience. In addition, customization-prone and customization-averse consumers differ in how they perceive the costs, benefits, and overall value of the experience.     

Online determinants of e-customer satisfaction: application to website purchases in tourism

This paper examines the influence of four variables on online tourism customer satisfaction: website image perceptions, online routine, online knowledge, and customer innovativeness, and their simultaneous effects. The analysis gauges the moderating role of three socio-demographic characteristics: gender, age group, and educational background. A sample of 3188 regular online consumers of the Portuguese leader in the tourism sector was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that website image, routine, and knowledge significantly influence e-customer satisfaction. Only gender moderates the impact of website knowledge on e-satisfaction. These results entail a better understanding of customer specificities, with practical actions for addressing their real needs and expectations.     

Shopping with the resale value in mind: A study on second‐hand luxury consumers

The market for second‐hand luxury products is growing and the variety of available sales channels has increased; consumers can buy second‐hand luxury goods not only from brick‐and‐mortar stores but also from a myriad of both global and local online channels. Arguably, the increase in available sales channels has changed consumers’ purchasing behaviour as the roles between sellers and buyers are alternating as one can act as a buyer one day and a seller the next. However, prior research on luxury consumption has mainly focused on brand‐new luxury goods, largely neglecting the consumption of previously‐used luxury products and has not accounted for the multi‐channel shopping environment. The purpose of this paper is to understand how consumers mentally approach the purchase of second‐hand luxury products and what kinds of decision‐making styles they use. The empirical interview data of 22 consumers was analysed by the means of shopping style dimensions that account for both consumer characteristics and external shopping conditions. The interviewees were members of a Facebook buy and sell ‐group focused on luxury products and had recently bought a second‐hand luxury product. All the existing dimensions were evident in the data but an additional dimension was also identified: resale value consciousness. The new dimension emphasizes an investment‐led and price‐quality conscious shopping style but was also found to relate to impulse buying and brand consciousness. The emergence of the dimension is argued to be due to the increase in viable online sales channels for second‐hand luxury products.     

网上零售市场电子服务质量评价研究

本文全面回顾了网上零售市场电子服务质量评价研究文献,深入剖析了几种常用的网上零售市场电子服务质量评价量表,探讨了网上零售市场电子服务质量评价维度以及量表结构,指出了该领域目前的研究不足和未来研究方向,提出了针对网上零售市场具有普适性的电子服务质量评价的一般维度,主要包括可靠性/履行性、响应性/易接近性/联系性、易用性/可用性、网站设计、信息质量、隐私/安全以及个性化等,并将这些维度与传统服务质量评价维度进行了对比分析。     

Is the Internet a primary source for consumer information search?: Group comparison for channel choices

A recent report estimates that 79% of American Internet consumers have searched online for health information [Fox, S., 2005. Health Information Online. Pew Internet & American Life Project, Washington, DC]. Currently, little information exists about consumers’ usage of the Internet as a channel of health information. As more consumers are relying on the Internet as a medical and health information search medium, relevant implicative research that provides insights into consumers’ online information searching behavior should be conducted. The present research attempted to reveal factors that drive consumers to adopt the Internet as their main channel of health information. Specifically, multiple facets, such as consumers’ psychological factors (i.e., personal characteristics) and perceived quality dimensions, were explored. Two Internet user groups were selected by their primary channel when searching for health information. Structural equation modeling was utilized to compare the two groups and identified significant differences of personal characteristics and perceived quality.     

Loyalty toward online food delivery service: the role of e-service quality and food quality

This study assesses the direct influence of food quality and e-service quality on customer loyalty toward online food delivery (OFD) service and its indirect influence through the mediation of customer satisfaction and perceived value. This study uses a survey of 405 OFD service customers from Bandung, Indonesia. By applying variance-based partial least squares to evaluate the proposed model, this study confirms the direct effect of food quality on online loyalty, but not e-service quality. Further, this study discloses the partial mediation role of customer satisfaction and perceived value on the relationship between both food quality and e-service quality on online loyalty toward OFD services.