Impact of customer experience on loyalty: a multichannel examination

This article examines the relation between the five dimensions of customer experience advocated by Schmitt [1999a. Experiential Marketing. Journal of Marketing Management, 15, 53–67] (cognitive, affective, sensory, behavioural and social) and service provider loyalty. The examination focuses on two different channels, namely branch/agency (physical) and online (Web-based). A total of 484 panellists of a large Canadian polling firm self-administered a Web-based questionnaire regarding banking experience. The exercise was subsequently replicated in the tourism sector. Findings demonstrate that the main dimension impacting loyalty is the affective dimension (negative), thereby contributing handsomely to experiential marketing literature since negative emotions are rarely investigated. Findings also reveal that choice of channel exerts a moderating effect on the different dimensions influencing loyalty and that results vary from one sector to another. The multidimensional, multichannel, multisector approach selected for this study substantiates customer experience as complex and context specific. The authors also suggest practical implications and set out avenues of future research.     

Classifying potential users of live chat services and chatbots

Live chat services and chatbot functionalities are experiencing significant growth within companies in the financial sector and growing consumer interest. But which consumers (segments) are more or less interested in these tools? Companies with an online presence would be well advised to profile potential users of these two important tools. This study seeks to classify potential users of live chat services and chatbots. A telephone interview questionnaire is administered to 342 panelists of a recognized Canadian research firm. A two-step cluster analysis is used to reveal natural groupings in the data set. Research conducted identifies four distinct segments, namely Women divided interest, Men partially interested, Age 35–44 partially interested and Older disinterested. This study brings to the fore information essential to the development of effective marketing strategies for reaching the different segments [e.g. develop and evidence an online end-to-end purchasing process for segment (1); provide good Web visibility for segment (2); ensure the presence of competitive offers and Web comparators for segment (3); and, pursue a more traditional approach for segment (4)]. This study represents the first ever classification of individuals based on their interest in emerging services (live chat services and chatbots).

     

An integrative model of installed online trust in the financial services industry

Trust is crucial for any long-term consumer–vendor relationship. It is a central component in many traditional and electronic commercial activities. Studies to date have mostly examined the antecedents that influence initial online trust (new customers), neglecting installed trust in the online company. Thus, the purpose of this article is to test an integrative model of installed online trust in the financial services industry. An online survey conducted with 476 panel members reveals that three website features, namely, design, perceived security/privacy and information quality, as well as quality of support (relationship characteristic), positively affect installed online trust. Findings show that unlike for initial online trust, reputation (company characteristic) does not influence installed online trust. The study also confirmed that installed online trust influences the four levels of loyalty (cognitive, affective, conative and behavioural). Some practical implications are provided.     

Impact of website characteristics on relationship quality: a comparison of banks financial cooperatives

This study seeks to investigate differences exhibited by bank customers and members of financial cooperatives respecting website characteristics (website design, convenience, information quality, ease of use and security/confidentiality) and their impact on online relationship quality (composed of trust, commitment and satisfaction). An online survey was conducted with 476 banking sector customers (banks and financial cooperatives), followed by a confirmatory factors analysis and multigroup analysis using EQS 6.2 software. Results evidence a significant difference in terms of website design and security/confidentiality. The impact of these variables on relationship quality proves significantly higher in the case of banks. This study submits that web strategies used by banks and financial cooperatives to develop online relationship quality may vary based on the type of organization.     

Examining emotions linked to live chat services: The role of e-service quality and impact on word of mouth

The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to investigate the emotions experienced by banking customers when using live chat services and their impact on positive word-of-mouth intentions; and, (2) to identify which dimensions of e-service quality (accessibility, customer service and support, perceived security/privacy and design) impact these emotions. A survey was conducted with 682 members of a Web-based panel. Findings demonstrate that emotions, both positive and negative, significantly impact word of mouth. Results further reveal that customer service and support followed by design of live chat services mostly influence consumer emotions. On a practical level, the recommendations provided will improve consumer experience and encourage consumers to use live chat services. This is all the more important since such services are now part of the promotion and contribution of a sustainable mode of consumption that is accessible to all.