Development of a multidimensional measure of perceived product quality

A measure of perceived product quality (i.e., the Perceived Product Quality Measure of PPQM) was developed that had scales for measuring four general dimensions of quality, i.e., flawlessness, durability, appearance, and distinctiveness. Results of two studies (preliminary and main) showed support for the reliability and validity of the PPQM. Results of analyses of data from the main, experimental study showed that: (1) the PPQM scales had fairly high levels of internal consistency; (2) manipulations of several attributes of products led to expected changes in the responses to PPQM scales; (3) the PPQM scales predicted a willingness to buy criterion; and (4) the results of a confirmatory factor analysis showed support for the hypothesized multidimensionality of the PPQM. In view of these findings, we believe that the PPQM should prove useful in future research on perceived product quality. It should also prove helpful in efforts to manage the quality of products produced by individuals on work organizations.