Showing papers in "Internet Research in 2017"

What is eSports and why do people watch it

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate why do people spectate eSports on the internet. The authors define eSports (electronic sports) as “a form of sports where the primary aspects of the sport are facilitated by electronic systems; the input of players and teams as well as the output of the eSports system are mediated by human-computer interfaces.” In more practical terms, eSports refer to competitive video gaming (broadcasted on the internet).,The study employs the motivations scale for sports consumption which is one of the most widely applied measurement instruments for sports consumption in general. The questionnaire was designed and pre-tested before distributing to target respondents (n=888). The reliability and validity of the instrument both met the commonly accepted guidelines. The model was assessed first by examining its measurement model and then the structural model.,The results indicate that escapism, acquiring knowledge about the games being played, novelty and eSports athlete aggressiveness were found to positively predict eSport spectating frequency.,During recent years, eSports (electronic sports) and video game streaming have become rapidly growing forms of new media in the internet driven by the growing provenance of (online) games and online broadcasting technologies. Today, hundreds of millions of people spectate eSports. The present investigation presents a large study on gratification-related determinants of why people spectate eSports on the internet. Moreover, the study proposes a definition for eSports and further discusses how eSports can be seen as a form of sports.

Consumer engagement in online brand communities: a solicitation of congruity theory

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to study the influence of self-brand image congruity and value congruity on consumer engagement in online brand communities (OBCs); second to test whether gender moderates this effect; and third, it also examines the role of consumer engagement as a driver of brand loyalty.,Using an online questionnaire, 443 responses were collected from consumers who are members of at least one OBC on Facebook. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.,The results revealed that both self-brand image congruity and value congruity significantly affect consumer engagement. A positive effect of consumer engagement on brand loyalty was also attained. Third, the results revealed that gender did not moderate the examined relationships.,This research integrates and broadens existing explanations of different congruity effects on consumer engagement. This study thus suggests the value of developing their OBCs to exhibit congruence with customers’ self-image and value, which in turn, will contribute to the development of brand loyalty.,This research applies congruity theory to examine the impact of self-brand image- and value congruity on consumer engagement in OBCs. Through the establishment of this novel theoretical link, this study furthers insight into the domain of social media marketing.

The influence of perceived value on purchase intention in social commerce context

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of perceived benefits, i.e. utilitarian value, hedonic value and social value, as well as perceived risk, on purchase intention in social commerce context.,To cast light on the factors motivating users’ intention to purchase in the context of social commerce, data of 277 users of social commerce in China were collected via an online survey.,Results show that satisfaction significantly and positively affects users’ purchase intention in social commerce context. In addition, utilitarian, hedonic and social values have significant and positive impacts on satisfaction and purchase intention; and utilitarian value is found to be the most salient factor influencing purchase intention, while hedonic value has the greatest effect on satisfaction. Moreover, perceived risk significantly and negatively affects satisfaction.,Extant research on social commerce has mainly focused on investigating how the general perceived value affects user behavior, but has less considered different dimensions of perceived value. Moreover, prior studies have explored the roles of utilitarian and hedonic values on user behavior; however, there is a lack of research on the effect of social value. The current study attempts to fill these research gaps.

Marketing mix, customer value, and customer loyalty in social commerce: A stimulus-organism-response perspective

Abstract: Purpose Based on stimulus-organism-response model, the purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model to explore the effects of six marketing-mix components (stimuli) on consumer loyalty (response) through consumer value (organism) in social commerce (SC). Design/methodology/approach In order to target online social buyers, a web-based survey was employed. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS) is used to analyze valid data from 599 consumers who have repurchase experience via Facebook. Findings The results from PLS analysis show that all components of SC marketing mix (SCMM) have significant effects on SC consumer value. Moreover, SC customer value positively influences SC customer loyalty (CL). Research limitations/implications The data for this study are collected from Facebook only and the sample size is limited; thus, replication studies are needed to improve generalizability and data representativeness of the study. Moreover, longitudinal studies are needed to verify the causality among the constructs in the proposed research model. Practical implications SC sellers should implement more effective SCMM strategies to foster SC CL through better SCMM decisions. Social implications The SCMM components represent the collective benefits of social interaction, exemplifying the importance of effective communication and interaction among SC customers. Originality/value This study develops a parsimonious model to explain the over-arching effects of SCMM components on CL in SC mediated by customer value. It confirms that utilitarian, hedonic, and social values can be applied to online SC and that SCMM can be leveraged to achieve these values.

Understanding teleworkers’ technostress and its influence on job satisfaction

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model that predicts a teleworker’s job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach By drawing on the technostress model and job characteristics theory, this study proposed a theoretical model. The proposed model was tested through a survey of 258 teleworkers from two global IT companies that have adopted telework programs. Findings The results show that technology and job characteristics jointly induce teleworkers’ technostress, which in turn reduces their job satisfaction. The results also indicate that the manner in which technology and job characteristics influence teleworkers’ technostress varies depending on the intensity of teleworking (IOT). Interestingly, this study finds that teleworkers with a low IOT are more vulnerable to technostress than those with a high IOT. Research limitations/implications By discussing the magnitude of the different factors that determine teleworkers’ technostress and job satisfaction, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of teleworkers’ challenges. The study provides insights and prescriptive guidelines that will help managers and companies develop strategies to maximize the benefits of teleworking implementation. Practical implications This study provides insights and prescriptive guidelines for managers or companies to develop strategies to maximize the benefits of teleworking implementation. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to develop and empirically test an integrated model of technostress and job characteristics. The paper outlines relevant research avenues for researchers investigating remote work and virtual collaboration.

Why so serious? Gamification impact in the acceptance of mobile banking services

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the potential impact of the utilization of game mechanics and game design techniques in the acceptance of mobile banking services. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical model was tested in a quantitative study using structural equation modelling, conducted in Brazil, with actual local banking customers. Findings The findings show that there is a direct and strong relationship between gamification and intention to use mobile banking services, supporting that, when used and designed properly, gamification can help make banking activities more exciting, more interesting and more enjoyable, and in turn increase customer acceptance, engagement and satisfaction. Research limitations/implications The research extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), and prior research to include gamification impact. The result is a more descriptive model that better explains consumers’ decision to use mobile banking services. Practical implications For practitioners, understanding the key constructs is crucial to design, refine and implement mobile banking services that achieve high consumer acceptance and value, and with the right amount of game techniques in them. Originality/value The globalization of business and systems is fuelling the need to acquire a deeper understanding of the impact of gamification in acceptance within the financial industry. This is the first time to the knowledge that UTAUT2 theory and a gamification construct are combined in a mobile banking acceptance work, supported by data from a South American country, enriching the existing literature on this subject and providing new insights into how game techniques influences individual behaviour.

Understanding mobile banking individual performance: The DeLone & McLean model and the moderating effects of individual culture

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Hall’s cultural dimension on the mobile banking (m-banking) individual performance in the m-banking post-adoption stage.,This paper proposes using the DeLone and McLean IS success model moderated by Hall’s cross-cultural dimensions of high-low context and monochronic-polychronic time perception to evaluate the m-banking individual performance in the post-adoption stage.,The results reveal that usage and user satisfaction are important precedents of individual performance, and it also reveals the importance of the moderating effects of monochronic inclination between the usage and user satisfaction to individual performance. The system, information, and service quality affect user’s satisfaction positively.,While the majority of earlier research focuses on potential adopters, this study seeks to understand the significance of cultural effects on the m-banking individual performance in the post-adoption stage, as these are important to explain use and attract potential adopters of m-banking.

Understanding relationships among customer experience, engagement, and word-of-mouth intention on online brand communities

Abstract: Thriving brand communities are inseparable from engaged members and their word-of-mouth behavior. The purpose of this paper is to investigate which customer experience elevates customer engagement and consequent word-of-mouth intention in online brand communities, and how.,From the perspective of service ecosystem theory, a framework with several hypotheses was proposed. The model was verified with structural equation modeling based on questionnaire data collected from smartphone communities in China.,Empirical results indicate that customer experience promotes community engagement, and further enhances word-of-mouth intention. Furthermore, the mediating effect of community engagement in the relation between customer experience (social support and flow) and word-of-mouth intention has been verified.,This paper informs practitioners about the importance of experience co-creation with community members in brand and community promotion, and provides several implications to encourage more engaged customers with fostering pleasant customer experiences.,This study contributes to the theory of service ecosystem by empirical examination of its several propositions in a brand community context. The paper extends the present theory with the discussion of the mediation effect of community engagement in the continuing value co-creation process.

A trust-risk perspective on social commerce use: an examination of the biasing role of habit

Abstract: Purpose: Social commerce websites have emerged as new platforms which integrate social media features with traditional commerce aspects to enhance users’ purchasing experience. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of social factors such as trust toward site members in determining users’ trust and risk evaluations, and the role of social commerce use habit in attenuating users’ rational risk and trust considerations for developing purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach: Relying on the risk deterrence perspective and rational decision-making models involving trust and habit, this study proposes a set of hypotheses which are tested through analyzing survey data using structural equation modeling techniques. Findings: Results show that commerce risk deters purchasing intentions; trust toward the social commerce website increases users’ purchasing intentions; and trust toward the site members indirectly increases purchasing intentions. Moreover, trust toward site members reduces perceived commerce risk. Findings also show that habit modulates trust and risk effects on use decisions in this context; habit moderates (weakens) the relationships between commerce risk and purchase intentions and between trust toward the social commerce site and purchase intentions. Originality/value: This study extends theories on decision making in social settings such as in the case of social commerce. It does so by accounting for unique modulating effects of habit in social settings in which social aspects such as trust in other members and risk are unique and important.

Understanding Chinese consumer engagement in social commerce: The roles of social support and swift guanxi

Abstract: Purpose Building on the Chinese guanxi perspective, the purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model that explains the indirect effects of social support from friends on social commerce intentions, as mediated through the relational aspects that potential buyers develop with sellers. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses are tested with partial least squares (PLS)-graph applied to data collected via a survey of social media users (n=511). SPSS and PLS-graph are the statistical analysis tools used in this study. Findings Relationship exists in social commerce interactions and its quality can be captured by swift guanxi and trust. These swift relationships matter as they drive users’ behavioral intentions on social commerce sites. The informational and social support people receive from friends helps in improving the relationship quality and can indirectly influence user behaviors on these sites. Research limitations/implications This study has relied on a convenient sampling and this may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should employ broader and more random sampling techniques to re-validate and extend the findings. Originality/value The interpersonal aspect of relationship quality has received little attention in the social commerce literature. This study develops a theoretical model that explains consumers’ intention in social commerce. The findings reveal the mechanisms through which different types of social support indirectly influence social commerce intentions. They provide a unique glimpse into consumer behavior in Chinese settings, in which the guanxi aspect of relationship quality highly matters.

E-WOM messaging on social media: Social ties, temporal distance, and message concreteness

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the intentions to share electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) messages on social media websites depending on tie strength, perceptions of temporal distance and the concreteness of promotional messages. Design/methodology/approach A 2×2×2 mixed design is used. Temporal distance (near vs distant) and message concreteness (text vs picture) are between-subjects factors; sharing intentions (close friends vs general public) is a within-subjects factor. Findings Findings indicate that consumers are more likely to share promotional messages with their strong rather than weak ties. If they perceive that purchases will occur soon, concrete promotional messages will more strongly motivate them to share the message with their friends. However, if they perceive that purchases will occur in the distant future, abstract messages are more motivating. The difference occurs because construal-level theory is more effective among strong E-WOM ties. Originality/value By studying senders’ perspectives, the authors make a new theoretical and practical contribution to the emerging literature on E-WOM communication. Specifically, the authors show how senders are persuaded to share information with their strong- or weak-tie audiences according to the concreteness of a message and temporal distance. The authors add construal-level theory and advertising message processing to the domain of E-WOM and social ties research.

Creating e-shopping multisensory flow experience through augmented-reality interactive technology

Abstract: Purpose Drawing on virtual liminoid theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine factors that induce a multisensory flow experience in an e-shopping context through the use of augmented-reality interactive technology (ARIT). Design/methodology/approach To validate the research framework, a task-based laboratory study was performed. Participants were recruited through a snowball e-mail method and requested to freely and independently use ARIT for clothes fitting in the laboratory, after which they completed a questionnaire; 336 valid responses were received. Findings Empirical results revealed that three decorating psychological states (sense of body ownership, sense of ownership control, and self-explorative engagement) directly induced a multisensory flow experience. Furthermore, two multisensory factors (sense of self-location and haptic imagery) mediated the multisensory flow experience through these three decorating psychological states. Practical implications Consumers not only rely on generating self-display for optimal fitting in virtual avatar decoration in an e-shopping context but also concentrate more on expression and control of self-body. As consumers’ decorating psychological states require an ideal form of self-expression, a high degree of autonomy in exploring self-decoration options will create more value for consumers. Considering that expressing and controlling the self-body in addition to self-explorative engagement in virtual avatar decoration will trigger the flow experience in an e-shopping context, increasing the use of multisensory ARIT to trigger decorating psychological states in e-shopping contexts is highly recommended. Originality/value In this study, a relationship was constructed among virtual liminoid theory, flow theory, and multisensory technology, and an integrated conceptual framework was developed for the relationship between decorating psychological states and multisensory flow experience.

Understanding impulse purchase in Facebook commerce: does Big Five matter?

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the Big Five Model (BFM), the urge to purchase (UP) and urgency (UR) on impulse purchase (IP) in Facebook commerce (F-commerce), with the F-commerce purchase as control variable. It also investigates the influence of BFM and UR on UP and the effects of BFM on UR. Design/methodology/approach The survey instrument was rigorously validated via content validity index by expert panel, Q-sort procedure for construct validity by practitioners in pre-test, followed by evaluation of construct reliability in the pilot test. Data gathered from 808 usable questionnaires were analyzed using SmartPLS 3. Findings The study showed that BFM, UP, UR and F-commerce purchase are significant predictors of the F-commerce IP. UP is influenced by BFM and UR. BFM has a significant positive relationship with UR. F-commerce experience has insignificant moderating effect. Practical implications This study provides some useful practical implications for the F-commerce administrators, advertisers, dealers and promoters. Originality/value Existing studies focus on the antecedents of IP in conventional stores and online businesses; however, IP in F-commerce has been largely overlooked. The study investigates the impacts of personality traits on IP and its effects on UR and UP. The mediating effects of UR and UP were also examined. The study is able to predict 64.4, 68.0 and 49.0 percent variance in IP, UP and UR, respectively.

Effectiveness of online consumer reviews: The influence of valence, reviewer ethnicity, social distance and source trustworthiness

Abstract: Purpose Extant research addressing how consumers respond to electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) remains limited. Even less attention has been devoted to examining the trustworthiness of consumer reviewers with different ethnic backgrounds. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of reviewer ethnicity, review valence and social distance (to three different ethnic groups) on perceived reviewer trustworthiness, brand attitude and purchase intention toward a product evaluated by reviewers of three ethnic backgrounds. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a 2 (review valence)×3 (reviewer ethnicity) design; 398 participants were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions. A mock product-review web page for each study condition was created to manipulate review valence and reviewer ethnicity. Findings Results show that while review valence, reviewer ethnicity and social distance each had a significant effect on perceived reviewer trustworthiness, only review valence had an influence on brand attitude and purchase intention. The interaction between reviewer ethnicity and review valence also had a significant effect on perceived reviewer trustworthiness, brand attitude and purchase intention. Originality/value The current study is the first to apply social distance theory to explain cross-cultural perception of trust, as it extends and updates the original social distance scale to broaden its empirical relevance to contemporary society via an eWOM marketing context. As social distance is a fluid and timely concept to study the diverse ethnic cultural environment, the current findings carry strong implications to future research in a wide variety of digital communication and marketing contexts, among others.

Internet entrepreneurship and “the sharing of information” in an Internet-of-Things context: The role of interactivity, stickiness, e-satisfaction and word-of-mouth in online SMEs’ websites

Abstract: Purpose For entrepreneurs operating in an Internet-of-Things (IoT) environment, it is essential to monitor more systematically, both the interaction with the consumers and the sharing of information among the consumers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents of word-of-mouth (WOM) in the online SME’s context in terms of consumers “citing the site” to peers in personal communications. A research model integrates the determinants of retail website-specific positive WOM communication, and proposes that WOM about a particular website is influenced by: site-level variables, that is, website quality and interactivity; and consumer-level variables, these being the site user’s satisfaction with and commitment to the website. The research advances the study of IoT entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from graduate and undergraduate students with business and entrepreneurship majors from a reputed school in the Northeast region of the USA, using an online survey. The hypotheses were then tested with SEM using AMOS 18.0. Findings Findings suggest that in an IoT context, WOM is influenced by a variety of factors of which the e-satisfaction and attitude toward website constructs play important roles. The study highlights the importance of the e-satisfaction construct and its metrics. E-satisfaction is not only a critical outcome metric, but also a primary predictor of customer e-loyalty, measured in terms of the customer’s positive attitude, stickiness and propensity to spread positive WOM. Originality/value The paper contributes to the entrepreneurship and IoT literature with a comprehensive framework of information sharing, interactivity and WOM, showing that specific antecedents drive consumers to cite and advocate for a website to fellow customers. The framework helps retail SME entrepreneurs in the IoT context to design appropriate strategies to influence website visitors’ endorsement of the site to fellow customers.

Examining e-loyalty towards online shopping platforms: The role of coupon proneness and value consciousness

Abstract: Existing research has long considered e-loyalty as a key to the success of online shopping. The purpose of this paper is to advance the theoretical understanding of e-loyalty by exploring the roles of coupon proneness and value consciousness in the context of online shopping platforms.,The authors empirically tested the research model using a sample of 537 users of an online shopping platform in a longitudinal setting.,The results provided support to all the hypotheses in the research model; particularly, the authors found that coupon proneness and value consciousness play important roles in explaining e-loyalty. They both exhibited significant moderating effects on the relationship between loyalty intentions and repurchase behaviors. The impact of trust on loyalty intentions was also examined.,The authors believe that this study will shed light for practitioners and enable researchers to deepen their understanding of e-loyalty in online shopping platforms.,The research better explains the gap between two important price-tactics-related variables (including coupon proneness and value consciousness); and further examines their roles in determining customers’ repurchase behaviors in the context of online shopping, which is not well examined in previous studies.

Why users purchase virtual products in MMORPG? An integrative perspective of social presence and user engagement

Abstract: Purpose Prior studies on virtual product purchase have focused on external technological factor but have paid less attention to internal user factors. Thus, drawing upon the social presence and user engagement theories, the purpose of this paper is to develop a research model considering both technological factors and user factors and empirically examine the validity of the proposed research model. Design/methodology/approach A survey from 214 World of Warcraft players was conducted to test the proposed research model, and structural equation modelling approach (specifically, PLS) was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The data analysis results suggest that both social presence and user engagement positively influence the intention to purchase virtual products. Furthermore, two technological factors, interactivity and sociability, are found to affect social presence, and two social factors, social ties and social identity, are found to affect user engagement. Originality/value This study proposes a dual factor framework (i.e. technological and user factors) to investigate the factors influencing the intention to purchase by integrating the social presence perspective and user engagement perspective. The findings would be beneficial for service provider of massively multiplayer online role-playing games to recognize that triggering user demand is of equal importance with offering better technologies and suggest new ways to promote users’ virtual product purchase intentions.

Evaluating the performance of e-government in developing countries: A public value perspective

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and validate a public value-based framework for evaluating the performance of electronic government (e-government), leading to the identification of the critical factors in creating public value through e-government in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive review of the related literatures is conducted for developing a public value-based framework. A survey of e-government users is conducted, and the survey data are analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings This study shows that information quality, e-services functionalities, user orientation, efficiency and openness of public organisations, equity, citizens’ self-development, trust, and environmental sustainability are the critical public values of e-government in developing countries. It reveals that the use of the public value concept is effective in evaluating the performance of e-government in developing countries. Practical implications This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the e-government performance for better understanding the value of e-government in developing countries. The findings can guide the development of e-government in developing countries. Originality/value This is the first study in testing and validating a public value-based framework for evaluating the performance of e-government in developing countries. It demonstrates how the concept of public value can be adopted for evaluating the performance of e-government.

The art of appeal in electronic commerce: Understanding the impact of product and website quality on online purchases

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance product appeal and website appeal as focal psychological mechanisms that can be invoked by business-to-consumer e-commerce sites to mitigate problems of information asymmetry via signaling to bolster consumers’ purchase intention under the influence of trust. Design/methodology/approach Survey approach was employed to validate the research model. Findings Website appeal partially mediates the positive effect of product appeal on consumers’ purchase intention. Trust in e-commerce sites not only increases purchase intention directly, but it also reinforces the positive relationship between website appeal and purchase intention while attenuating the positive relationship between product appeal and purchase intention. Service content quality, search delivery quality, and enjoyment are confirmed as positive antecedents of website appeal whereas diagnosticity and justifiability are established as positive antecedents of product appeal. Research limitations/implications This study not only delineates product and website appeal as complementary drivers of consumer purchase on e-commerce sites, but it also derives five signals that aid in bolstering both product and website appeal. Trust is revealed to exert a moderating influence on the impact of product and website appeal on purchase intention. Practical implications Practitioners should prioritize their resource allocation to enhance qualities most pertinent to product and website appeal. E-commerce sites should offer product-oriented functionalities to facilitate product diagnosticity and reassure consumers of their purchase decisions. Originality/value This study distinguishes between product and website appeal as well as between their respective antecedents. It also uncovers how trust can alter the effects of both website and product appeal on consumers’ purchase intention.

How does media richness contribute to customer loyalty to mobile instant messaging

Abstract: No studies in the extant literature have explored the role of media richness, i.e., the ability of media to enhance understanding among communication partners in a timely manner, in determining customer loyalty to mobile instant messaging (MIM). Grounded in media richness theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine how media richness influences customer perceived values, consequently contributing to customer loyalty to MIM.,Collecting data by an online survey, the authors apply partial least square procedures for hypothesis testing.,The authors obtain the following findings: multiple cues are positively related to functional value; immediate feedback is positively related to social value; personal focus is positively related to self-expressive value; language variety is positively related to all the above values that lead to user loyalty; and language variety has the strongest effect on user loyalty to MIM.,A first attempt to examine the impact of media richness on user loyalty to MIM, this study provides insights for MIM service providers to make decisions to build loyal user bases.

Is offensive commenting contagious online? Examining public vs interpersonal swearing in response to Donald Trump’s YouTube campaign videos

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the spillover effects of offensive commenting in online community from the lens of emotional and behavioral contagion. Specifically, it examines the contagion of swearing – a linguistic mannerism that conveys high-arousal emotion – based upon two mechanisms of contagion: mimicry and social interaction effect. Design/methodology/approach The study performs a series of mixed-effect logistic regressions to investigate the contagious potential of offensive comments collected from YouTube in response to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign videos posted between January and April 2016. Findings The study examines non-random incidences of two types of swearing online: public and interpersonal. Findings suggest that a first-level (a.k.a. parent) comment’s public swearing tends to trigger chains of interpersonal swearing in the second-level (a.k.a. child) comments. Meanwhile, among the child-comments, a sequentially preceding comment’s swearing is contagious to the following comment only across the same swearing type. Based on the findings, the study concludes that offensive comments are contagious and have impact on shaping the community-wide linguistic norms of online user interactions. Originality/value The study discusses the ways in which an individual’s display of offensiveness may influence and shape discursive cultures on the internet. This study delves into the mechanisms of text-based contagion by differentiating between mimicry effect and social interaction effect. While online emotional contagion research to this date has focused on the difference between positive and negative valence, internet research that specifically looks at the contagious potential of offensive expressions remains sparse.

A systematic literature review on opinion types and sentiment analysis techniques: Tasks and challenges

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the evidence provided on the review types, and explain the challenges faced by classification techniques in sentiment analysis (SA). The aim is to understand how traditional classification technique issues can be addressed through the adoption of improved methods. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of literature was used to search published articles between 2002 and 2014 and identified 24 papers that discuss regular, comparative, and suggestive reviews and the related SA techniques. The authors formulated and applied specific inclusion and exclusion criteria in two distinct rounds to determine the most relevant studies for the research goal. Findings The review identified nine practices of review types, eight standard machine learning classification techniques and seven practices of concept learning Sentic computing techniques. This paper offers insights on promising concept-based approaches to SA, which leverage commonsense knowledge and linguistics for tasks such as polarity detection. The practical implications are also explained in this review. Research limitations/implications The findings provide information for researchers and traders to consider in relation to a variety of techniques for SA such as Sentic computing and multiple opinion types such as suggestive opinions. Originality/value Previous literature review studies in the field of SA have used simple literature review to find the tasks and challenges in the field. In this study, a systematic literature review is conducted to find the more specific answers to the proposed research questions. This type of study has not been conducted in the field previously and so provides a novel contribution. Systematic reviews help to reduce implicit researcher bias. Through adoption of broad search strategies, predefined search strings and uniform inclusion and exclusion criteria, systematic reviews effectively force researchers to search for studies beyond their own subject areas and networks.

Examining the impact mechanism of social psychological motivations on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs: The moderating effect of gender

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact mechanism of psychological motivations, social influence and institutional influence on individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, and further, to explore if there exist behavioral differences between males and females. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the social cognitive theory (SCT) and the technology acceptance theory, this study developed a theoretical model and conducted an empirical study in China. In total, 247 valid data were collected from college students using online survey, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to examine the research model. Findings The empirical results suggest that self-efficacy, self-enjoyment, self-development and social norm are positively associated with individuals’ continuance intention of MOOCs, while management commitment in the university has little influence on continuance intention. The moderating test further suggests that males are more likely to be influenced by self-development and perceived usefulness compared with females. Practical implications This study can provide several guidelines to the administrators of the MOOC platform regarding platform design, course selection and social community establishment, so as to encourage more students to participate in the MOOC platform. Originality/value This study applied the SCT in the new context of MOOCs to examine the joint effects of social, institutional and psychological motivation factors on individuals’ continuance intention, and unpacks the moderating effect of gender.

Understanding location-based services users’ privacy concern: An elaboration likelihood model perspective

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to draw on the elaboration likelihood model to examine location-based services (LBS) users’ privacy concern. Design/methodology/approach Based on the 266 valid responses collected from a survey, structural equation modeling was employed to examine the research model. Findings The results indicated that privacy concern receives a dual influence from both central cues and peripheral cues. Central cues include privacy policy and information quality, whereas peripheral cues include reputation and privacy seals. Privacy control moderates the effects of privacy policy and privacy seals on privacy concern. Research limitations/implications The results imply that service providers need to consider both central and peripheral cues in order to mitigate users’ privacy concern associated with using LBS. Originality/value Although previous research has found the effect of privacy concern on user adoption of LBS, it has seldom examined the influence processes of external factors on privacy concern. This research tries to fill the gap.

How to measure engagement in Twitter: advancing a metric

Abstract: Purpose As social media are essentially different from traditional media, due to their social networking structures and egalitarian nature, conventional media metrics are not appropriate. Social media networks have nevertheless become another communications channel that companies use to achieve their marketing goals. Even though the measurement of marketing constructs in social media is elusive, a comprehensive means of measuring engagement is proposed for a successful social media site: Twitter. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach A measurement for customer engagement based on conceptual reflections is presented in the context of Twitter. Findings A new environment fostered by internet obliges companies to manage social media accounts and to assess engagement with company brands. To do so, companies need to analyze engagement trends by means of a metric, helping them to design an appropriate engagement strategy. The proposed metric provides much needed insight for companies to fine-tune their engagement strategy. Moreover, a means of calculating engagement from the parameters that Twitter makes available to the public is also proposed. Research limitations/implications The metric for engagement in Twitter that is proposed in this paper will be the starting point for future improvements through a conceptual and empirical discussion on this issue. Originality/value This is the first proposal specifically designed for Twitter, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, for measuring engagement.

Customer citizenship behavior on social networking sites: The role of relationship quality, identification, and service attributes

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the customer- and firm-focused driving factors, relationship quality (RQ), and identification on customer citizenship behaviors (CCB) on corporate social networking sites (SNS), as well as the impact of service attribute in such relationship. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted among the Facebook members of 7-Eleven (318) and Starbucks (316) in Taiwan to test the proposed framework. A structural equation modeling was used to test the validity of the research model and hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that SNS RQ and SNS identification are key factors affecting CCB, whereas financial bond (firm-focused) and consumer-company identification (customer-focused) are critical initiators. The findings reveal contingencies across service attributes for such effects. Experienced service firms can better encourage CCB by intimating SNS relationships with followers. Search firms should secure online identification to enable customers to perform CCB. The results also confirm the mediating effects of SNS RQ and SNS identification. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by simultaneously examining the firm (external)- and individual (internal)-level of incentives, and to further reveal the main drivers encouraging CCB on corporate SNS. This study also belongs to the limited studies that discuss consumer voluntary behaviors on the corporate SNS. The results shed light on the existence of a contingency role for service attribute on SNS, and further suggest how firms with distinct attributes can effectively allocate their limited resources when encouraging CCB on SNS.

The impact of reference effects on online purchase intention of agricultural products: The moderating role of consumers’ food safety consciousness

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of reference effects on online purchase intention (OPI) of agricultural products in B2C context and to examine how consumers’ food safety consciousness (FSC) moderates that impact. Design/methodology/approach An empirical survey was used to test the hypotheses. Data were collected from a total of 297 online consumers in China. A structural equation modeling is utilized to assess the relationships proposed in the research model. Findings The findings of this study show that reference effects have a significant impact on OPI of agricultural products. Both perceived value (PV) and perceived risk (PR) play a mediating role in the relations between reference effects and OPI, but the mediating effect of the PV is found to be significantly greater than that of the PR. Consumers’ FSC significantly and positively moderates the impact of reference effects on OPI, meaning that the more attention consumers pay to food safety, the greater the impact of reference effects on OPI will become. Research limitations/implications First, this study mainly analyzes the positive impact of reference effects on OPI. Future research could discuss the negative impact of reference effects and compare the differences between them. Second, this study only takes the PV and PR as mediators into the research model. Future research could consider adding trust, attitude, and other variables and further explore and clarify the influencing mechanism between reference effects and OPI. Third, this study examines the moderating role of consumers’ FSC but does not fully discuss the moderating role of product categories. Further research could compare the influence of reference effects among multiple product categories. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for agricultural enterprises and online vendors that reference effects are one of the most important factors to influence OPI. It suggests to agricultural enterprises and online vendors that reference effects can be used as a new instrument to influence consumers’ online purchase decisions. Originality/value This study for the first time defines reference effects in an online setting and introduces the perspective of reference effects to establish a theoretical model to explain consumers’ OPI of agricultural products. The study reveals the influencing mechanism of reference effects on OPI and thus enriches the theory of online purchase behavior.

Integrated acceptance and sustainability evaluation of Internet of Medical Things: A dual-level analysis

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct a dual-level (organizational and individual user) analysis of development related to the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). It examines the organizational dynamics of IoMT and develops a conceptual model for quality of experience (QoE) in user acceptance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the information systems success model of quality factor as an analytical framework and extends it beyond the individual user experience (UX) to include an organization-level perspective. Interviews are conducted with relevant stakeholders for sociotechnical inquiries; a survey identifies user factors in IoMT. Findings The sociotechnical analysis sheds light on how IoMT has been accepted and stabilized in the healthcare sector. It shows the complex interaction between the social and technical aspects of IoMT by highlighting the co-evolution, interaction, and interface of devices that constitute the next-generation network environment. The UX model conceptualizes QoE specific to medical informatics. Research limitations/implications Given the sociotechnical nature of this investigation, another approach to adoption of IoMT innovations was worth investigating to determine effective integration. Practical implications IoMT needs to be meaningful if they are to be sustainable and they need to offer quality of services and QoE no matter the location or demographic in which they are used. Originality/value With a dual-level analysis, the study provides a comprehensive view of the IoMT development process by investigating the organizational dynamics, in addition to the UX, of IoMT. The results provide a basis for developing future IoMT services with QoE requirements, as well as for clarifying sociotechnical dynamics.

Creating identification with brand communities on Twitter: The balance between need for affiliation and need for uniqueness

Abstract: Purpose Companies are now using social network sites (SNSs) within their marketing and brand-building activities. Twitter is the preferred SNS for creating brand communities, which offer companies many advantages. The purpose of this paper is to examine how individuals manage their competing needs for being affiliated (operationalized as personal and communal-brand connections) and for being seen as distinctive (operationalized as need for uniqueness (NFU)) when they are members of brand communities on Twitter. The authors have also analysed which type of brand community is able to achieve the balance between both needs, enhancing identification with the brand community. Design/methodology/approach A total of 318 valid responses were collected from three camera brand communities on Twitter. Messages (“tweets”) which included a link to an online questionnaire were sent to community members via Twitter. The authors examine the proposed model using structural equation modelling. Findings The authors demonstrate that consumers can satisfy their need for affiliation in brand communities created in Twitter. However, consumers can only reach a balance between the need for affiliation and the need for distinctiveness in brand communities built around niche brands. In contrast, the two needs work in opposition to shape identification in brand communities of big brands. Originality/value Optimal distinctiveness theory is used as a theoretical background for proposing how the antecedents of identification with the brand community enhance brand loyalty, with reference to the conflict between the individual’s needs for both distinctiveness and affiliation. Consumers’ identification with the brand community is proposed as a mediator to achieve brand loyalty in brand communities. Consumers reach this balance in brand communities built around a niche brand, where individuals with high NFU feel a high identification with the brand community. For big brands, as consumers’ NFU increases, their identification with the brand community and brand loyalty decreases.

What promotes smartphone-based mobile commerce? Mobile-specific and self-service characteristics

Abstract: Purpose Given that smartphones are widely used as a key means for mobile commerce, the purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth understanding of determinants of the utilitarian value that customers seek to obtain from using smartphone-based mobile commerce. Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study proposes that usefulness and ease of use are two typical factors representing utilitarian value and verifies their impacts on smartphone-based m-commerce use. Moreover, the paper expands the TAM by considering mobile-specific characteristics (i.e. service ubiquity and location-based service (LBS)) and a self-service technology (SST) characteristic (i.e. user control) as determinants of utilitarian value. Design/methodology/approach The study entailed conducting a survey, and analyses were conducted based on a total of 379 responses from undergraduate and graduate students who had experience using smartphones for mobile commerce. The analyses used structural equation modeling to test the research model and hypotheses. Findings First, in the context of the various technologies-involved m-commerce, TAM serves as a theoretical lens to predict user behavior. Second, usefulness is greatly increased by service ubiquity, LBS, and user control. Third, ease of use is enhanced by service ubiquity and user control. Finally, ease of use is a determinant of usefulness. Originality/value The findings imply that mobile-specific and SST characteristics are the key determinants of utilitarian value in performance-oriented mobile commerce, and utilitarian value is a key determinant of smartphone-based mobile commerce use.