Impact of social commerce constructs and social support on social commerce intentions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of social commerce constructs (SCCs), social support and relationship quality on social commerce intentions, which lead to use behaviour of social networking sites for social commerce.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 343 users of social networking sites in Pakistan. The data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM.FindingsThe results show that SCCs have empowered consumers through the existence of virtual groups, ratings and reviews and recommendations and referrals, thereby having a significant impact on social commerce intentions. The relationship quality with social networking sites, measured through commitment, satisfaction and trust, also proved to be a leading forecaster of social commerce intentions. The impact of social support could not positively influence the relationship quality with the social networking site. However, social support influences the social commerce intentions significantly.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should enrich model with some moderating variables and data may be collected from actual online shoppers only.Practical implicationsThis study provides valuable insights to retailers to formulate their social commerce strategies as per decision factors results to have maximum engagement of consumers in social commerce.Originality/valueThe study proposes the unique model for finding the social commerce intentions and use behaviour using social support theory, relationship marketing theory and information systems literature.