Motivations toward Electronic Word-of-Mouth Sending Behavior Regarding Restaurant Experiences in the Millennial Generation

Abstract

A growing body of the literature on the study of online reviews presents interesting research opportunities, especially in services highly frequented by young consumer segments, such as restaurants. In this context, the present study examines the restaurant electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM) behavior of Millennial consumers by addressing both review queries before the purchase decision and writing and sending after the purchase. Based on the theory of reasoned action, a double objective is pursued. On the one hand, the influence of motivations related to extroversion, social benefits, and altruism on EWOM sending behavior is analyzed. On the other hand, the moderating role of EWOM consultation in these relationships is studied. Using a sample of 341 Millennials from Ecuador, a structural model is constructed that confirms the contribution of two types of motivations in sending EWOM: those of extroversion and those of social benefits. The results also reveal the moderating role of EWOM consultation alone in the effects of extraversion and altruism motivations. Managerial implications for restaurants derived from this study include improvements in the design of digital communication strategies tailored to Millennial customers based on their motivations.