Unveiling the mediating mechanisms: service recovery and customer advocacy between app attachment and customers’ responses

Abstract

PurposeThis study investigates the direct impact of app attachment on service recovery and customer advocacy and their combined impact on recommendation and purchase intention. The mediating mechanisms of service recovery and customer advocacy between app attachment and customer responses are also tested in the context of food delivery apps (FDAs).Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a quantitative approach, the authors surveyed 207 responses from users of FDAs who had experienced service failures. Structural equation modeling in Smart PLS 3.0 was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results supported direct effects among all constructs in the model. The main contribution of the study confirms the mediating mechanisms of service recovery and customer advocacy between app attachment and customer responses.Research limitations/implicationsPrevious studies have mostly relied on the technology acceptance model (TAM). This theory posits that perceived usefulness and ease of use influence the decision of individuals to use a new technology. Although this theory is valuable in terms of accepting new technologies, it neglects psychological phenomena involving the individual and the technological entity – in this case, the FDA. Thus, our study is unique in applying attachment theory and putting emphasis on the importance of building trust in the relationship between FDAs and their customers. Social exchange theory is applied to explain the importance of overcoming the cost of experiencing a failure through service recovery. Thus, we extend the knowledge regarding psychological individual reactions to mobile technologies in the food context, an important sector within the hospitality market.Practical implicationsFDA managers should invest in developing emotional ties with customers. Specific actions include messaging customers on their birthdays or other festive dates. Short testimonial videos on TikTok or other social media with customers advocating in favor of the company could help spread recommendations and the intentions of other customers using the FDAs. To use these practical recommendations properly, we recommend that FDA managers consider the level of quality service recovery delivered and individuals’ cultures, beliefs and values regarding where the company operates to avoid misunderstandings.Originality/valueThis study is original in proposing a model to FDA operators considering app attachment, service recovery, customer advocacy, recommendation and purchase intention. It further supports the mediating effect of service recovery and customer advocacy between app attachment, recommendation and purchase intention on mobile phones.