eWOM Adoption Research Articles

The influence of homophily and social identity on eWOM in streaming consumption behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of homophily and social identity in eWOM adoption and influence on music consumption in streaming platforms. The study also proposes a framework for eWOM influence on product consumption. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire with a total of 524 valid responses. A partial least square methodology was used to approach the data analysis. Findings The findings indicate that both homophily and social identity have an influence on eWOM effect. Additionally, homophily shows influence on social identity being an important value to the total influence. It is also confirmed how eWOM has direct influence on music consumption. Practical implications Social information of consumers becomes more relevant than ever, as the results contribute to highlight its importance as a message adoption influencer and product consumption driver. Originality/value This study contributes to social communication theory by identifying homophily and social identity as valuable assets during eWOM generation. The research brings a new angle to social identity theory in the social network environment and influences eWOM adoption in music streaming consumption.

Influence of Electronic Word-Of-Mouth on Restaurant Choice Decisions: Does It Depend on Gender in the Millennial Generation?

Given the exponential growth of eWOM, especially among the millennial generation, an analysis of the consultation behaviour of online opinions is essential to better understanding the decision-making process. The aim of this proposal is to analyse how the motivations towards eWOM consultation contribute to the final adoption of eWOM, especially in the restaurant context, exploring the relationship chain “motivations to consult eWOM—intention to consult eWOM—adoption to consult eWOM”. Moreover, studying the moderating effect of gender in this chain is argued. Based on a sample of 341 millennials with experience in reading online reviews and visiting restaurants, a causal model was estimated through PLS estimation in the geographic area of Ecuador. The results confirm that millennials’ motivations influence directly their intention to consult eWOM and indirectly on eWOM adoption. In addition, gender does not show a significant effect on the chain of effects. Given that virtual platforms have the potential to influence men and women equally, the communication efforts of restaurants focused on this target audience and carried out on social media must focus on aspects other than gender.

Influence of electronic word of mouth on consumers' intention to purchase airline e-tickets in the Mekong Delta

Online consumer reviews create an electronic word–of–mouth information (eWOM) system. They can lead to airline e-ticket purchasing intention. However, to examine whether consumers accept such information or what factors affect their adoption, this study investigates the influence of antecedents eWOM on eWOM adoption and airline e-ticket purchasing intention. This paper uses datasets from a quantitative survey of online consumers in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The SPSS 23 tool was used to analyze the scale's reliability through Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, EFA exploratory factor analysis, and linear regression analysis. According to the study results, factors with a positive impact are ranked in decreasing order of strength: Information Quality and Credibility and Information Attitude Adoption positively influence eWOM adoption. Additionally, the results demonstrate a positive correlation between eWOM adoption and airline e-ticket purchase intention. The findings of this study provide important implications for online air ticket sellers in managing online consumer reviews and improving and developing marketing campaigns, specifically viral marketing, that increase airline e-ticket purchasing intention.

Do e-WOM Persuade Travelers Destination Visit Intentions? An investigation on how Travelers Adopt the Information from the Social Media Channels

The main aim of this study is to investigate how travelers adopt the information from Facebook (FB) electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) and its impacts on their intention to visit a destination. Purposive sampling was used to gather data from 412 visitors visiting several tourist destinations in major cities of India. To determine the minimum necessary sample size ―G*Power software version 3.1.9.7‖ was used. For data analysis, Partial Least Square Structural Equational Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used in the study. The results of this study show that all the antecedents except timeliness have a significant influence on travelers' visit intentions through Facebook e-WOM adoption. The outcomes of this study will be beneficial to internet community organizers in terms of better managing their websites for the aim of delivering relevant information. It would also benefit them in attracting users and, as a result, in paying advertisers. This research aids to the knowledge about the use of the content of Facebook e-WOM to help people decide whether or not to visit a certain destination. The major limitation is that this study is more inclined towards the destination visit intentions of travelers rather than actual visit behavior.

The Influence of Ewom on The Purchase Intention of Young Consumers at Online Travel Agents Through the Expansion on the Information Adoption Model (Case Study on Traveloka, Tiket.Com, Agoda, Pegipegi, Airbnb)

e-WOM has become very popular in recent years due to the increasing number of contributors and the proliferation of mobile platforms for applicatios on social media. In online travel agents, it is currently known that tourist is obtain information from online review websites rather than hotel websites to decide their hotel choices, therefore eWOM significantly influences consumers purchasing decisions. This research contributes to IAM and the extended model will be tested in eWOM research on five online travel egents (Traveloka, Tiket.com, Agoda, Pegipegi, Airbnb). This study aims to examine the effect of argument quality, source credibility, information quantity, and emotional word understanding on the percived usefulness of eWOM, to analyze the effect of perceived usefulness on information adoption and to investigate the effect of information adoption on young consumers purchase intentions. The type of research used in this study is descriptive analysis with quantitative approach with CB-SEM data analysis techniques using the Amos24 program with a minimum sample of 385 respondents.The results show that argument quality, source credibility, information quantity and emotive word comprehension have positive effect on the perceived usefulness of eWOM. Perceived usefulness has positive influence on the information adoption of eWOM, which in turn predicts the young consumers’ purchase intentions. This study makes several contributions to the literature on marketing communications, in particular to eWOM research and IAM theory. Practically, this research provides knowledge and insight to online travel agent site marketers in order to increase the usability and effectiveness of eWOM to attract more young consumers.

Understanding the impact of eWOM communication through the lens of information adoption model: A meta-analytic structural equation modeling perspective

In the last decade, eWOM has arguably become the most preferred way for consumers to seek and share consumption-related information. eWOM as a research topic also garnered huge attention from the research community, which led to the vast academic literature on eWOM. However, there is a lack of consensus on how different eWOM attributes impact consumer responses to eWOM communication. Moreover, there is also inconsistency regarding the mechanism through which eWOM messages influence consumers' behavioral intentions. To address this gap, we conduct a meta-analysis of 179 studies comprising 186 unique samples and 65,655 observations, which reveals the strength and significance of the association between eWOM attributes and eWOM response. Further, based on the Information Adoption Model, this study investigates the various mechanisms through which eWOM credibility, eWOM usefulness, and attitude towards eWOM impact purchase intention. In addition, this study discusses the moderating role of culture, product and platform type. Results of meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) support a serial mediation model of eWOM credibility and attitude towards eWOM on purchase intention through eWOM usefulness and eWOM adoption. From the research perspective, this study resolves the inconsistencies in the extant literature to provide more reliable generalizations. Managers can use this study to enhance the consumers’ purchase intention through effective management of eWOM communication.

The eWOM adoption model in the hospitality industry: the moderating effect of the vlogger’s review

酒店业的网络口碑采用意向模型：视频博主评论的调节作用研究目的Vlogger（视频博主）已成为社交媒体营销中的一种新现象, 尤其是在酒店行业, 用户生成的评论可以强烈影响购买决策。 因此, 本文旨在建立一个电子口碑 (eWOM) 采用意向模型（EAM）, 该模型包含来源评估属性（信息质量、主要影响力和来源可信度）、对电子口碑的信任、eWOM intention (EWOMI) 和预订意愿, 以及 (2) 调查视频博主对 EAM 中关系的负面评论的调节。研究设计/方法/途径当前的研究进行了两项研究（ns1 = 446, ns2 = 374）。 数据是通过带有实验设计的在线和面对面调查收集的。 本文使用 CB-SEM 来检查主要效果, 并应用多组分析来测试 vlogger 评论的调节效果。研究发现来源评估的三个属性是网络口碑信任度的重要预测指标, 对网络口碑和预订意愿产生积极影响。 EWOMI 也对预订意愿产生积极影响。 此外, vlogger 的负面评论可以降低信息质量对信任的影响, 以及信任对研究 1 中的 EWOMI 和研究 2 中的酒店预订意愿的影响。研究原创性/价值这项研究为酒店环境建立了 EAM 模型, 并提供了关于视频博主负面评论对 EAM 中关系的调节作用的新颖见解。

How Negative eWOM Affects Purchase Intention: Evidence from Indonesian Traveling Apps Users

Abstract. Traveling apps are effective tools to search information and purchase tourism products. Online reviews are the most influential information source in the tourism industry. This study determines the effect of eWOM factors: informational determinants (perceived eWOM usefulness and eWOM perceived credibility of online reviews); personal determinants (using experience of eWOM and product involvement); and the effects of negative reviews (perceived diagnosticity of negative reviews and negative review impression) on purchase intention in traveling applications through some mediating variables (attitude toward online review, attitude toward product, attitude toward brand, and eWOM adoption). This study uses Information Adoption Model and integrates consumer attitude. There were 356 respondents collected through online survey and purposive sampling. Further, Structural Equation Modeling was employed to analyze 17 hypotheses. The results showed that only perceived credibility of online review has no indirect impact on purchase intention. It exhibits the importance role of consumers' attitude and eWOM adoption as mediating variables in promoting purchase intention. This study contributes to industry, especially traveling application managers to arrange their eWOM strategies and travel product providers in managing their brand activities. Keywords: Online review, negative eWOM, Information Adoption Model.

SERIAL MEDIATION OF PERCEIVED USEFULNESS AND EWOM ADOPTION IN VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES AND THE MODERATING EFFECT OF GENDER

Purpose – This study analyzes the adoption behavior of eWOM information from the consumer’s perspective. In virtual communities, this study examines the serial mediation of perceived usefulness and adoption of eWOM between eWOM characteristics (credibility, quality, and vivacity) and the intention to visit a tourist destination and gender as a moderator. This study makes a significant theoretical and practical contribution by the purpose of an integrative model, according to the ELM model, and by examining the moderating effect of gender. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study tests the hypothesis using an experimental scenario simulation method. Signals embedded in various components of the eWOM (stimuli/ scenarios) were used, such as interactivity with the message (Like number, comment, sharing) or the content of the message (Text, Visual, Video). The new model (based on the ELM model) was validated by PLS-SEM based on an online survey of 548 members of the virtual consumption communities where content shared is about tourism and hospitality, tourism experiences, and recommendations of Algerian tourist destinations. Findings – The results confirm that perceived usefulness and adoption are two serial mediators between the relationship between eWOM characteristics and visit intention. Finally, gender moderates the indirect effect between eWOM quality and the intention to visit. Originality of the research – This study proposes to develop an integrative model by testing the serial mediating effects of perceived usefulness and information adoption for the first time regarding the influence of the three eWOM characteristics on behavioral intention and investigates the role of gender as a moderator.

The influence of electronic word of mouth through Tiktok on purchasing intention of skincare products in Indonesia

The ever-expanding internet has brought social media become a medium by which Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) is disseminated, particularly among skincare users. This study aims to assess the impact of eWOM through TikTok on skincare product purchase intention by developing a conceptual model of hypotheses that encompasses a multiplicity of factors that might be associated. The researcher investigates what factors impact eWOM usefulness & eWOM credibility and why consumers may adopt it when making a purchase. To examine our research model, a quantitative approach is employed using a sample of 373 Indonesian respondents via a web-based questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis with the program SmartPLS was employed to test ten proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that source expertise is the most significant factor that may impact eWOM credibility in addition to perceived persuasiveness, perceived informativeness, and source trustworthiness. Additionally, source trustworthiness is the main predictor of eWOM credibility in addition to perceived persuasiveness and source expertise with regard to TikTok. It was found that eWOM usefulness and credibility together increase the possibility of adopting an eWOM message, and eWOM adoption mediates the influence of credibility and usefulness on customer purchase intention toward skincare products on TikTok. Only a few studies have examined TikTok as a medium of eWOM distribution and its influence on skincare product purchase intention, therefore this study provides vital insights into eWOM literature by identifying the new platform. This study helps brands learn what to consider when designing marketing strategies to enhance purchase intentions.

A meta-analysis of antecedents and consequences of eWOM credibility: Investigation of moderating role of culture and platform type

This paper investigates the antecedents and consequences of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) credibility using a meta-analysis technique. The extant literature provides inconsistent findings related to eWOM credibility. These inconsistencies are primarily because of methodological differences or heterogeneity among previous studies, which leads to confusion amongst researchers and managers. We resolve this inconsistency and provide a conclusive takeaway on the determinants and consequences of eWOM credibility by conducting a meta-analysis of the 51 primary studies comprising 124 effect sizes. Results show that both review and reviewer-related determinants have a significant positive influence on eWOM credibility while consequences, namely purchase intention, eWOM adoption, and attitude towards the product, have a significant relationship with eWOM credibility. Furthermore, results indicate that culture, product type, and platform type are the moderating factors. Results of the study can be used by researchers to address the issue of omitted variable bias, while managers can use the findings to enhance the credibility of eWOM messages on various eWOM platforms.

A meta‐analysis of the elaboration likelihood model in the electronic word of mouth literature

AbstractSeveral studies have been conducted to determine the factors influencing online consumers to adopt the information embedded in electronic word of mouth (eWOM). The amount of existing research and the inconsistency of certain conclusions need the development of an all‐encompassing model capable of synthesizing previous findings. Thus, this meta‐analysis study synthesizes current research on eWOM, which will aid in reconciling results about the variables impacting eWOM adoption and consumers' behavioural intentions. This study utilizes data from 89 research in a two‐stage structural equation model (TSSEM). The findings show that eWOM usefulness and credibility impact behavioural intentions, and eWOM adoption plays a mediating role in these relationships. The results further signify the moderating effects of social networking sites (SNS) and e‐commerce platforms on the adoption behaviour. Building on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study shows that the central route to persuasion is the dominant predictor of eWOM adoption on e‐commerce sites. In contrast, the peripheral route tends to dominate on social networking sites. The findings improve the current understanding of the diffusion of online information, which can alter consumers' behavioural intentions. The study finally provides managers with specific recommendations for maximizing the effectiveness of eWOM propagation through online channels.

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) research – a comparative bibliometric analysis and future research insight

PurposeIn recent times, the growing use of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has attracted consumers, organizations and marketers alike. The objective of this study is to summarize and compare the current mass of eWOM research published in leading hospitality and tourism journals with research published in the other fields of both business and management.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses multiple bibliometric analysis methods, including citation, co-citation, keyword and co-word analysis. It compares various assessments of eWOM research published in 399 selected business publications and 398 selected hospitality/tourism publications (ABDC A and above and ABS 3 and above) between 2003 and 2021.FindingsThe co-citation analysis identified three thematic areas under each of the domains, i.e. in the hospitality/tourism field, the three themes included eWOM and behavior; eWOM and social media; and eWOM as a marketing tool. Similarly, under the business field (encompasses remaining business and management subdisciplines), the three themes are eWOM and sales, eWOM quality and attributes; and eWOM, information and consumer. Additionally, the word and co-word analysis mapped the comparative evolution of research in these two fields. The study advocates more research focusing on less researched platforms using diverse data, recommender systems adoption and application of eWOM in the business to business (B2B) context.Research limitations/implicationsThis study summarizes the overall theoretical and conceptual structure of eWOM research in both business and hospitality/tourism fields; based upon which, several recommendations for future research are proposed.Originality/valueBy comparing the developments in the specialized hospitality/tourism sector with broader management literature using multiple, complementary techniques, this study brings out important insights for hospitality/tourism researchers.

Revisiting the antecedent of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) during COVID-19 Pandemic

The main feature of the Internet and e-commerce is electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) through online reviews. As Internet users and their consumption of eWOM for product information overgrow in India, it is vital to examine the elements that influence the effectiveness of eWOM communication during COVID-19 pandemics. A systematic literature review has been conducted to assess the factors influencing eWOM in the online retailing context. The literature has been segregated into WOM, eWOM, the eWOM source credibility, eWOM message characteristics, eWOM platform, and outcome of eWOM adoption. The organised review provided a eWOM communication model and proposed an appropriate hypothesis to be tested. The finding concludes the significant relationship of eWOM determinants in building purchase intention, brand image, and attitude during COVID-19 pandemics. Previously conducted research examined the effect of source and message credibility; however, source homophily and website credibility in eWOM communication are rarely taken into account along with these constructs. This study will address more vigorous eWOM phenomena and empirical findings in the COVID-19 period. The study’s findings will help practitioners manage the power of eWOM communication for all stakeholders.

An Empirical Examination of the Impact of eWom Information on Young Consumers’ Online Purchase Intention: Mediating Role of eWom Information Adoption

Customer purchase intention in online shopping stores can be influenced by electronic word of mouth (eWom) communication generated by the comments of consumers on social networking sites. However, the adoption of eWom information by consumers is influenced by various factors. This study investigates the mechanism through eWom antecedents influence eWom adoption and consumer purchase intention. The study also examines how eWom adoption mediates the impact of antecedents of eWom adoption (Quality, Consumer Attitude, Credibility, Usefulness, Needs, and Adoption) on customer’s purchase intention. Using the hypothetic-deductive approach, the current study used a cross-sectional self-administered survey to collect data from a convenience sample of university students residing in Karachi. The SmartPLS software was used to analyze the collected data. Study findings reveal that all predictors of eWom adoption are significant. It was also found that eWOM adoption mediates the impact of eWom antecedents on consumer purchase intention. The results provide significant implications for website designers and digital marketers. For marketers working with social media, the findings of this study are encouraging. Marketers can use these findings to develop viral marketing campaigns and encourage customers to contribute useful and credible eWom that could improve the customers’ purchase intention.

Electronic word-of-mouth in travel social networking sites and young consumers’ purchase intentions: an extended information adoption model

PurposeYoung consumers are increasing using electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in travel social networking sites to make purchase decisions. This paper aims to test the extended Information Adoption Model (IAM) that places perceived usefulness and information adoption as consequences of argument quality, source credibility, information quantity and emotive word comprehension, and as an antecedent of purchase intentions.Design/methodology/approachData are collected through survey questionnaire from 405 hotel young customers in Malaysia, who had experienced travel social networking sites. The hypothesized relationships were analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results show that argument quality, source credibility, information quantity and emotive word comprehension have positive effect on the perceived usefulness of eWOM. Perceived usefulness has positive influence on the information adoption of eWOM, which in turn predicts the young consumers’ purchase intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study strengthens and advances the existing literature on tourism, social media and marketing by offering an extension to the IAM. The proposed extended model of IAM is verified and applied effectively in the context of eWOM for travel social networking sites.Practical implicationsPractitioners and marketers of travel social networking sites can improve the usability and effectiveness of eWOM to attract more young consumers.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the extension of IAM by adding information quantity and emotive word comprehension. This research validated the significant roles of eWOM argument quality and source credibility in predicting the information usefulness of eWOM.

The influence of electronic word-of-mouth adoption on brand love amongst Generation Z consumers

Orientation: The study investigated the influence of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) adoption on brand love amongst Generation Z consumers in South Africa that will enable marketers to improve their brand love strategies amongst this generation.Research purpose: The study used the information adoption model to investigate the impact of eWOM adoption on brand love amongst Generation Z consumers.Motivation for the study: This study adds to the limited body of literature on Generation Z consumers in emerging markets. It examines drivers of online purchase decisions of Generation Z consumers, such as eWOM adoption and brand love.Research design, approach and method: The study followed a descriptive quantitative approach. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires from Generation Z consumers. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select the sample. Data were captured, coded and cleaned using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25, yielding 284 usable questionnaires. Apart from descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the constructs obtained from previously developed scales through convergent and discriminant validity. The reliability of the constructs was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. The conceptual model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling and the hypotheses were analysed using path modelling in Analysis of moment structures (AMOS) version 25.Main findings: The results revealed a positive, weak relationship between eWOM adoption and brand love. Argument quality had a strong, positive influence on information usefulness, which in turn, had a strong, positive influence on eWOM adoption.Practical/managerial implications: Marketers can use the findings of this study to target Generation Z consumers in emerging markets more effectively by sharing quality, authentic content through Facebook and Instagram to encourage eWOM adoption and somewhat affect brand love.Contribution/value-add: This study adds to the limited body of knowledge on Generation Z consumers in emerging markets. It elucidates how marketers can encourage eWOM adoption amongst this generation, thereby leading to brand love, to some extent.

Effect of eWOM review on beauty enterprise: a new interpretation of the attitude contagion theory and information adoption model

PurposeThis study developed a new interpretation of the attitude contagion theory, with the information adoption model (IAM) as the theoretical basis. A review of electronic word-of-mouth studies was conducted by using informational and individual determinants to develop an integrated empirical model that identified the antecedents and consequences of consumer attitude toward online reviews.Design/methodology/approachThis study recruited 750 members of Facebook beauty fan pages in Taiwan and used the structural equation model to test research hypotheses.FindingsResults revealed that perceived “ electronic word-of mouth (eWOM) credibility of online reviews” and “product involvement” could be used to explain the effects of attitude toward online reviews. Regarding the attitude contagion effect, the effect of “attitude toward online review” on both “attitude toward a product” and “attitude toward a brand” is stronger than that on “eWOM adoption.”Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable insights into the antecedents, consequences and mediating mechanisms that determine consumer attitude toward online reviews.

Understanding the Adoption of Incentivized Word-of-Mouth in the Online Environment

Nowadays, word-of-mouth is a very important component of e-commerce activity because consumers are very sensitive to other people’s opinions. Depending on the companies’ politics, these opinions can be incentivized or non-incentivized. One of the major dilemmas consists in establishing which kind of word-of-mouth has more influence on customers’ perceptions. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationships between perceived argument quality (PAQ) and perceived source expertise (PSE), on the one hand, and electronic word-of-mouth adoption intention on the other hand, for an incentivized message compared to a non-incentivized message. We processed answers from two different random groups by using adapted PAQ and PSE inventories of questions. The constructs, latent variables and items were analyzed in IBM Amos software, and our findings confirm the hypotheses regarding the relationship between the attributes of the message (argument quality and source expertise) and message credibility. Additionally, we found a significant positive relationship between message credibility and electronic word-of-mouth adoption intention. Our research also explores the moderating role of the message type (incentivized vs. non-incentivized) in the relationships above, and we discovered that the message type significantly moderates the relationship between perceived argument quality and credibility, but the type of message does not moderate the relationship between message credibility and eWOM adoption intention.

The implications of eWOM adoption on the customer journey

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate customers' motives to engage with electronic word of mouth (eWOM), as well as the effect of eWOM on customer behavior, both at the purchase and post-purchase stages.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted, consisting of 30 semi-structured interviews with Thai consumers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.FindingsInformation validation, product evaluation, purchase and post-purchase validation are key motives for consumers to search for eWOM. Furthermore, eWOM quantity, eWOM credibility and attitudes toward eWOM play a critical role in evaluation of information usefulness and adoption. Moreover, five different types of shoppers were identified according to their purchase behavior after adapting eWOM: prompt shoppers, in-store shoppers, promotion shoppers, conservative shoppers and remedy shoppers.Originality/valueWhile the implications of the adoption of eWOM have been explored in previous research, there is limited understanding in terms of the impacts of eWOM on the customer journey. This study addresses this research gap by investigating not only customers' motives to engage with eWOM but also its effect on their behavior at the purchase and post-purchase stages.