Social Influence Research Articles

Consumer Perception of Health and Wellness Products

This study aims to understand consumer perceptions of health and wellness products amidst growing public awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Using a qualitative approach, this research explores factors that influence consumer perceptions, such as trust, personal experience, preferences, and social influence. Data collection methods include in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 20 respondents from diverse backgrounds in age, gender, and physical activity levels. A purposive sampling technique was used to ensure a relevant variety of views on health and wellness products. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis, producing key themes such as trust in product safety and effectiveness, preferences for natural over chemically-based products, and the influence of community and social media in shaping perceptions. The study's findings indicate that consumer perceptions of health products are significantly influenced by personal experiences and information obtained from social environments and media. Trust in the brand and the transparency of manufacturers in providing information also play an important role in shaping consumer decisions. Additionally, it was found that consumers tend to prefer products considered natural and that offer clear health claims. This research provides insights for producers in designing marketing strategies that can enhance consumer trust through transparent education and strengthen brand reputation.

‘Vaping is a break from all of that’: Exploring attitudes, harm perceptions, cessation barriers and social dynamics among people who vape

Objective: Vaping, initially a smoking cessation aid, is now a widespread recreational activity sometimes associated with perceived health concerns. This study explored attitudes, harm perceptions and cessation barriers in the context of participants’ vaping behaviours, guided by the theoretical lens of fundamental social causes. Design and Setting: The study focused on a subset of 571 current adult vapers from a larger survey investigating vaping attitudes. It analysed open-text survey responses relating to vaping behaviours. To analyse the responses, we employed layered analyses, using deductive conceptual mapping to inform an inductive thematic content analysis. Results: Participants mentioned nuanced vaping risks, citing cancer and respiratory concerns, often comparing them to tobacco’s well-known harmful effects. Despite acknowledging vaping’s potential harms, participants perceived the practice to be less harmful than smoking, emphasising relative safety. Some viewed vaping positively for former smokers, contingent on regulated products. This complex attitude balance reflected the intricate interplay between health concerns and social dynamics. Recurrent vaping symbolised consistent engagement, with cravings and widespread availability associated with quitting challenges. Conclusions: Participants’ nuanced perceptions of health risks reflect a harm duopoly, resembling illicit drug harm tiering. There is a complex interplay between health knowledge and social influences in the context of vaping behaviours. Study findings underscore the need for messaging interventions discouraging vaping among those who do not smoke tobacco to consider these health and social dynamics, leveraging collaborative design.

Shaping Consumers’ Attitude and Purchase Intention towards Halal Sustainable Organic Food Products

Increased global recognition of organic food has prompted developed nations to adopt ecological agriculture concepts. This trend is also reflected within the sustainable Halal (permissible) organic food sector. This study examines whether Halal awareness, certification, social influences, and promotion affect consumers' attitude and subsequently, intention to purchase Halal organic food in Malaysia. Using convenient sampling technique, online surveys were conducted with 200 usable responses. A Smart PLS statistical software was used for data analyses. Results revealed that Halal awareness, certification, and social influence significantly affect attitudes, which, in turn, significantly influence consumers' intentions to purchase Halal organic food products. Implications are addressed.

Market Acceptance Strategy through Customer Centricity Approach in Electric Truck Product Development with Systematic Method Literature Review

Transportation is one of the contributors to CO2 pollutants that cause Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, ultimately impacting global climate change. The creation of electric vehicles is concerned with clean energy and handling global climate change. This aligns with the 17 global goals of the United Nations, which are the world agenda to protect planet Earth and for everyone to live a decent life by 2030. However, creating innovations in production and transforming consumers to switch from fuel vehicles to electric vehicles, especially electric trucks, is equally difficult. In 2022, based on data from Vehicle Type Approval, electric truck sales in Indonesia have the lowest number compared to other types of electric vehicles. This study aims to discover how innovation should be carried out and how consumer desires can be fulfilled from these innovations so that the market easily accepts electric truck products with the hope that interest and sales can increase. This study uses a literature study method that provides an overview of how the customer-centricity approach is applied to support innovation during production. The results of this study provide suggestions in the development of electric trucks that companies should not only focus on technology but also focus on consumer needs to adopt electric truck technology such as cost and economic benefits, charging infrastructure available in various locations, government support and policies, social influence, economic and social factors, promotion policies and regional support.

Impacting Elements of Metaverse Platforms’ Intentional Use in Cultural Education: Empirical Data Drawn from UTAUT, TTF, and Flow Theory

This study aims to address the need for design guidelines in developing a cultural-heritage-based metaverse educational system. Using the UTAUT, the TTF model, and Flow Theory, a theoretical framework is constructed. Through qualitative research based on the GT, three user perception factors—presence, interactivity, and narrativity—are introduced as external variables to explore the relationship between these factors and users’ willingness to adopt the cultural heritage metaverse system. The study examines this relationship from the dual perspectives of user perception and technology acceptance. A scale was designed to test the theoretical model empirically, and 298 valid responses were collected through a structured process involving GT coding, pre-testing, and formal surveys. The findings indicate that interactivity, narrativity, and presence significantly enhance the flow experience, while factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, technology–task fit, and flow positively influence users’ intention to adopt the system. Among these, technology–task fit emerged as the most influential factor. This integrated approach reduces subjectivity and bias in criteria determination, enhancing the objectivity and precision of cultural heritage metaverse system assessments and making the system more responsive to user needs.

Development of financial literacy and fintech adoption on women SMEs business performance in Indonesia

Women-owned small businesses are crucial to the Indonesian economy. Despite this contribution, women entrepreneurs face many challenges when building their businesses, especially getting business loans. Women entrepreneurs adopt less technology and have less financial expertise than men. This study aims to determine financial literacy factors affecting women SMEs' business success and the extent of financial technology (FinTech) use as an alternative funding source to formal financial institutions. The study examines FinTech adoption using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT Theory). This study also examines how FinTech adoption mediates the indirect effect of financial literacy on SME business performance. The study uses a quantitative research approach using a judgmental sample of 270 women entrepreneurs who have previously used FinTech. The data is analyzed with SEM-PLS. According to the study, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and social influence all have a beneficial impact on FinTech adoption among women-owned small businesses. The survey found that FinTech adoption was a key factor influencing women SMEs' business performance. The findings also indicate that financial literacy has a beneficial effect on business success. The study reveals FinTech adoption as a mediating factor in the association between financial literacy and SMEs business success. As a result, our findings contribute to a better understanding of how digital technology adoption affects SMEs' performance and long-term sustainability. The findings offer insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and company owners looking to enhance the survival rate of SMEs by improving operations and harnessing digital technology to promote capital accessibility, FinTech adoption, and financial literacy.

Graduate Education in China Meets AI: Key Factors for Adopting AI-Generated Content Tools

Abstract Factors influencing Chinese graduate students’ adoption of AI-generated content (AIGC) tools are examined through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The developed AIGCT-SI model incorporates key elements such as information accuracy, trust, and privacy concerns. PLS-SEM results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and habit significantly impact students’ intentions, with trust acting as a key mediator, particularly for privacy concerns and social influence. FsQCA reveals seven configurations, demonstrating how combinations of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions drive adoption. A bidirectional relationship between privacy concerns and trust is observed, with trust mitigating privacy risks in several configurations. This integrative approach highlights the complex dynamics of AIGC tool adoption and provides strategic insights for their effective use in Chinese graduate education. As the findings are based on the Chinese context, further exploration in other educational settings is encouraged to validate their broader applicability.

The Effect of Islamic Financial Socialization and Education on Public Interest in Using Islamic Banking Services

This study aims to analyze the influence of Islamic finance socialization and education on public interest in using Islamic banking services. Involving 66 respondents in two major cities in Indonesia, this study uses a survey method with questionnaires to collect data that measures respondents' perception and understanding of Islamic finance principles, such as profit-sharing and the prohibition of usury. Data analysis using SPSS shows that socialization and education of Islamic finance have a significant positive influence on the increase in public interest in using Islamic banking services, where more than 65% of respondents reported an increase in interest after participating in the socialization and education program. These findings indicate that effective education strategies are very important in communicating Islamic finance concepts in order to build public understanding and trust. The implication of this study is the need for Islamic banks and financial institutions to continue to strengthen Islamic financial socialization and education programs to expand public access to sharia-based financial services. This step not only supports the growth of the Islamic banking sector, but also strengthens sustainable financial inclusion in Indonesia.

Do Rearing Group‐Size and Social Rank Influence the Affective State of a Cooperatively‐Breeding Cichlid Fish?

Do Rearing Group‐Size and Social Rank Influence the Affective State of a Cooperatively‐Breeding Cichlid Fish?

Ethnographic Study: The Choice of Place and Birth Attendants from the Socio-Cultural Perspective in the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak Tribe

WHO recommends Skill Birth Attendants (SBA) for all births. Around 50 million mothers in developing countries give birth at home without the help of medical personnel. The trust in traditional birth attendants (TBA), meaning that social and cultural influences still strongest. Objective: to analyze the choice of place and birth attendants in the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak Tribe through a socio-cultural perspective in the working area of the Barong Tongkok Community Health Center. Methodology: Qualitative Design with Ethnographic study using the Rapid Ethnographic Assessment Procedure (REAP) method. Snowball sampling is a variation of Purposive Sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 informants. Data analysis uses Thematic analysis. Results: The Tunjung Benuaq Dayak tribe upholds the values of balance and harmonization regarding human relationships with God, human and the environment. They developed local cultures based on complementary belief systems. There is a positive acceptance of science. The local wisdom of Santaap, eating a small portion of the food served, illustrates that they can accept little of knowledge. Customs are still maintained in the birthing process which is carried out by village shamans who are highly trusted by the community. They make the rituals, belief in myths (tempuunt), the existence of spirits who guard and interfere with the birthing process. Conclusion: Socio-cultural values such as trust, knowledge, and customs are very strong guidelines for the Tunjung Benuaq Dayak tribe in choosing a place and birth attendant. Suggestion: preservation of culture and customs that are still considered good in childbirth practices is highly desirable.

Understanding the consumer's intention to purchase reproductive health products from e-commerce sites

The emergence of the Internet, together with the expansion of associated technologies, has had a profound influence on every possible field. Of great importance to marketers has been the rise of virtual stores that facilitate the online sale of goods and services. Although the majority of marketers have recognized the significance of including the Internet in their marketing strategies, there is a lack of scientific study on the key elements that impact an individual's decision-making process in the purchase of female reproductive healthcare products. The women's health market in India is projected to grow to $1.325 Billion by 2030, from $0.726 Billion in 2022. The study employed a survey instrument with 448 participants who frequently make online purchases of reproductive healthcare products. The results indicated that purchasing through e-commerce sites has gained extensive popularity among female customers due to social influence, customer experience, cost-effectiveness, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions in its ability to save time and space. The study also indicated that advertising through social media has a profound impact on female customers in their purchase decisions to buy reproductive healthcare products.

CONSUMER EDUCATION, FAMILY AND REFERENCE GROUP INFLUENCE IN ASO EBI SELECTION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

In Nigeria, the selection of aso ebi, a traditional attire worn for special occasions, is influenced by various social and familial factors. This study examined the relationship between family influence, reference group influence, and consumer education in the selection of aso ebi in Southwest Nigeria. Two research questions were posed, and two hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A correlational design was employed to collect data from 1200 adult individuals (aged 18 years and above) in the Southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria, covering Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. A validated, reliable, self-structured questionnaire titled "Consumer Education and Behaviour in the Choice of Aso Ebi Questionnaire (CEBCAQ)" was used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson’s r and Fisher's Z statistics. Findings revealed a positive but low correlation between consumer education and both family (r = 0.10) and reference group purchasing behaviour (r = 0.14) in aso ebi selection. The relationship between consumer education and consumer behaviour was significantly stronger among male adults than female adults (rmales = 0.62, rfemales = 0.49, Zcal > Ztab); and significantly stronger among older adults than younger adults (rold =0.59, ryoung = 0.48, Zcal > Ztab). The study concludes that the complex interplay of social pressure, family dynamics, reference groups, and economic factors influencing aso ebi choices aligns with consumer behaviour surrounding clothing articles globally. Future research could explore how consumer education programs may be tailored to target families and address social influences in aso ebi selection.

Consumer behavior and spending patterns on cultural goods and services

This study investigates the factors influencing consumer behavior and spending patterns on cultural goods and services. Using a quantitative research approach with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were gathered through a structured survey of 350 respondents from diverse demographic backgrounds. The results reveal that cultural interest, social influence, and perceived value have a significant and positive impact on consumer spending behavior, with cultural interest showing the strongest influence (β = 0.45, p < 0.01). Additionally, the study highlights the mediating role of perceived value in the relationship between social influence and spending behavior. These findings provide practical insights for marketers and cultural institutions aiming to better understand consumer motivations in the cultural sector. Future research should consider expanding the sample size and exploring other potential mediating variables.

Influencer Marketing: A Citation and Co-citation Analysis within Business and Management Domains

Influencer marketing has emerged as a popular approach businesses use to incorporate social influence into their operations and marketing strategies. It seems to be a useful and cost-effective strategy. It ensures a broad reach to highly engaged audiences and is frequently not interpreted by consumers as advertising. Many companies use influencers on social media to market their products to certain audiences. Carryminati, Khusha Kapila, Bhuvan Bam, and Riaz are famous social media influencers. The purpose of this study is to use bibliometric analysis to compile the body of knowledge on influencer marketing in the business and management area from 2018 to 2024. BiblioShiny software was used to analyze 462 papers that were taken out of the Scopus database. This paper conducts citations and co-citations analysis, identifies recent trends, and offers useful background information on influencer marketing. The results show a notable and quick rise (54.5%) in this sector, indicating a noticeable increase in interest. The USA and Hong Kong emerged as leading nations in terms of total citations (3050) and average article citations (107.7), respectively. Social media, Commerce, Marketing, Consumer behavior, perception, and artificial intelligence are the trending topics of influencer marketing research, where artificial intelligence is the latest trend. Lou C (1650) and Yuan S (1335) are the most influential authors in terms of citation. “Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services” is the top source with maximum citations (1943) and articles (37). Various bibliometric studies have been carried out to explore the concept of influencer marketing in general or other specific domains. There is a scarcity of bibliometric research that assesses the influencer marketing literature within the business and management domain or through citation and co-citation analysis. This study addresses this research gap. These findings will have significant implications that can greatly benefit researchers, decision-makers, and professionals in crafting policies. This bibliometric study concludes with limitations, and recommendations for further study.

The eMoney revolution: how culture and technology drive adoption and use?

Purpose The use of electronic money (eMoney) as a noncash payment method is gaining popularity globally. However, the usages of eMoney are culturally influenced and can vary within a country. These cultural disparities can result in divergent patterns of eMoney adoption and use. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption and use of eMoney in Indonesia. This study integrated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions to develop a framework examining both technological and cultural perspectives. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through an online survey of 484 Indonesians and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results showed that the constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, namely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions, all had a significant impact on behavioral intention to adopt eMoney as well as actual usage. However, not all of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions moderated these relationships as hypothesized. Surprisingly, masculinity/femininity and power distance emerged as important moderators of eMoney usage. Practical implications This integrated model provides valuable insights into how to consider cultural influences when designing strategies to promote new payment technologies in Indonesia. The findings point to both technological and cultural factors shaping patterns of adoption and use of eMoney in the country. Originality/value Although many research has looked at how culture affects the acceptability of technology in banking, few studies have looked at how culture affects the use of mobile money. This study offers a valuable contribution by investigating how Indonesian culture moderates the relationship between behavioral intentions and actual use of eMoney. The findings provide guidance for practitioners seeking to facilitate eMoney services in developing markets by elucidating the cultural factors that most influence customer adoption. As such, this research fills an important gap regarding the understudied domain of mobile money and its intersection with national culture.

Building a Culture of Compliance: The Influence of Tax Socialization and Inclusion on Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Taxpayers

Taxes serve as the cornerstone of any nation's economic framework, functioning as both a regulatory mechanism and a primary source of government revenue. They are indispensable for managing taxpayer behavior, ensuring a steady stream of state income, and financing essential public services and infrastructure development. In Indonesia, the compliance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is pivotal to the nation's fiscal well-being. This study delves into the factors that influence MSME taxpayer compliance, specifically focusing on the role of tax socialization, tax inclusion, and the involvement of tax volunteers. A quantitative research approach was adopted, involving the distribution of questionnaires to MSME taxpayers in Indonesia. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS software to test the hypotheses regarding the impact of tax socialization, tax inclusion, and tax volunteers on taxpayer compliance. The findings of this study reveal that tax socialization and tax inclusion positively influence the level of tax compliance among Indonesian MSME taxpayers. Furthermore, the involvement of tax volunteers also has a positive impact on enhancing taxpayer compliance. This study underscores the importance of tax socialization and tax inclusion in fostering a culture of compliance among MSMEs in Indonesia. The positive role of tax volunteers in assisting taxpayers and promoting compliance is also highlighted. These findings have significant implications for tax authorities in their efforts to improve tax compliance rates and enhance revenue collection.

THE INFLUENCE OF TAX SOCIALIZATION, EDUCATION LEVEL, AND TAXPAYER AWARENESS ON TAXPAYER COMPLIANCE IN PAYING LAND AND BUILDING TAX IN UDP DUREN SAWIT EAST JAKARTA

This is a quantitative exploration using an associative approach that was conducted at the UPPPD Duren Sawit Office in East Jakarta. This study aims to determine the effects of duty socialization, education status, and tax-prayer mindfulness on tax-prayer compliance in paying Land and Building Tax. The exploration is useful for observers of the Supreme Audit Agency, adding knowledge for observers of the Supreme Audit Agency carrying out checkups of taxpayer compliance in payment. The exploration increases knowledge for observers of the Supreme Audit Agency carrying out checkups of taxpayer compliance in payment. The exploration increases knowledge for observer This exploration increases knowledge and aids observers at the Supreme Audit Agency in auditing taxpayer compliance with payments. The data system related to the problem of the study was carried out using the questionnaire system. The study findings from 103 participants revealed that informing individuals about taxes does not affect their compliance with tax regulations. This can be observed from the t-test results, where the calculated t-value is 6.6023 and 2.826 is greater than 1.66023. The influence of tax socialization, level of education, and taxpayer awareness on compliance can be observed together through the F test. The calculated F value, greater than 20,623 and 3,087, highlights their noteworthy impact. The recommendation in this research suggests that the government should enhance adherence to the payment of Land and Building Tax by creating comprehensive, transparent, and user-friendly billing regulations aligned with current circumstances. Regulations are distributed to both taxpayers and tax collectors to enhance compliance and promote awareness regarding the payment of PBB-P2 taxes. Tax collectors handle PBB-P2 payments responsibly by promptly depositing them into the state treasury without any misuse.

Manfluencers and Young Men’s Misogynistic Attitudes: The Role of Perceived Threats to Men’s Status

AbstractMisogynistic attitudes have surged in the past few years and the “manosphere” – an online milieu promoting toxic and rigid masculinity norms – is often seen as an arena for spreading such ideas. Within the manosphere, manfluencers (i.e., male influencers who espouse misogynistic content and beliefs) are known for trying to persuade men to view women and feminism as a threat to their masculinity and status as men. In this article, we examine how perceived threats to masculine identity as presented by manfluencers affect the formation of young men’s attitudes towards women. In an original survey (N = 2857) with Swedish men, we found that young men who follow more manfluencers are more likely to dehumanize women. In two experiments (N = 597, 630), we presented potentially threatening content from a fictive manfluencer to a group of participants and found that young men exposed to such content were more mistrustful of women and misogynistic, especially if they felt like they had been rejected by women in the past. The results highlight the importance of how social media influencers may increase misogyny among young men. This research has important implications for policymakers and practitioners, who should be made aware of the role manfluencers have in the formation of attitudes toward gender equality.

Barriers and facilitators to conducting randomised controlled trials within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres: a qualitative study

BackgroundRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for generating clinical evidence. The focus on high internal validity in RCTs challenges the external validity and generalisability of findings, potentially hindering their application in routine care. In neurorehabilitation, limited literature addresses conducting RCTs feasibly and efficiently. We investigated barriers and facilitators to conducting RCTs within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres from the perspective of stakeholders in neurorehabilitation in Germany and Austria.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in neurorehabilitation from four centres in Germany and Austria, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model (COM-B). Employing a hybrid approach, the interview analysis integrated both deductive, theory-driven analysis based on the TDF domains and COM-B model and inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsTwelve stakeholders (4 physicians, 4 therapy managers, 4 therapists; 5 females, 7 males; with research experience spanning 0–40 years) were interviewed. Key barriers to conducting RCTs in neurological rehabilitation centres include limited financial, human, and time resources, high clinical workloads, and a lack of interest of some therapists. Ineffective leadership, perceived lack of research expertise, and communication issues were also significant barriers. Social influence factors such as lack of employer support and inadequate training access further contributed to the challenges. Additionally, barriers included insufficient research infrastructure, limited space, internal power struggles, and rigid cost bearer specifications. Key facilitators included physicians’ and therapists’ motivation to advance the field, contribute to knowledge, and to prioritise patient health. Support from supervisors, joint decision-making, and efficient organisation were crucial facilitators. Flexible therapy planning, mutual support, and interdisciplinary collaboration also played important roles.ConclusionOur results suggest that increasing professional development and understanding, along with providing adequate financial, human, time, and spatial resources to support research endeavours, implementing effective communication strategies to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination among team members may contribute to increased motivation and facilitate RCTs within the setting of neurorehabilitation centres.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (08.04.2021 DRKSID DRKS00024982).

Digital Banking Adoption and Financial Inclusion in Vietnam: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of User Perceptions and Socioeconomic Factors

This study investigates the factors influencing digital banking adoption intention and its impact on perceived financial inclusion. By integrating the Technology Acceptance Model with trust theories and digital literacy concepts, we develop a comprehensive framework to understand the complex relationships among these variables. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze survey data from 587 respondents. Results from SEM reveal that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, institutional trust, technological trust, and social influence significantly affect digital banking adoption intention, which in turn positively influences perceived financial inclusion. Digital literacy moderates the relationships between perceived ease of use and adoption intention, as well as between technological trust and adoption intention. The fsQCA results complement these findings by identifying multiple configurations leading to high adoption intention and perceived financial inclusion, highlighting the equifinal nature of these relationships. This study contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of digital banking adoption and its link to financial inclusion, offering valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, and digital literacy to promote digital banking adoption and, consequently, financial inclusion.