The Impact of eWOM, Trust Inclination, and Information on Reader’s Intentions in an Evolving Digital Marketing : in Context of Pakistan with Moderating Role of ICO
Abstract
This research focused on the online communication landscape, which has grown rapidly in Pakistan. Customers have been exposed to a huge amount of deception and true information because of social media networks. Electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has been shown to increase the likelihood of retransmission. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and the eWOM reader’s adopted culture, this research predicts the moderating role of the eWOM reader’s adopted individualism-collectivism cultural orientation (ICO) between eWOM core antecedents and their trust inclination (Trt) perspective in an evolving digital marketing context in Pakistan. Followed by the mediation of trust inclination and information adoption (IA) between eWOM antecedents and eWOM readers purchase intentions (PI). The authenticity of this research was examined through a sample of 251 respondents who shopped online in Karachi using a close-ended Likert scale questionnaire. The reason for choosing only Karachi is that Karachi is essential to the rest of the nation, producing the highest 20% of the GDP, 50% of total income, and roughly 47% of direct tax revenue. The outcome suggests three important hypothetical contributions to the field of research: that individualism-collectivism cultural orientation significantly moderates the relationship between information quality (IQ) and trust inclination, information usefulness (InUse) and trust inclination, and argument quality (AQ) and trust inclination. These results support the need for and significance of considering eWOM readers’ adopted cultural norms in the context of eWOM.
Keywords
electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), information quality, information usefulness, argument quality, individualism-collectivism cultural orientation (ICO), trust inclination, information adoption, purchase intentions, pakistan, karachi
Author Biography
Madiha Suboor
Dr. Sarah Anjum
References
- Abedi, E., Ghorbanzadeh, D., & Rahehagh, A. (2019). Influence of eWOM information on consumers’ behavioral intentions in mobile social networks: Evidence of Iran. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 17(1), 84–109. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-04-2019-0058
- Babić Rosario, A., Sotgiu, F., De Valck, K., & Bijmolt, T. H. A. (2016). The Effect of Electronic Word of Mouth on Sales: A Meta-Analytic Review of Platform, Product, and Metric Factors. Journal of Marketing Research, 53(3), 297–318. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmr.14.0380
- Bailey, J. E., & Pearson, S. W. (1983). Development of a tool for measuring and analyzing computer user satisfaction. Management Science, 29(5), 530–545.
- Barreto, A. M. (2014). The Word-of-Mouth Phenomenon in the Social Media Era. International Journal of Market Research, 56(5), 631–654. https://doi.org/10.2501/IJMR-2014-043
- Bearden, W. O., & Etzel, M. J. (1982). Reference Group Influence on Product and Brand Purchase Decisions. Journal of Consumer Research, 9(2), 183. https://doi.org/10.1086/208911
- Bhattacherjee, A., & Sanford, C. (2006). Influence processes for information technology acceptance: An elaboration likelihood model. MIS Quarterly, 805–825.
- Bond, R., & Smith, P. B. (1996). Culture and conformity: A meta-analysis of studies using Asch’s (1952b, 1956) line judgment task. Psychological Bulletin, 119(1), 111.
- Briones Peñalver, A. J., Bernal Conesa, J. A., & de Nieves Nieto, C. (2018). Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Spanish Agribusiness and Its Influence on Innovation and Performance: Agribusiness from Murcia. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 25(2), 182–193. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.1448
- Cheung, M. Y., Luo, C., Sia, C. L., & Chen, H. (2009). Credibility of Electronic Word-of-Mouth: Informational and Normative Determinants of On-line Consumer Recommendations. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 13(4), 9–38. https://doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415130402
- Cheung, R. (2014). The Influence of Electronic Word-of-Mouth on Information Adoption in Online Customer Communities. Global Economic Review, 43(1), 42–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/1226508X.2014.884048
- Choi, Y., & Kim, J. (2019). Influence of Cultural Orientations on Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) in Social Media. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 48(3), 292–313. https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2019.1627388
- Chu, S.-C., & Kamal, S. (2008). The Effect of Perceived Blogger Credibility and Argument Quality on Message Elaboration and Brand Attitudes: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Interactive Advertising, 8(2), 26–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/15252019.2008.10722140
- Chu, S.-C., & Kim, Y. (2011). Determinants of consumer engagement in electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in social networking sites. International Journal of Advertising, 30(1), 47–75. https://doi.org/10.2501/IJA-30-1-047-075
- Corritore, C. L., Marble, R. P., Wiedenbeck, S., Kracher, B., & Chandran, A. (2005). Measuring online trust of websites: Credibility, perceived ease of use, and risk.
- Davis, A., & Khazanchi, D. (2008). An Empirical Study of Online Word of Mouth as a Predictor for Multi-product Category e-Commerce Sales. Electronic Markets, 18(2), 130–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/10196780802044776
- Earley, P. C. (1993). East meets West meets Mideast: Further explorations of collectivistic and individualistic work groups. Academy of Management Journal, 36(2), 319–348.
- Ek Styvén, M., & Foster, T. (2018). Who am I if you can’t see me? The “self” of young travellers as driver of eWOM in social media. Journal of Tourism Futures, 4(1), 80–92. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-12-2017-0057
- Erkan, I., & Evans, C. (2016). The Influence of Ewom in Social Media on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions: An Extended Approach to Information Adoption. Computers in Human Behavior, 61, 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.003
- Erkan, I., & Evans, C. (2018). Social media or shopping websites? The influence of eWOM on consumers’ online purchase intentions. Journal of Marketing Communications, 24(6), 617–632. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2016.1184706
- Falk, R. F., & Miller, N. B. (1992). A primer for soft modeling. (pp. xiv, 103). Akron, OH, US: University of Akron Press.
- Farzin, M., & Fattahi, M. (2018). EWOM through social networking sites and impact on purchase intention and brand image in Iran. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 15(2), 161–183. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-05-2017-0062
- Filieri, R. (2015). What makes online reviews helpful? A diagnosticity-adoption framework to explain informational and normative influences in e-WOM. Journal of Business Research, 68(6), 1261–1270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2014.11.006
- Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.2307/3151312
- Gudykunst, W. B., Matsumoto, Y., Ting-Toomey, S., Nishida, T., Kim, K., & Heyman, S. (1996). The Influence of Cultural Individualism-Collectivism, Self Construals, and Individual Values on Communication Styles Across Cultures. Human Communication Research, 22(4), 510–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.1996.tb00377.x
- Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Danks, N. P., & Ray, S. (2021). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) Using R: A Workbook. Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7
- Hennig-Thurau, T., Gwinner, K. P., Walsh, G., & Gremler, D. D. (2004). Electronic word-of-mouth via consumer-opinion platforms: What motivates consumers to articulate themselves on the Internet? Journal of Interactive Marketing, 18(1), 38–52. https://doi.org/10.1002/dir.10073
- Henseler, J., Hubona, G., & Ray, P. A. (2016). Using PLS path modeling in new technology research: Updated guidelines. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116(1), 2–20. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-09-2015-0382
- Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
- Hofstede, G. (1980). Motivation, leadership, and organization: Do American theories apply abroad? Organizational Dynamics, 9(1), 42–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(80)90013-3
- Hofstede, G. (1984). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values (Vol. 5). sage.
- Hofstede, G., & Bond, M. H. (1988). The Confucius connection: From cultural roots to economic growth. Organizational Dynamics, 16(4), 5–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(88)90009-5
- Hsu, F. L. (1983). Exorcising the trouble makers: Magic, science, and culture (Vol. 11). Greenwood Press.
- Hussain, S., Guangju, W., Jafar, R. M. S., Ilyas, Z., Mustafa, G., & Jianzhou, Y. (2018). Consumers’ online information adoption behavior: Motives and antecedents of electronic word of mouth communications. Computers in Human Behavior, 80, 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.09.019
- Kala, D., & Chaubey, D. (2018). The effect of eWOM communication on brand image and purchase intention towards lifestyle products in India. International Journal of Services, Economics and Management, 9(2), 143–157.
- Khwaja, M. G., Jusoh, A., & Nor, K. M. (2019). Does electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on social media leads to information adoption? Empirical evidence from the emerging markets. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(4), 3281–3288.
- Khwaja, M. G., Mahmood, S., & Zaman, U. (2020). Examining the Effects of eWOM, Trust Inclination, and Information Adoption on Purchase Intentions in an Accelerated Digital Marketing Context. Information, 11(10), 478. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11100478
- Lim, K. H., Leung, K., Sia, C. L., & Lee, M. K. (2004). Is eCommerce boundary-less? Effects of individualism–collectivism and uncertainty avoidance on Internet shopping. Journal of International Business Studies, 35(6), 545–559. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400104
- Lowry, P. B., & Gaskin, J. (2014). Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for Building and Testing Behavioral Causal Theory: When to Choose It and How to Use It. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 57(2), 123–146. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2014.2312452
- Lu, B., Fan, W., & Zhou, M. (2016). Social presence, trust, and social commerce purchase intention: An empirical research. Computers in Human Behavior, 56, 225–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.057
- Mazaheri, E., Richard, M.-O., & Laroche, M. (2011). Online consumer behavior: Comparing Canadian and Chinese website visitors. Journal of Business Research, 64(9), 958–965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2010.11.018
- Park, D.-H., Lee, J., & Han, I. (2007). The Effect of On-Line Consumer Reviews on Consumer Purchasing Intention: The Moderating Role of Involvement. International Journal of Electronic Commerce, 11(4), 125–148. https://doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415110405
- Popp, B., Wilson, B., Horbel, C., & Woratschek, H. (2016). Relationship building through Facebook brand pages: The multifaceted roles of identification, satisfaction, and perceived relationship investment. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 24(3–4), 278–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965254X.2015.1095226
- Poulis, A., Rizomyliotis, I., & Konstantoulaki, K. (2019). Do firms still need to be social? Firm generated content in social media. Information Technology & People, 32(2), 387–404. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-03-2018-0134
- Pradhan, D., Duraipandian, I., & Sethi, D. (2016). Celebrity endorsement: How celebrity–brand–user personality congruence affects brand attitude and purchase intention. Journal of Marketing Communications, 22(5), 456–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2014.914561
- Rafia Zakaria, D. com. (2022, August 7). Despite contributing a fifth of Pakistan’s GDP, Karachi still gets short shrift from the government [Text]. Retrieved February 16, 2023, from Scroll.in website: https://scroll.in/article/1029749/despite-contributing-a-fifth-of-pakistans-gdp-karachi-still-gets-short-shrift-from-the-government
- Ramayah, T., Cheah, J., Chuah, F., Ting, H., & Memon, M. A. (2018). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using smartPLS 3.0. An Updated Guide and Practical Guide to Statistical Analysis.
- Rao, K. S., & Rao, B. (2019). Examining eWOM credibility-Consumer purchase intention relationship in Facebook: A mediation analysis. Indian Journal of Marketing, 49(8), 7–22.
- Raza, M. A., Ahad, M. A., Shafqat, M. A., Aurangzaib, M., & Rizwan, M. (2014). The Determinants of Purchase Intention towards Counterfeit Mobile Phones in Pakistan. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 4(3), 1. https://doi.org/10.5296/jpag.v4i3.5846
- See-To, E. W. K., & Ho, K. K. W. (2014). Value co-creation and purchase intention in social network sites: The role of electronic Word-of-Mouth and trust – A theoretical analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 31, 182–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.013
- Sia, Lim, Leung, Lee, Huang, & Benbasat. (2009). Web Strategies to Promote Internet Shopping: Is Cultural-Customization Needed? MIS Quarterly, 33(3), 491. https://doi.org/10.2307/20650306
- Singelis, T. M., Triandis, H. C., Bhawuk, D. P. S., & Gelfand, M. J. (1995). Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions of Individualism and Collectivism: A Theoretical and Measurement Refinement. Cross-Cultural Research, 29(3), 240–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/106939719502900302
- Srite & Karahanna. (2006). The Role of Espoused National Cultural Values in Technology Acceptance. MIS Quarterly, 30(3), 679. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148745
- Straub, D., Keil, M., & Brenner, W. (1997). Testing the technology acceptance model across cultures: A three country study. Information & Management, 33(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7206(97)00026-8
- Straub, D., Loch, K., Evaristo, R., Karahanna, E., & Srite, M. (2002). Toward a theory-based measurement of culture. Journal of Global Information Management (JGIM), 10(1), 13–23.
- Sussman, S. W., & Siegal, W. S. (2003). Informational Influence in Organizations: An Integrated Approach to Knowledge Adoption. Information Systems Research, 14(1), 47–65. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.14.1.47.14767
- Tariq, M. I., Nawaz, M. R., Nawaz, M. M., & Butt, H. A. (2013). Customer Perceptions about Branding and Purchase Intention: A Study of FMCG in an Emerging Market. 8.
- Triandis, H. C. (2001). Individualism‐Collectivism and Personality. Journal of Personality, 69(6), 907–924. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-6494.696169
- Varadarajan, P. R., & Yadav, M. S. (2002). Marketing Strategy and the Internet: An Organizing Framework. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 30(4), 296–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/009207002236907
- Vinzi, V. E., Chin, W. W., Henseler, J., & Wang, H. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Partial Least Squares: Concepts, Methods and Applications. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-32827-8
- Wang, J.-J., Wang, L.-Y., & Wang, M.-M. (2018). Understanding the effects of eWOM social ties on purchase intentions: A moderated mediation investigation. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 28, 54–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2018.01.011
- Wang, X., Yu, C., & Wei, Y. (2012). Social Media Peer Communication and Impacts on Purchase Intentions: A Consumer Socialization Framework. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 26(4), 198–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intmar.2011.11.004
- Wasko & Faraj. (2005). Why Should I Share? Examining Social Capital and Knowledge Contribution in Electronic Networks of Practice. MIS Quarterly, 29(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.2307/25148667
- Yang, Z., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Jiang, Y., Chao, H.-T., & Doong, S.-C. (2019). Bipolar influence of firm-generated content on customers’ offline purchasing behavior: A field experiment in China. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 35, 100844. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2019.100844
- Yao, B., Shanoyan, A., Peterson, H. H., Boyer, C., & Baker, L. (2019). The use of new‐media marketing in the green industry: Analysis of social media use and impact on sales. Agribusiness, 35(2), 281–297. https://doi.org/10.1002/agr.21581
- Zhang, K. Z. K., Cheung, C. M. K., & Lee, M. K. O. (2014). Examining the moderating effect of inconsistent reviews and its gender differences on consumers’ online shopping decision. International Journal of Information Management, 34(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2013.12.001