Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research

14 pages, 3352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Empathy: Unveiling the Co-Creation Process of Emotions through a Wearable Device

by Bach Q. Ho, Kei Shibuya and Makiko Yoshida

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2714-2727; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040130 (registering DOI) - 8 Oct 2024

Abstract

Emotions fluctuate during the process of social interaction. Although the co-creation of emotions through organizational behavior has been discussed theoretically in existing research, there is no method to demonstrate how emotions are co-created. Instead, previous studies have paid much attention to empathy, in [...] Read more.

Emotions fluctuate during the process of social interaction. Although the co-creation of emotions through organizational behavior has been discussed theoretically in existing research, there is no method to demonstrate how emotions are co-created. Instead, previous studies have paid much attention to empathy, in which a person’s emotions are contagious. In contrast to self-report, which is a traditional method that can only assess emotions at a single point in time and adapts to empathy, biometric technology has made it possible to analyze emotional fluctuations over time. However, previous studies have focused only on understanding the emotional fluctuations of individuals separately. In the present study, we developed a system to measure the co-creation of emotions using a wearable device. The pulse rate was converted into valence as a positive–negative emotion, and the fluctuations in valence were analyzed by cross-correlation. We demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed system through triangulation by integrating biometrics with observation and self-report. The proposed system was verified to measure the co-creation of pair and group emotions using real-world data beyond laboratory settings. The present study contributes to business administration by proposing a critical concept for measuring the co-creation of emotions based on a constructionist approach. Full article

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20 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Environmental Awareness for Sustainable Retail: Analysis of the Buy-Online-and-Return-in-Store Policy Adoption Using Theory of Planned Behavior

by Xinyu Yao, Yanfeng Liu and Guanqiu Qi

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2694-2713; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040129 (registering DOI) - 8 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study explores the context of buy-online-and-return-in-store (BORS) policy from an environmental perspective and conducts a comprehensive analysis through the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Adding environmental awareness and awareness of consequences provides a new perspective on how sustainable practices can be enhanced [...] Read more.

This study explores the context of buy-online-and-return-in-store (BORS) policy from an environmental perspective and conducts a comprehensive analysis through the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Adding environmental awareness and awareness of consequences provides a new perspective on how sustainable practices can be enhanced through an omni-channel retail strategy. Survey responses from 405 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are key determinants of practical BORS policy. The study found that environmental awareness significantly influenced BORS adoption directly and indirectly by enhancing perceived behavioral control, whereas consequence awareness primarily affected adoption by shaping consumer attitudes. Compared with consumers who choose to return online, consumers who prefer in-store returns show higher environmental awareness, highlighting the environmental advantages of BORS. In addition, the BORS policy improves overall shopping satisfaction by integrating the convenient process of online purchases and offline returns, allowing consumers to switch freely between different channels. These findings provide valuable insights for retailers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable consumer behavior to effectively promote the importance of sustainable retail practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Consumer Psychology and Business Applications)

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21 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncovering How Information Quality Shapes Diverse User Engagement on Content Community Platforms: Harnessing Deep Learning for Feature Extraction

by Yanzi Wang, Min Wang, Zhen Zhu and Haoxiang Ye

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2673-2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040128 - 4 Oct 2024

Abstract

The success of content community platforms (CCPs) heavily depends on the active engagement of users attracted by externally generated content. Previous research has highlighted the differentiation among various forms of user engagement, such as likes, comments, and retweets, in shaping the dynamics of [...] Read more.

The success of content community platforms (CCPs) heavily depends on the active engagement of users attracted by externally generated content. Previous research has highlighted the differentiation among various forms of user engagement, such as likes, comments, and retweets, in shaping the dynamics of value co-creation on CCPs. Our objective is to uncover distinct patterns of impact that information quality features have on these different forms of user engagement. Specifically, we employed deep learning techniques to extract information quality features and identified them as persuasive factors operating through central and peripheral routes based on the elaboration likelihood model (ELM), stimulating user engagement. Our dataset was derived from MaBeeWoo, China’s largest specialized CCP for travelogues with minimal barriers for creating text and image-based travelogues. By utilizing a negative binomial model, our analysis reveals significant differences in antecedents between retweets and likes/comments while also highlighting variations in the impact levels of specific content quality features between likes and comments. These findings suggest contrasting patterns regarding how content quality features influence information production and dissemination on CCPs, underscoring the necessity for platform sponsors to develop adaptive mechanisms aligned with their strategic objectives for incentivizing specific quality features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Utilizing Models for e-Business Decision-Making: From Data to Wisdom)

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23 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Apparel E-Commerce Unethical Return Experience: A Cross-Country Study

by José Magano, Jana Turčinkova, Mário C. Santos, Roxana Correia and Mikhail Serebriannikov

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2650-2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040127 - 3 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between socio-demographic factors, purchase frequency, internet expertise, and unethical return behavior in apparel e-commerce, with a particular focus on the act of wardrobing—wearing and then returning used apparel. The research involved a survey of 1026 online apparel consumers [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationships between socio-demographic factors, purchase frequency, internet expertise, and unethical return behavior in apparel e-commerce, with a particular focus on the act of wardrobing—wearing and then returning used apparel. The research involved a survey of 1026 online apparel consumers from Portugal and the Czech Republic. The results show that frequent buyers, internet-savvy users, women and younger e-consumers report more satisfactory return experiences. However, several e-consumers engage in wardrobe shopping, with higher rates observed among males, internet-savvy users and youth. There are differences between the countries studied: in the Czech sample, men and advanced internet users are more likely to engage in wardrobing, while in the Portuguese sample, it is more prevalent among younger e-consumers. The results also document that, overall, men are seven times more likely to practice unethical return, while increasing age decreases the likelihood. The originality of the study lies in its approach and findings, which contribute to the understanding of post-purchase behavior and moral hazards in e-commerce and highlight the need for retailers to balance return policies that prevent abuse while maintaining customer satisfaction. Recommendations are made for improving loyalty programs and personalizing the e-shopping experience to minimize returns and promote ethical consumer behavior. Further research is suggested to develop these findings and improve return management in apparel e-commerce. Full article

20 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of E-Commerce Recommendation System Transparency on Consumer Trust: Exploring Parallel Multiple Mediators and a Moderator

by Yi Li, Xiaoya Deng, Xiao Hu and Jing Liu

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2630-2649; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040126 - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

Recommendation systems are used in various fields of e-commerce and can bring many benefits to consumers but consumers’ trust in recommendation systems (CTRS) is lacking. Recommendation system transparency (RST) is an important factor that affects CTRS. Applying a three-layered trust model, this paper [...] Read more.

Recommendation systems are used in various fields of e-commerce and can bring many benefits to consumers but consumers’ trust in recommendation systems (CTRS) is lacking. Recommendation system transparency (RST) is an important factor that affects CTRS. Applying a three-layered trust model, this paper discusses the influence of RST on CTRS in the e-commerce domain, demonstrating the mediating role of perceived effectiveness and discomfort and the moderating role of consumers’ domain knowledge. We recruited 500 participants for an online hypothetical scenario experiment. The results show that consumers’ perceived effectiveness and discomfort can mediate the relationship between RST and CTRS. Specifically, RST (vs. non-transparency) leads to higher perceived effectiveness ( promoting CTRS) and lower levels of discomfort (which inhibits CTRS), in turn increasing CTRS. Domain knowledge positively moderates the positive impact of RST on perceived effectiveness, while negatively moderating the negative impact of RST on discomfort. Further, gender has a negative impact on CTRS when consumers are purchasing experience products but there is no effect when purchasing search products. Full article

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25 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Next-Generation Shopper: A Study of Generation-Z Perceptions of AI in Online Shopping

by Ovidiu-Iulian Bunea, Răzvan-Andrei Corboș, Sorina Ioana Mișu, Monica Triculescu and Andreea Trifu

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2605-2629; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040125 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the purchase intentions of members of Generation Z (Gen Z) in online shopping, using an adapted technology acceptance model (TAM). It incorporates exposure to AI, usage of AI, and knowledge about AI, [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on the purchase intentions of members of Generation Z (Gen Z) in online shopping, using an adapted technology acceptance model (TAM). It incorporates exposure to AI, usage of AI, and knowledge about AI, alongside the existing TAM parameters of perceived usefulness of AI (PUAI) and perceived ease-of-use of AI (PEUAI). A 38-item questionnaire was distributed, yielding data from 1128 Gen Z respondents. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and importance–performance analysis (IPA) were applied to examine the hypothesized relationships. The study identified significant direct effects of exposure, use, and knowledge on PUAI and PEUAI, and that these effects affected consumers’ purchase intentions. Indirect effects analysis revealed that PUAI and PEUAI mediate between AI exposure, use, knowledge, and purchase intentions, suggesting that greater understanding of and familiarity with AI enhance the propensity to engage in AI-powered online transactions. The ease of integrating AI into daily life and perceived AI utility enhance purchase intentions. The study offers insights for online retailers leveraging AI technologies in an effort to enhance consumer purchase experiences, emphasizing the potential of AI to positively influence choices while enhancing trust, familiarity, and the overall user experience. Full article

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23 pages, 2853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Influential Mechanisms of Smart Interactions on Stickiness Intention: A Privacy Calculus Perspective

by Jinyi He, Xinjian Liang and Jiaolong Xue

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2582-2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040124 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are changing the ways of interaction between humans and machines, and smart interactions have become one of the hot topics of artificial intelligent in-home voice assistants (AVAs) by connecting humans, machines, content, and AVAs. Based on the privacy calculus [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are changing the ways of interaction between humans and machines, and smart interactions have become one of the hot topics of artificial intelligent in-home voice assistants (AVAs) by connecting humans, machines, content, and AVAs. Based on the privacy calculus theory (PCT), the authors conducted an online questionnaire-based survey to investigate the influential mechanisms of smart interactions on stickiness intention (SI), demonstrated the positive (negative) effects of smart interactions on benefits and risks, and verified the moderating role of susceptibility to normative influence (SNI). The results show that smart interactions positively impact SI via utilitarian benefit and hedonic benefit; humanness has a U-shaped effect on privacy risk; personalization, connectivity, and linkage positively impact privacy risk; multimodal control negatively impacts privacy risk; and SNI positively moderates the effects of smart interactions on stickiness intention. The study enriched and expanded the literature on smart interactions in the context of AIoT and offered practical implications for AVA service providers and developers to design or optimize smart interactions for AI interactive services. By examining the double-edged sword effects of personalization and humanness, our findings offer novel insights into the privacy calculus in smart interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interactive Marketing in the Digital Era)

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25 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Interactions in Omnichannel Retailing: Analyzing Brand Competition and Optimal Strategy Selection

by Jing Yu, Yufei Ren and Chi Zhou

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(4), 2557-2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040123 - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technology has blurred the line between online and brick-and-mortar stores, leading to the proliferation of omnichannel retailing. Two widely adopted strategies are Buy Online and Pick Up in Store (BOPS) and Ship from Store (SFS). This study examines [...] Read more.

The rapid advancement of digital technology has blurred the line between online and brick-and-mortar stores, leading to the proliferation of omnichannel retailing. Two widely adopted strategies are Buy Online and Pick Up in Store (BOPS) and Ship from Store (SFS). This study examines a supply chain where a manufacturer sells national brand products through an e-commerce platform (e-platform) that also offers its own brand products. We analyze the optimal omnichannel strategies for both the e-platform and the manufacturer, considering scenarios of cooperation and brand competition, across four strategy combinations. Our findings highlight that the profits of both the e-platform and manufacturer are primarily influenced by the commission rate, product category valuation and competition intensity. The commission rate plays a pivotal role in shaping the e-platform’s strategy: a low rate leads to direct competition with the manufacturer, while a high rate prioritizes the manufacturer’s products. When the spillover profit is less than the net difference between the customer’s additional benefits and the firm’s additional costs for SFS compared to BOPS, and the commission rate is high, an equilibrium is achieved. Sensitivity analyses reveal that as the product differentiation decrease, the manufacturer’s profits decline, while the e-platform’s profits rise with an increasing commission rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Supply Chain Management in the Era of Electronic Commerce)

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14 pages, 846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Empirical Research of Cold-Chain Logistics Service Quality in Fresh Product E-Commerce

by Ling Wang, Yuk-Ming Tang, Ka-Yin Chau and Xiaoxuan Zheng

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2543-2556; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030122 - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Logistics service quality (LSQ) plays a vital role in providing excellent customer experience, particularly in e-commerce. Using mobile devices for food and fresh product orders is very common, but delivering these products is very challenging. In this study, we aim to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Logistics service quality (LSQ) plays a vital role in providing excellent customer experience, particularly in e-commerce. Using mobile devices for food and fresh product orders is very common, but delivering these products is very challenging. In this study, we aim to evaluate the factors influencing logistics service quality (LSQ) in the context of fresh product e-commerce. The relevant literature was reviewed and a preliminary survey among field experts was conducted to establish the proposed LSQ scale. A qualitative study was carried out on fresh product e-commerce customers. A survey involving 222 participants was analyzed, and an LSQ evaluation scale was formed and evaluated scientifically and empirically. Research results showed that reliability, convenience, freshness, and personnel contact quality are the four key dimensions of the LSQ scale in the e-commerce platform for fresh and perishable items. The results of the study can help the managers of e-commerce companies to understand the LSQ criteria that determine customer satisfaction and consequently make the appropriate LSQ improvements. Full article

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21 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Emerging Phenomenon of Shopstreaming: Gaining a More Nuanced Understanding of the Factors Which Drive It

by Ibrahim Mutambik

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2522-2542; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030121 - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Over the past decade, the concept and practice of shopstreaming (also known as livestream shopping) have grown significantly within the e-business world, as it integrates live streaming technology with e-commerce. However, the relationship between the perceived benefits of this shopping mode and the [...] Read more.

Over the past decade, the concept and practice of shopstreaming (also known as livestream shopping) have grown significantly within the e-business world, as it integrates live streaming technology with e-commerce. However, the relationship between the perceived benefits of this shopping mode and the intention to use it is not fully understood. This research seeks to enhance the current understanding of this relationship by studying the association in the context of fashion and personal care (FPC) goods. Uniquely, the study bases its core model on a combination of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and some elements of the enhanced stimulus–organism–response (ESOR) theory, which incorporates cognitive, emotional and physiological processes within the organism component. This enables the development of a framework which facilitates the examination of the relationship between perceived benefits and intention to purchase within a shopstreaming environment, moderated by attitude (organism). The uniqueness of the study is further enhanced by the inclusion and analysis of perceived platform quality and the streamer’s (seller’s) influence as moderating constructs. These analyses were carried out using data from 901 respondents to a structured questionnaire, collected over a 4-month period. The results of the study showed that the seller has a significant moderating effect on the mediation of intention to purchase by attitude, though the mediation between perceived benefits and attitude was not affected by perceived platform quality. The study therefore offers significant insights to Saudi FPC brands, streamers and marketing agencies to develop and optimise sales and content strategy. Full article

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25 pages, 2341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Platform First-Party Product Entry and Pricing Strategy under Cost Differences and Capacity Constraints

by Haijun Chen and Qi Xu

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2497-2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030120 - 22 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving platform economy, the competition between platform-owned products and third-party offerings is intensifying. This study examines the entry and pricing strategies of dominant e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and JD Mall which sell both platform-owned and third-party products. We use [...] Read more.

In the rapidly evolving platform economy, the competition between platform-owned products and third-party offerings is intensifying. This study examines the entry and pricing strategies of dominant e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and JD Mall which sell both platform-owned and third-party products. We use a complete information game model to analyze the strategic interactions between these platforms and third-party sellers, focusing on cost discrepancies and limited entry capabilities, areas previously underexplored. Our key findings include the following: (1) Platforms with dominant power can restrict third-party product pricing. (2) Increased consumer influence by the platform can reduce competition between platform-owned and third-party products. (3) Platforms prioritize high-value-product markets when entry capabilities are limited. (4) Commission-based revenue models are generally more efficient than entry fees. (5) Regulatory bans on hybrid models do not necessarily enhance social welfare; differentiated taxation on various revenue sources may be more effective. This study contributes by developing a comprehensive game-theoretic model to simulate strategic interactions, analyze pricing competition and entry strategies under cost asymmetry and capacity constraints, and provide theoretical guidance for regulatory policies. Full article

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21 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boosting Customers’ Co-Creation in Open-Source Software Environments: The Role of Innovativeness and a Sense of Community

by Antonio Rebelo, Concepción Varela-Neira and Emilio Ruzo-Sanmartín

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2476-2496; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030119 - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

The increasing need for continuous innovation has given rise to a substantial increase in co-creation initiatives. Since the co-creation of value involves customers participating in the creation of product offerings voluntarily and actively, this investigation tries to understand what drives customers to participate [...] Read more.

The increasing need for continuous innovation has given rise to a substantial increase in co-creation initiatives. Since the co-creation of value involves customers participating in the creation of product offerings voluntarily and actively, this investigation tries to understand what drives customers to participate in these co-creation initiatives. To do so, this study employs a probabilistic sample of 683 users enrolled in Linux forums for open-source software distributions. The path analysis and bootstrap samples revealed that customers who exhibit a high innate innovativeness and feel that they belong in the online community show a greater motivation towards platform exploration and participation in co-creation. Moreover, the effect of this synergic interaction on their co-creation participation was partially mediated by the normative dimension of their intrinsic motivation, while the hedonic dimension was not a strong predictor of co-creation contributions. This study fills the voids in the existing literature by showcasing the relevance of personal characteristics, beyond individual motivation, in co-creation behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Consumer Psychology and Business Applications)

25 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Influencer Persona Increase the Effectiveness of Social Media Video Ads? The Mediating Effect of Consumer Perceptions of Self

by Haoyu Chen and Jifan Ren

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2451-2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030118 - 18 Sep 2024

Abstract

Persona, a special means of image management by social media influencers (SMIs), has become a trending phenomenon and it is expected to substantially affect SMIs’ persuasiveness and ad effect. This study aims to explore the impact of SMIs’ personas constructed through personal values [...] Read more.

Persona, a special means of image management by social media influencers (SMIs), has become a trending phenomenon and it is expected to substantially affect SMIs’ persuasiveness and ad effect. This study aims to explore the impact of SMIs’ personas constructed through personal values on the effectiveness of social media video ads. Adopting the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, this study validates how SMIs’ personas constructed through self-enhancement values and self-transcendence values affect consumer cognitive processes and responses. Consumer behavioral intentions are used to verify the effectiveness of ads derived by SMIs. The findings reveal that influencers’ personas constructed by values can promote consumer purchase intention and forwarding intention. Consumer perceptions of self (i.e., ideal self and actual self) have a mediating role. Results also show that SMIs’ personas with self-enhancement values are more effective in stimulating female consumers’ forwarding intention, whereas personas with self-transcendence values are more influential in female consumers’ purchase intention. This study enriches the influencer marketing literature by providing a more tailored understanding of the impact of SMIs’ personas and extending the applicability of value theory. It also provides insights for stakeholders involved in influencer marketing on how to significantly capitalize on the benefits and deploy marketing campaigns. Full article

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18 pages, 1204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Online Political Incivility: Mediation Effects of Cognitive and Affective Involvement

by Anam Javeed, Muhammad Yar Khan, Abdulrahman Alomair and Abdulaziz S. Al Naim

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2433-2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030117 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of political news posts, interactive discussion factors, and uncivil comments on participants’ online incivility. The moderating effects of cognitive and affective involvement have also been considered. The data have been gathered using self-administered [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of political news posts, interactive discussion factors, and uncivil comments on participants’ online incivility. The moderating effects of cognitive and affective involvement have also been considered. The data have been gathered using self-administered questionnaires from 458 respondents. The results indicate that political news posts having interactive discussion factors positively impacts the online uncivil behaviour of the participants. The uncivil comments initiated by other users also significantly impact the participants’ incivility. The data have also been analysed for the mediation effects. The construct of affective involvement emerged as an effective mediator as compared to cognitive involvement. This study posits several theoretical implications for the literature. The combination of the variables used is also rare in the literature. The findings of this study are useful for behavioural scientists, as the outcomes have a potential to predict the online behaviour of Pakistani users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Consumer Psychology and Business Applications)

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33 pages, 2791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Four-Party Evolutionary Game Analysis of Value Co-Creation Behavior of Bulk Logistics Enterprises in Digital Transformation

by Yang Yao, Mengru Shen, Kai Yang and Yiwen Gao

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2400-2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030116 - 11 Sep 2024

Abstract

Bulk logistics is an important part of the modern logistics system. The degree of digital transformation of bulk logistics has a significant gap compared with other logistics forms. Combined with the successful experience of digital transformation, value co-creation may become one of the [...] Read more.

Bulk logistics is an important part of the modern logistics system. The degree of digital transformation of bulk logistics has a significant gap compared with other logistics forms. Combined with the successful experience of digital transformation, value co-creation may become one of the key strategies to solve the problem of digital transformation of bulk logistics. This study formulates a four-party evolutionary game model to analyze the strategic choices and the stability of strategy combinations in value co-creation activities among bulk logistics enterprises and related entities and conducts numerical simulation analysis to explore the factors affecting the outcomes of the proposed game. The numerical results demonstrate that the bulk logistics enterprises and government departments are the key players in the game form that drive the success of value co-creation activities, and the additional costs required by various enterprises and the policies and financial support from government departments are key factors affecting strategic choices. Our findings can serve as a reference for bulk logistics enterprises. Full article

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23 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Industrial Digitalization Boost a Consumption-Driven Economy? An Empirical Study Based on Provincial Data in China

by Hanzi Chen, Yue Liu and Zirui Wang

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2377-2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030115 - 7 Sep 2024

Abstract

A consumption-driven economy refers to an economic growth model primarily driven by domestic consumption and is a common goal for the economic growth of various countries. To explore the impact of industrial digitalization on a consumption-driven economy, this paper conducts an empirical study [...] Read more.

A consumption-driven economy refers to an economic growth model primarily driven by domestic consumption and is a common goal for the economic growth of various countries. To explore the impact of industrial digitalization on a consumption-driven economy, this paper conducts an empirical study based on data from 31 provinces in China from 2013 to 2021. The empirical test results indicate: first, industrial digitalization significantly promotes the development of a consumption-driven economy, mainly reflected in the improvement of economic foundation and consumption levels, but shows no significant effect on improving the consumption structure. Second, mechanism analysis results show that industrial digitalization can promote the development of a consumption-driven economy by fostering innovation and advancing the industrial structure. Third, heterogeneity analysis results reveal that the promotion effect of industrial digitalization on the consumption-driven economy exists only in eastern and central China but not in western China, indicating that industrial digitalization in underdeveloped areas cannot exert a positive effect on the consumption-driven economy. Full article

17 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Social Influence and Negative Emotions toward Snow Sports Brands: Moderation and Mediation Effects

by Álvaro Iranzo-Barreira, Carla Ruiz-Mafe and Ines Küster

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2360-2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030114 - 7 Sep 2024

Abstract

This article draws on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model to understand the role of negative emotions in the anti-brand behaviors of online users who consume snow sports brands. To this end, both the online social influence and the mediating effect of symbolic incongruence (stimulus) [...] Read more.

This article draws on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model to understand the role of negative emotions in the anti-brand behaviors of online users who consume snow sports brands. To this end, both the online social influence and the mediating effect of symbolic incongruence (stimulus) on the generation of negative emotions (anger, stress, frustration, fear, boredom and sadness) (organism), and how these influence the formation of negative customer brand engagement (nCBE) (response), are analyzed. The study also analyses the moderating effects of “level of expertise”, this makes it possible to capture differences in behaviors based on the profile of the users in each of the proposed relationships. Questionnaire responses of 400 ski and snowboard users over 18 years of age were analyzed using a quantitative methodology. The results obtained have important theoretical and practical implications, since they confirm that online social influences have both a direct and indirect (mediating) effect on negative emotions, which positively affects the nCBE of online users of snow sports brands. Significant differences in behavior based on experience level (moderation effect) were also found. The study proposes useful practical recommendations applicable in online environments that the extreme sports industry could use to neutralize/avoid highly detrimental consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Marketing and the Connected Consumer)

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17 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Creation in Technology-Driven Ecosystems: Role of Coopetition in Industrial Networks

by Agostinho da Silva and António J. Marques Cardoso

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2343-2359; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030113 - 7 Sep 2024

Abstract

Coopetition, while offering significant strategic advantages, presents challenges in maintaining long-term collaboration among competitors, often due to a lack of perceived value for the participating actors. This study explores the role of technology in overcoming these challenges by applying the Service-Dominant Logic (S-D [...] Read more.

Coopetition, while offering significant strategic advantages, presents challenges in maintaining long-term collaboration among competitors, often due to a lack of perceived value for the participating actors. This study explores the role of technology in overcoming these challenges by applying the Service-Dominant Logic (S-D Logic) framework to investigate how technology-driven networks can enhance value co-creation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study hypothesizes that transitioning to technology-driven coopetition networks can substantially improve value co-creation. To test this hypothesis, the research critically evaluates existing theoretical approaches to coopetition, identifies gaps in understanding value creation mechanisms, and implements an experimental technology-driven coopetition network leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The research design is applied explicitly to the Portuguese ornamental stone industry, a significant economic and cultural sector. The findings confirm that technology-driven coopetition networks can enhance value co-creation and improve outputs. These results suggest that integrating technology into coopetition frameworks can provide a viable path to sustaining competitive advantages in SMEs. Full article

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31 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Mail or Bonded Warehouse? Logistics Mode Selection in Cross-Border E-Commerce under Exchange Rate Risk

by Xiaoyi Li, Hui Yu and Caihong Sun

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(3), 2312-2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19030112 - 6 Sep 2024

Abstract

The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has enabled more suppliers to expand into overseas markets, meeting increasingly diverse consumer demands. Selecting an effective logistics mode is a crucial issue for suppliers, yet uncertainty in demand and exchange rate fluctuations make this problem [...] Read more.

The rapid development of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has enabled more suppliers to expand into overseas markets, meeting increasingly diverse consumer demands. Selecting an effective logistics mode is a crucial issue for suppliers, yet uncertainty in demand and exchange rate fluctuations make this problem challenging. This paper considers a supply chain consisting of a supplier and a CBEC platform. Using a distributionally robust optimization approach, we provide optimal overseas warehousing strategies and logistics mode selection for suppliers, given partial distribution information of market demand and exchange rate, such as means, variances, and covariances. It is found that when demand and exchange rate fluctuations are small, the supplier chooses the bonded warehouse logistics mode to reduce costs. Conversely, when demand and exchange rate fluctuations increase, the supplier opts for the direct mail mode to respond flexibly to market risk. The correlation between exchange rate and demand also affects the choice of logistics mode. Specifically, with low correlation, the preference is for the bonded warehouse mode, whereas high correlation leads suppliers to choose the direct mail mode. In addition, the impact of demand and exchange rate fluctuations on suppliers’ overseas warehousing volumes depends on the product’s profit margin. These findings provide guidance for the selection of CBEC logistics under exchange rate risk. Full article

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Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research

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