Graeme McLean

Evolving the online customer experience ... is there a role for online customer support

This paper advances our theoretical understanding with regard to the online customer experience in a utilitarian context. The aim of this research is to understand if there is a need for online customer support during search for information and services on business support websites. In contrast to previous studies highlighting time distortion as part of the optimal customer experience, the findings of this research illustrate that customers are time conscious during a utilitarian search with the perceived length of time spent on the website influencing the customer experience. Additionally, the perceived length of time spent on the website influences the need to seek online customer support. The outcomes of customers requiring online customer support in relation to the customer experience have been established. The findings provide key managerial implications for economic development agencies and online business support providers on the requirement of online customer support and insight into the time conscious nature of customers in relation to the online customer experience. The notion of time distortion in the online environment is context specific.During information search customers require online customer support.The length of time spent on the website drives the need for online customer support.

Examining satisfaction with the experience during a live chat service encounter-implications for website providers

This paper furthers our understanding of online customer support with regard to online live chat systems. Online live chat systems allow customers to seek service related information from an organisation via online-based synchronous media with a human service representative who provides answers through such media. With use of a web-based survey involving 302 respondents of real-life live chat service experiences with mobile phone network providers in the UK and through the use of structural equation modelling, the aim of this research is to understand the variables capable of influencing a customers satisfaction with their experience during an online live chat service encounter. The results indicate the importance of service quality, information quality and system quality variables influencing satisfaction with the experience, while such influence is dependent on the purpose of use. Additionally, the results outline the role of emoticons, presence of service reps picture, automated canned responses and the presence of response time estimations in moderating the influence of service quality, information quality and system quality variables on satisfaction with the experience. Service, information & system quality influence satisfaction with chat experience.Variables influencing the experience are dependent on purpose of using live chat.Emoticons can influence a positive experience during a live chat discussion.A Service reps use of automated responses does not influence the experience.

Investigating the online customer experience – a B2B perspective

Purpose This paper explores the online customer experience (OCE) within business-to-business (B2B) websites. The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of website credibility and information quality on the OCE during search for information and services. In addition, this paper acknowledges the role of customer support within the offline environment and thus explores the potential role of online customer support during a customer’s online experience. Design/methodology/approach An online experiment was conducted with 195 participants along with an associated questionnaire for data capture. Three tasks were developed for participants which they had to complete on three different business advisory websites. The online experiment gave all participants the experience of using a business advisory website. In order to analyse the hypothesised relationships, structural equation modelling was used. Findings The results outlined that the credibility of the website and the quality of the information on the website have a significant effect on the OCE in a B2B context. The research highlights the need for online customer support with a service representative during search on a B2B website. The credibility of the website as well as the success of the search drives the need for online customer support. The lack of online customer support will result in customers becoming dissatisfied with their experience if they have an unsuccessful search. Practical implications Managers of B2B websites should acknowledge the importance of website credibility cues and information quality cues. Each of these variables drive the success of a customer’s search and in turn the customer’s impression of the experience. Additionally, managers ought to provide customers online support, through functions such as an online help desk or a live chat function, as those who have an unsuccessful search expect to be able to seek online support from a company representative, the same way as they would do in the offline environment. Online customer support can act as a service recovery tool for website providers. Originality/value Empirical research on the OCE within B2B websites is limited and somewhat out-dated. Due to technological advancements and changing customer expectations, this research has filled a knowledge gap on the OCE in a B2B perspective. Website credibility and information quality have been overlooked in previous research in relation to the OCE. In addition, this study outlines the need for online customer support resulting from the need to clarify information and the success of the search.

Examining the determinants and outcomes of mobile app engagement- a longitudinal perspective

Abstract Through undertaking a longitudinal study with 474 consumers over a 12-month period and conducting structural equation modelling, this research provides insight on the determinants and outcomes of consumer engagement with a retailers m-commerce application. Critical outcomes of positive attitudes towards the brand and loyalty towards the brand derive from consumer engagement with a retailers m-commerce app. Drawing upon the TAM, TTF and SDT, the research established perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, convenience and enjoyment influencing engagement with an m-commerce application, while customisation of the app has an enhancing influence on engagement. The findings assert that utilitarian variables of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and convenience become even more influential on engagement with a retailers m-commerce application following continued retention, while enjoyment becomes less important. However, the research finds that the location of use has an effect on the variables influencing engagement with an m-commerce application.