Natasha F. Veltri

Self-disclosure and Privacy Calculus on Social Networking Sites: The Role of Culture

Social Network Sites (SNSs) rely exclusively on user-generated content to offer engaging and rewarding experience to its members. As a result, stimulating user communication and self-disclosure is vital for the sustainability of SNSs. However, considering that the SNS users are increasingly culturally diverse, motivating this audience to self-disclose requires understanding of their cultural intricacies. Yet existing research offers only limited insights into the role of culture behind the motivation of SNS users to self-disclose. Building on the privacy calculus framework, this study explores the role of two cultural dimensions – individualism and uncertainty avoidance – in self-disclosure decisions of SNS users. Survey responses of US and German Facebook members are used as the basis for our analysis. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis results reveal the distinct role of culture in the cognitive patterns of SNS users. The authors find that trusting beliefs play a key role in the self-disclosure decisions of users from individualistic cultures. At the same time, uncertainty avoidance determines the impact of privacy concerns. This paper contributes to the theory by rejecting the universal nature of privacy calculus processes. The findings provide for an array of managerial implications for SNS providers as they strive to encourage content creation and sharing by their heterogeneous members.

Privacy Calculus on Social Networking Sites: Explorative Evidence from Germany and USA

Worldwide social networks, like Facebook, face fierce competition from local platforms when expanding globally. To remain attractive social network providers need to encourage user self-disclosure. Yet, little research exists on how cultural differences impact self-disclosure on these platforms. Addressing this gap, this study explores the differences in perceptions of disclosure-relevant determinants between German and US users. Survey of Facebook members indicates that German users expect more damage and attribute higher probability to privacy-related violations. On the other hand, even though American users show higher level of privacy concern, they extract more benefits from their social networking activities, have more trust in the service provider and legal assurances as well as perceive more control. These factors may explain a higher level of self-disclosure indicated by American users. Our results provide relevant insights for the social network providers who can adjust their expansion strategy with regard to cultural differences.

Information Systems Backsourcing: Correcting Problems and Responding to Opportunities

Information systems (IS) backsourcing is a business practice in which a company takes back in-house assets, activities, and skills that are part of its information systems operations that were previously outsourced to one or more outside IS providers. Backsourcing often represents a response to the problems with the outsourcing arrangement as well as to new opportunities generated by internal or environmental changes in the business situation. The problems are manifested in escalating costs, poor service quality, loss of control over outsourced activities, and a know-how mismatch on the part of the provider. Opportunities arise from internal organizational changes such as new executives and redefinition of the role of IS as well as environmental changes such as mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. This article provides insights into reasons for backsourcing, possible responses to the problems and opportunities associated with it, and offers suggestions for managing a smooth transition to in-house operations.

Attributions of Responsibility Toward Computing Technology: The Role of Interface Social Cues and User Gender

This study examined how social cues in an interface and user gender affected attributions of responsibility for the process and outcomes of interacting with a computer. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects laboratory design, 391 participants were randomly assigned to work with a computer that utilized either a traditional interface or an interface designed to include higher social cues. The results of this study indicated that those who interacted with the interface with greater social cues made greater attributions of responsibility to the computer. In addition, women were more likely to ascribe responsibility to the computer. Results did not support an interaction between gender and interface design. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Deal of the Day Platforms what drives Consumer loyalty?

Abstract“Deal of the Day” (DoD) platforms have quickly become popular by offering savings on local services, products and vacations. For merchants, these platforms represent a new marketing channel to advertise their products and services and attract new customers. DoD platform providers, however, struggle to maintaining a stable market share and profitability, because entry and switching costs are low. To sustain a competitive market position, DoD providers are looking for ways to build a loyal customer base. However, research examining the determinants of user loyalty in this novel context is scarce. To fill this gap, this study employs Grounded Theory methodology to develop a conceptual model of customer loyalty to a DoD provider. In the next step, qualitative insights are enriched and validated using quantitative data from a survey of 202 DoD users. The authors find that customer loyalty is in large part driven by monetary incentives, but can be eroded if impressions from merchant encounters are below expectations. In addition, enhancing the share of deals relevant for consumers, i.e. signal-to-noise ratio, and mitigating perceived risks of a transaction emerge as challenges. Beyond theoretical value, the results offer practical insights into how customer loyalty to a DoD provider can be promoted.

Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments

This paper extends our understanding of knowledge creation in virtual communities of practice by examining crowdsourcing activities that enable knowledge creation in these social structures. An interpretive methodology, narrative networks analysis, is used to systematically study the narratives of discussion forums in a virtual community. The virtual community studied is voluntary for the participants, and open to anyone. Through the analysis of the narrative, a model of knowledge creation is developed that identifies types of evidentiary knowledge contributions, as well as conversation mitigators that help or hinder knowledge creation within the community. Knowledge is a primary attraction of a virtual community for many of its members, and this study aims to understand how knowledge is shared and created in such voluntary communities of practice. The model highlights elements that enhance and impair knowledge creation in this type of crowdsourced environment.

Beliefs and Attributions toward Computing Technology: The Moderating Role of Social Cues in Interfaces

This study critiques and extends the work of Johnson, Marakas and Palmer (2006), who investigated the relations between social cues in an interface, user personality, user beliefs about the social role and capabilities of computers, and the attributions of responsibility users made for their interactions and outcomes with a computer. In this study, rather than examining the simple, direct effects investigated previously, we examine the moderating role of social cues in the interface. In addition, building upon recent findings from psychology, the authors assess personality traits individually, rather than aggregating them. To evaluate the theorized relations, 152 individuals participated in a controlled laboratory experiment, where social cues in two computer interfaces were manipulated. Results indicate that social cues moderate the relations between personality, beliefs about the social role of computing, and the attributions made. In addition, the results suggest that disaggregating personality traits is theoretically and practically richer than aggregating them. Beliefs and Attributions toward Computing Technology: The Moderating Role of Social Cues in Interfaces

Die Rolle der Kultur in der Selbstoffenbarung und Privatsphäre in sozialen Onlinenetzwerken

ZusammenfassungSoziale Onlinenetzwerke (SON) stützen sich ausschließlich auf nutzergenerierten Inhalt um ihren Mitgliedern ein ansprechendes und lohnendes Erlebnis zu bieten. Infolgedessen sind die Belebung der Kommunikation zwischen Nutzern sowie die Stimulierung ihrer Selbstoffenbarung im Netz unerlässlich für die Zukunftsfähigkeit von SON. Soziale Netzwerke sind weltweit beliebt und deren Nutzer werden zunehmend kulturell vielfältiger. Um ihre Mitglieder zu motivieren Informationen zu teilen bedarf es des Verständnisses kultureller Feinheiten. Bisher bietet die derzeitige Forschung nur begrenzte Einblicke in die Rolle der Kultur, die hinter dieser Bereitwilligkeit von Selbstoffenbarung der Nutzer in Onlinenetzwerken steht. Aufbauend auf dem Privatsphärekalkül untersucht diese Studie die Rolle zweier kultureller Dimensionen – Individualismus und Unsicherheitsvermeidung – bei der Selbstoffenbarung auf SON. Die Umfrageergebnisse deutscher und amerikanischer Facebook-Nutzer bilden hierbei die Basis für die Analyse. Die Resultate des Strukturgleichungsmodells und der Multi-Gruppen-Analyse offenbaren deutliche Unterschiede in den kognitiven Strukturen dieser beiden Kulturen. Hierbei spielen Vertrauensannahmen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Selbstoffenbarung von Nutzern mit individualistischem Hintergrund. Gleichzeitig beeinflusst die Unsicherheitsvermeidung die Auswirkung von den Bedenken hinsichtlich der Privatsphäre. Der Beitrag der Autoren zu der Theorie ist die Ablehnung des universellen Charakters des Privatsphärekalküls. Die Forschungsergebnisse geben den Betreibern von SON eine Reihe von Empfehlungen, um die Erstellung und Teilung von Inhalten ihrer heterogenen Zielgruppen zu stimulieren.AbstractSocial Network Sites (SNSs) rely exclusively on user-generated content to offer engaging and rewarding experience to its members. As a result, stimulating user communication and self-disclosure is vital for the sustainability of SNSs. However, considering that the SNS users are increasingly culturally diverse, motivating this audience to self-disclose requires understanding of their cultural intricacies. Yet existing research offers only limited insights into the role of culture behind the motivation of SNS users to self-disclose. Building on the privacy calculus framework, this study explores the role of two cultural dimensions – individualism and uncertainty avoidance – in self-disclosure decisions of SNS users. Survey responses of US and German Facebook members are used as the basis for our analysis. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis results reveal the distinct role of culture in the cognitive patterns of SNS users. The authors find that trusting beliefs play a key role in the self-disclosure decisions of users from individualistic cultures. At the same time, uncertainty avoidance determines the impact of privacy concerns. This paper contributes to the theory by rejecting the universal nature of privacy calculus processes. The findings provide for an array of managerial implications for SNS providers as they strive to encourage content creation and sharing by their heterogeneous members.

„Deal of the Day“-Plattformen: Was treibt die Kundenloyalität?

ZusammenfassungDie Beliebtheit von „Deal of the Day“ (DoD)-Plattformen ist rasant angestiegen, da sie Einsparungen für lokale Dienstleistungen, Produkte und Urlaube anbieten. Für Händler stellen diese Plattformen einen neuen Marketingkanal dar, um ihre Produkte und Services zu bewerben und neue Kunden zu gewinnen. Die Betreiber von DoD-Plattformen kämpfen jedoch um einen stabilen Marktanteil und Profitabilität, da Eintritts- und Wechselkosten gering sind. Um eine wettbewerbsfähige Marktposition zu halten, suchen DoD-Betreiber daher nach Wegen, um einen loyalen Kundenstamm aufzubauen. Jedoch gibt es bisher kaum Forschung, welche die Determinanten von Kundenloyalität in diesem neuen Kontext untersucht. Um diese Lücke zu füllen, nutzt diese Studie die Grounded-Theory-Methodologie, um ein konzeptionelles Modell der Kundenloyalität für DoD-Betreiber zu entwickeln. Im nächsten Schritt werden diese qualitativen Erkenntnisse erweitert und validiert unter Verwendung quantitativer Daten, die im Rahmen einer Umfrage unter 202 DoD-Nutzern erhoben wurden. Die Autoren haben herausgefunden, dass Kundenloyalität zu einem großen Teil von monetären Anreizen beeinflusst wird, welche jedoch untergraben werden, wenn die Begegnung mit dem Händler unter den Erwartungen bleibt. Zusätzlich stellen die Erweiterung des Anteils relevanter Deals für Kunden (d.h. das Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis) und die Verringerung des wahrgenommenen Risikos einer Transaktion eine Herausforderung dar. Neben ihrem theoretischen Wert bieten die Erkenntnisse praktische Einblicke darüber, wie die Kundenloyalität zu DoD-Betreibern verbessert werden kann.Abstract“Deal of the Day” (DoD) platforms have quickly become popular by offering savings on local services, products and vacations. For merchants, these platforms represent a new marketing channel to advertise their products and services and attract new customers. DoD platform providers, however, struggle to maintaining a stable market share and profitability, because entry and switching costs are low. To sustain a competitive market position, DoD providers are looking for ways to build a loyal customer base. However, research examining the determinants of user loyalty in this novel context is scarce. To fill this gap, this study employs Grounded Theory methodology to develop a conceptual model of customer loyalty to a DoD provider. In the next step, qualitative insights are enriched and validated using quantitative data obtained in a survey with 202 DoD users. We find that customer loyalty is in large part driven by monetary incentives, but can be eroded if impressions from merchant encounter are below expectations. In addition, enhancing the share of deals relevant for consumers, i.e. signal-to-noise ratio, and mitigating perceived risks of a transaction emerge as challenges. Beyond theoretical value, our results offer practical insights into how customer loyalty to a DoD provider can be promoted.

Die Rolle der Kultur in der Selbstoffenbarung und Privatsphäre in sozialen Onlinenetzwerken@@@Self-disclosure and Privacy Calculus on Social Networking Sites: The Role of Culture: Interkulturelle Dynamik des Privatsphärekalküls@@@Intercultural Dynamics of Privacy Calculus

ZusammenfassungSoziale Onlinenetzwerke (SON) stützen sich ausschließlich auf nutzergenerierten Inhalt um ihren Mitgliedern ein ansprechendes und lohnendes Erlebnis zu bieten. Infolgedessen sind die Belebung der Kommunikation zwischen Nutzern sowie die Stimulierung ihrer Selbstoffenbarung im Netz unerlässlich für die Zukunftsfähigkeit von SON. Soziale Netzwerke sind weltweit beliebt und deren Nutzer werden zunehmend kulturell vielfältiger. Um ihre Mitglieder zu motivieren Informationen zu teilen bedarf es des Verständnisses kultureller Feinheiten. Bisher bietet die derzeitige Forschung nur begrenzte Einblicke in die Rolle der Kultur, die hinter dieser Bereitwilligkeit von Selbstoffenbarung der Nutzer in Onlinenetzwerken steht. Aufbauend auf dem Privatsphärekalkül untersucht diese Studie die Rolle zweier kultureller Dimensionen – Individualismus und Unsicherheitsvermeidung – bei der Selbstoffenbarung auf SON. Die Umfrageergebnisse deutscher und amerikanischer Facebook-Nutzer bilden hierbei die Basis für die Analyse. Die Resultate des Strukturgleichungsmodells und der Multi-Gruppen-Analyse offenbaren deutliche Unterschiede in den kognitiven Strukturen dieser beiden Kulturen. Hierbei spielen Vertrauensannahmen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Selbstoffenbarung von Nutzern mit individualistischem Hintergrund. Gleichzeitig beeinflusst die Unsicherheitsvermeidung die Auswirkung von den Bedenken hinsichtlich der Privatsphäre. Der Beitrag der Autoren zu der Theorie ist die Ablehnung des universellen Charakters des Privatsphärekalküls. Die Forschungsergebnisse geben den Betreibern von SON eine Reihe von Empfehlungen, um die Erstellung und Teilung von Inhalten ihrer heterogenen Zielgruppen zu stimulieren.AbstractSocial Network Sites (SNSs) rely exclusively on user-generated content to offer engaging and rewarding experience to its members. As a result, stimulating user communication and self-disclosure is vital for the sustainability of SNSs. However, considering that the SNS users are increasingly culturally diverse, motivating this audience to self-disclose requires understanding of their cultural intricacies. Yet existing research offers only limited insights into the role of culture behind the motivation of SNS users to self-disclose. Building on the privacy calculus framework, this study explores the role of two cultural dimensions – individualism and uncertainty avoidance – in self-disclosure decisions of SNS users. Survey responses of US and German Facebook members are used as the basis for our analysis. Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis results reveal the distinct role of culture in the cognitive patterns of SNS users. The authors find that trusting beliefs play a key role in the self-disclosure decisions of users from individualistic cultures. At the same time, uncertainty avoidance determines the impact of privacy concerns. This paper contributes to the theory by rejecting the universal nature of privacy calculus processes. The findings provide for an array of managerial implications for SNS providers as they strive to encourage content creation and sharing by their heterogeneous members.