The present study reports the first record of Lagocephalus sceleratus and the first substantiated record of Bathophilus nigerrimus from the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Specimens of another four ...species, Mobula mobular, Tylosurus choram, Scarus ghobban and Tetrapturus belone, constitute second records from this region.
We assessed mitochondrial DNA diversity in Trionyx triunguis from the Mediterranean basin (22 samples) and continental Africa (4 samples). The continental African group comprised 4 different and ...newly described haplotypes, while the Mediterranean group consisted of only 1 previously known haplotype, with the nucleotide divergence between the 2 groups being 1.5% ± 0.7%.
Purpose
The nature of digital media channels are important factors in explaining consumers’ behavior over the Web, and specifically on social network sites (SNS). The purpose of this paper is to ...propose a conceptual framework explaining consumer engagement with electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication via SNS, based on key attributes of this media channel.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the expectancy value theory (EVT), a conceptual framework is proposed to model the effect of eWOM channel attributes on eWOM engagement process. Consumer eWOM engagement is conceptualized as a second-order construct. A structural equation modeling procedure was employed to empirically test the model using data collected from two social media communication channels.
Findings
First, results suggest that engagement with eWOM can be conceptualized as a second-order construct based on user tendency to receive or share eWOM with other network members. Second, the path analysis model supports the employment of EVT and shows that two key attributes of eWOM channels, social capital and credibility, significantly affect consumer attitude toward eWOM via SNS. Attitude toward eWOM, in turn, affects eWOM engagement. Third, SNS channel type moderates the effect on attitude.
Practical implications
Marketing communication practitioners should note that the strength of social ties plays a key role in spreading eWOM on SNS effectively. This insight should be employed a part of social media marketing strategy.
Originality/value
This is first research that models the effect of social media attributes on eWOM engagement and demonstrates the moderating role of channel type. The model is highly valuable in light of the importance of the concept of engagement in internet research.
•eWOM sharing enhances trust of the sharing individual, which, in turn, increases purchase intention.•Cultural orientation (collectivism-individualism) moderates the effect of eWOM sharing.•The ...effect of eWOM sharing on trust is bounded by social tie-strength with the source of eWOM.
Marketers increasingly integrate social commerce into their business activities and encourage users to share brand-related content. The present research investigates the role of consumer trust in shaping shoppers’ intentions to purchase products online in various social commerce contexts (i.e., collectivist vs. individualist cultural orientation, high vs. low social tie strength). Based on the Dual Systems Theory approach, consumer engagement with eWOM sharing is proposed to drive trust, which in turn enhances purchase intention. In three experimental studies (N = 153, 179, 298 respectively), this research demonstrates that trust in eWOM messages is an underlying mechanism of the effect of consumer engagement with electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on purchase intention (Studies 1–3) and proposes two boundary conditions that support a moderated mediation model of this effect: consumer orientation toward collectivism-individualism (Study 2) and social tie strength (Study 3). Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed.
Purpose
Despite the extensive academic interest in electronic word of mouth (eWOM) communication, consumer attitudes toward eWOM communication have been neglected. The purpose of this paper is to ...propose a conceptual framework for attitudes toward eWOM communication across digital channels.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a web-based survey on seven major digital communication channels. ANOVA was applied in order to analyze their differences. In addition, structural equation modeling was used to test the eWOM attitude model, using a sample of 864 participants who have had prior experience with the channels under study.
Findings
Findings indicate that both attitude toward eWOM and its antecedents significantly differ across channels. Additionally, a path analysis model reveals that the original integrated model applies to eWOM communications. Yet, in the case of eWOM, irritating messages may be positively related to attitude toward the channel, and credibility serves as a mediator of message value.
Research limitations/implications
This paper supports the notion that attitude toward eWOM communication significantly differs across media channels. Future research should examine additional implications of attitude toward eWOM, and explore new and evolving channels.
Practical implications
Practitioners should adjust their eWOM media strategy to their objectives; blogs and social networks are more effective for brand attitude formation, whereas web forums enhance message credibility.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research study that tests attitudinal differences toward eWOM across digital channels. As such, it contributes to the understanding of people’s perception of these platforms.
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