Analyzing Electronic Word of Mouth Intention for Shopping Websites: A Means-End Chain Approach

Abstract

Using a means-end chain (MEC) approach, this article proposes a comprehensive and integrative conceptual model of the antecedents of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) intention. It examines the effects of website attributes on eWOM intention, a topic that has not been explored in its relation to these attributes. Hypotheses are tested using partial least squares (PLS) modeling of data from 290 online customers in Taiwan. Attitudes toward websites and brand attitudes are found to mediate the link between website attributes and eWOM intention. The moderating effects of website trustworthiness and gender are found to influence the relationship between website attributes and consumer attitudes. This study contributes to the knowledge of the effects of website design that encourage consumers to provide positive eWOM when purchasing clothes via a website and provides some practical suggestions for online retailers.

Keywords:

• Means-end chain theory
• website attributes
• brand attitude
• website attitude
• eWOM intention
• website trustworthiness
• gender

Additional information

Funding

The research for this article was financially supported by the Internal Grant Agency of the Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University, in Zlín, grant TBU No. IGA/FaME/2018/015.