256
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Understanding and mitigating risks in social commerce: an empirical study from the perspective of signalling theory

, , &
Pages 2195-2215 | Received 01 Jul 2022, Accepted 21 May 2023, Published online: 31 Jul 2023

References

  • Aiken, L. S., and S. G. West. 1991. Multiple Regression: Testing and Interpreting Interactions. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
  • Ameen, N., S. Hosany, and J. Paul. 2022. “The Personalisation-Privacy Paradox: Consumer Interaction with Smart Technologies and Shopping Mall Loyalty.” Computers in Human Behavior 126: 106976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106976
  • Animesh, A., A. Pinsonneault, S.-B. Yang, and W. Oh. 2011. “An Odyssey Into Virtual Worlds: Exploring the Impacts of Technological and Spatial Environments on Intention to Purchase Virtual Products.” Mis Quarterly 35 (3): 789–810. https://doi.org/10.2307/23042809
  • Arazy, O., and I. R. Gellatly. 2012. “Corporate Wikis: The Effects of Owners’ Motivation and Behavior on Group Members’ Engagement.” Journal of Management Information Systems 29 (3): 87–116. https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222290303
  • Ariffin S, K., T. Mohan, and Y.-N. Goh. 2018. “Influence of Consumers’ Perceived Risk on Consumers’ Online Purchase Intention.” Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing 12 (3): 309–327. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIM-11-2017-0100
  • Armstrong, J., and T. Overton. 1977. “Estimating Nonresponse Bias in Mail Surveys.” Journal of Marketing Research 14 (3): 396–402. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224377701400320
  • Ashraf, M. H., J. Zhang, and K. Özpolat. 2022. “Antecedents of Blatant Benevolence on Social Media.” Behaviour & Information Technology 42 (8): 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2022.2069595
  • Ba, Y., W. Zhang, B. Reimer, Y. Yang, and G. Salvendy. 2015. “The Effect of Communicational Signals on Drivers’ Subjective Appraisal and Visual Attention During Interactive Driving Scenarios.” Behaviour & Information Technology 34 (11): 1107–1118. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2015.1056547
  • Bai, Y., Z. Yao, and Y.-F. Dou. 2015. “Effect of Social Commerce Factors on User Purchase Behavior: An Empirical Investigation from Renren.com.” International Journal of Information Management 35 (5): 538–550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2015.04.011
  • Bapna, S. 2019. “Complementarity of Signals in Early-Stage Equity Investment Decisions: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment.” Management Science 65 (2): 933–952. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2833
  • Benlian, A., and T. Hess. 2011. “The Signaling Role of IT Features in Influencing Trust and Participation in Online Communities.” International Journal of Electronic Commerce 15 (4): 7–56. https://doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415150401
  • Carpentier, C., and J.-M. Suret. 2015. “Angel Group Members’ Decision Process and Rejection Criteria: A Longitudinal Analysis.” Journal of Business Venturing 30 (6): 808–821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2015.04.002
  • Chen, X., Q. Huang, and R. M. Davison. 2017. “The Role of Website Quality and Social Capital in Building Buyers’ Loyalty.” International Journal of Information Management 37 (1): 1563–1574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.07.005
  • Chen, X., Q. Huang, R Davison, and Z Hua. 2015. “What Drives Trust Transfer? The Moderating Roles of Seller-Specific and General Institutional Mechanisms.” International Journal of Electronic Commerce 20 (2): 261–289. https://doi.org/10.1080/10864415.2016.1087828
  • Chen, X., Y. Li, M. Davison, and Y Liu. 2021a. “The Impact of Imitation on Chinese Social Commerce Buyers’ Purchase Behavior: The Moderating Role of Uncertainty.” International Journal of Information Management 56: 102262 (3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102262
  • Chen, X., Z. Liu, S. Wei, and Y Liu. 2021b. “Understanding the Role of Affordances in Promoting Social Commerce Engagement.” International Journal of Electronic Commerce 25 (3): 287–312 )(4). https://doi.org/10.1080/10864415.2021.1943170
  • Chen, Y., Y. Lu, B. Wang, and Z Pan. 2019. “How do Product Recommendations Affect Impulse Buying? An Empirical Study on WeChat Social Commerce.” Information & Management 56 (2): 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.09.002
  • Chen, J., and X.-L. Shen. 2015. “Consumers’ Decisions in Social Commerce Context: An Empirical Investigation.” Decision Support Systems 79: 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2015.07.012
  • Cheung, C. M., B. S. Xiao, and I. L. Liu. 2014. “Do Actions Speak Louder Than Voices? The Signaling Role of Social Information Cues in Influencing Consumer Purchase Decisions.” Decision Support Systems 65: 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2014.05.002
  • Chiu, C. M., E. T. G. Wang, and Y.-H. Fang. 2014. “Understanding Customers’ Repeat Purchase Intentions in B2C e-Commerce: The Roles of Utilitarian Value, Hedonic Value and Perceived Risk.” Information Systems Journal 24 (1): 85–114. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2575.2012.00407.x
  • Chong, A. Y. L., E. Lacka, L. Boying, and H. K. Chan. 2018. “The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Guanxi and Perceived Effectiveness of E-Commerce Institutional Mechanisms in Online Marketplace.” Information & Management 55 (5): 621–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.01.003
  • CNNIC. 2022. The 50th China Statistical Report on Internet Development. August, from http://www.cnnic.net.cn/n4/2022/0914/c88-10226.html.
  • Dong, X., and T. Wang. 2018. “Social tie Formation in Chinese Online Social Commerce: The Role of IT Affordances.” International Journal of Information Management 42: 49–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2018.06.002
  • Fang, Y., I. Qureshi, H. Sun, and P. McCole. 2014. “Trust, Satisfaction and Online Repurchase Intention: The Moderating Role of Perceived Effectiveness of e-Commerce Institutional Mechanisms.” MIS Quarterly 38 (2): 407–427. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2014/38.2.04
  • Farivar, S., O. Turel, and Y. Yuan. 2017. “A Trust-Risk Perspective on Social Commerce use: An Examination of the Biasing Role of Habit.” Internet Research 27 (3): 586–607. https://doi.org/10.1108/IntR-06-2016-0175
  • Farivar, S., O. Turel, and Y. Yuan. 2018. “Skewing Users’ Rational Risk Considerations in Social Commerce: An Empirical Examination of the Role of Social Identification.” Information & Management 55 (8): 1038–1048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.05.008
  • Featherman, M. S., and A. P. Pavlou. 2003. “Predicting e-Services Adoption: A Perceived Risk Facets Perspective.” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 59 (4): 451–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1071-5819(03)00111-3
  • Forlani, D., and J. W. Mullins. 2000. “Perceived Risks and Choices in Entrepreneurs’ new Venture Decisions.” Journal of Business Venturing 15 (4): 305–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9026(98)00017-2
  • Fornell, C., and F. Larcker. 1981. “Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error.” Journal of Marketing Research 18 (1): 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104
  • Goraya, M. A. S., Z. Jing, M. A. Shareef, M. Imran, and M. S. Akram. 2021. “An Investigation of the Drivers of Social Commerce and e-Word-of-Mouth Intentions: Elucidating the Role of Social Commerce in E-Business.” Electronic Markets 31 (1): 181–195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-019-00347-w
  • Hajli, N. 2015. “Social Commerce Constructs and Consumer's Intention to buy.” International Journal of Information Management 35 (2): 183–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2014.12.005
  • Hu, X., Q. Huang, X. Zhong, M. Davison Robert, and Z Dingtao. 2016. “The Influence of Peer Characteristics and Technical Features of a Social Shopping Website on a Consumer’s Purchase Intention.” International Journal of Information Management 36 (6): 1218–1230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.08.005
  • Huang, Z., and M. Benyoucef. 2013. “From e-Commerce to Social Commerce: A Close Look at Design Features.” Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 12 (4): 246–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2012.12.003
  • Huang, Q., X. Chen, X. C. Ou, M. Davison Robert, and H. Zhongsheng. 2017. “Understanding Buyers’ Loyalty to a C2C Platform: The Roles of Social Capital, Satisfaction and Perceived Effectiveness of e-Commerce Institutional Mechanisms.” Information Systems Journal 27 (1): 91–119. https://doi.org/10.1111/isj.12079
  • Jarvis, C. B., S. B. MacKenzie, and P. M. Podsakoff. 2003. “A Critical Review of Construct Indicators and Measurement Model Misspecification in Marketing and Consumer Research.” Journal of Consumer Research 30 (2): 199–218. https://doi.org/10.1086/376806
  • Jin, X.-L., X. Chen, and Z. Zhou. 2022. “The Impact of Cover Image Authenticity and Aesthetics on Users’ Product-Knowing and Content-Reading Willingness in Social Shopping Community.” International Journal of Information Management 62: 102428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102428
  • Kanani, R., and R. Glavee-Geo. 2021. “Breaking the Uncertainty Barrier in Social Commerce: The Relevance of Seller and Customer-Based Signals.” Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 48: 101059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2021.101059
  • Kane, G. C., M. Alavi, G. Labianca, and P. B. Stephen. 2014. “What's Different About Social Media Networks? a Framework and Research Agenda.” Mis Quarterly 38 (1): 275–304. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26554878
  • Kang, K., J. Lu, L. Guo, and L. Wenlu. 2021. “The Dynamic Effect of Interactivity on Customer Engagement Behavior Through tie Strength: Evidence from Live Streaming Commerce Platforms.” International Journal of Information Management 56: 102251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102251
  • Kim, D. J., D. L. Ferrin, and H. R. Rao. 2008. “A Trust-Based Consumer Decision-Making Model in Electronic Commerce: The Role of Trust, Perceived Risk, and Their Antecedents.” Decision Support Systems 44 (2): 544–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2007.07.001
  • Kim, S., and H. Park. 2013. “Effects of Various Characteristics of Social Commerce (s-commerce) on Consumers’ Trust and Trust Performance.” International Journal of Information Management 33 (2): 318–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2012.11.006
  • Kromidha, E., and M. C. Li. 2019. “Determinants of Leadership in Online Social Trading: A Signaling Theory Perspective.” Journal of Business Research 97: 184–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.01.004
  • Kromidha, E., and P. Robson. 2016. “Social Identity and Signalling Success Factors in Online Crowdfunding.” Entrepreneurship & Regional Development 28 (9-10): 605–629. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2016.1198425
  • Kumar, N., and I. Benbasat. 2006. “Research Note: The Influence of Recommendations and Consumer Reviews on Evaluations of Websites.” Information Systems Research 17 (4): 425–439. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1060.0107
  • Kumar, S., and B. Singh. 2022. “What Drives Students to Adopt m-Learning Apps? The Role of e-WOM in Signalling Theory Perspective.” Behaviour & Information Technology, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2022.2107950
  • Li, H., Y. Fang, Y. Wang, H. K. Lim, and L. Liang. 2015. “Are all Signals Equal? Investigating the Differential Effects of Online Signals on the Sales Performance of e-Marketplace Sellers.” Information Technology & People 28 (3): 699–723. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-11-2014-0265
  • Lin, J., Z. Luo, X. Cheng, and L. Li. 2019. “Understanding the Interplay of Social Commerce Affordances and Swift Guanxi: An Empirical Study.” Information and Management 56 (2): 213–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.05.009
  • Lin, J., Y.Yan, S. Chen, and X. Luo. 2017. “Understanding the Impact of Social Commerce Website Technical Features on Repurchase Intention: A Chinese Guanxi Perspective.” Journal of Electronic Commerce Research 18 (3): 225–244.
  • Liu, H., H. Chu, Q. Huang, and X. Chen. 2016. “Enhancing the Flow Experience of Consumers in China Through Interpersonal Interaction in Social Commerce.” Computers in Human Behavior 58 (1): 306–314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.01.012
  • Liu, P., M. Li, D. Dai, and G. Linyun. 2021. “The Effects of Social Commerce Environmental Characteristics on Customers’ Purchase Intentions: The Chain Mediating Effect of Customer-to-Customer Interaction and Customer-Perceived Value.” Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 48: 101073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2021.101073
  • Mavlanova, T., R. Benbunan-Fich, and M. Koufaris. 2012. “Signaling Theory and Information Asymmetry in Online Commerce.” Information & Management 49 (5): 240–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2012.05.004
  • Meilatinova, N. 2021. “Social Commerce: Factors Affecting Customer Repurchase and Word-of-Mouth Intentions.” International Journal of Information Management 57: 102300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102300
  • Olbrich, R., and C. Holsing. 2011. “Modeling Consumer Purchasing Behavior in Social Shopping Communities with Clickstream Data.” International Journal of Electronic Commerce 16 (2): 15–40. https://doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415160202
  • Ou C, X., and C. Chan K. 2014. “Developing a Competitive Edge in Electronic Markets via Institutional and Social Based Quality Signaling Mechanisms.” Information & Management 51 (5): 532–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2014.04.002
  • Parboteeah, D. V., J. S. Valacich, and J. D. Wells. 2009. “The Influence of Website Characteristics on a Consumer's Urge to buy Impulsively.” Information Systems Research 20 (1): 60–78. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1070.0157
  • Pavlou, P. A., and D. Gefen. 2004. “Building Effective Online Marketplaces with Institution-Based Trust.” Information Systems Research 15 (1): 37–59. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1040.0015
  • Riaz, M. U., L. X. Guang, M. Zafar, F. Shahzad, M. Shahbaz, and M. Lateef. 2021. “Consumers’ Purchase Intention and Decision-Making Process Through Social Networking Sites: A Social Commerce Construct.” Behaviour & Information Technology 40 (1): 99–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2020.1846790
  • Schwartz, S. J., K. Luyckx, and V. L. Vignoles. 2011. “The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective and Identity Theory.” In Handbook of Identity Theory and Research-Structures and Processes, edited by S. J. Schwartz, K. Luyckx, and V. L. Vignoles, 1, 225–48. New York: Springer.
  • Sembada, A., and K. Kian Yeik. 2021. “How Perceived Behavioral Control Affects Trust to Purchase in Social Media Stores.” Journal of Business Research 130: 574–582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.028
  • Sharma, S., P. Menard, and L. A. Mutchler. 2017. “Who to Trust? Applying Trust to Social Commerce.” Journal of Computer Information Systems 59 (1): 32–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2017.1289356
  • Shen, Y.-C., C.-Y. Huang, C.-H. Chu, and H.-C Liao. 2010. “Virtual Community Loyalty: An Interpersonal-Interaction Perspective.” International Journal of Electronic Commerce 15 (1): 49–74. https://doi.org/10.2753/JEC1086-4415150102
  • Shen, X.-L., Y.-J. Li, Y. Sun, Z. Chen, and F. Wang. 2018. “Understanding the Role of Technology Attractiveness in Promoting Social Commerce Engagement: Moderating Effect of Personal Interest.” Information and Management 56 (2): 294–305.
  • Tajvidi, M., Y. Wang, N. Hajli, and E. D. Love Peter. 2021. “Brand Value Co-Creation in Social Commerce: The Role of Interactivity, Social Support, and Relationship Quality.” Computers in Human Behavior 115: 105238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.11.006
  • Tam K, Y., and Y. Ho S. 2005. “Web Personalization as a Persuasion Strategy: An Elaboration Likelihood Model Perspective.” Information Systems Research 16 (3): 271–291. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1050.0058
  • Turel, O., and D. Gefen. 2013. “The Dual Role of Trust in System use.” Journal of Computer Information Systems 54 (1): 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2013.11645666
  • Van de Vijver, F. J. 1997. Methods and Data Analysis for Cross-Cultural Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • Wang, P., Q. Huang, and R. M. Davison. 2021. “How do Digital Influencers Affect Social Commerce Intention? The Roles of Social Power and Satisfaction.” Information Technology & People 34 (3): 1065–1086. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-09-2019-0490
  • Wang, Y., and A. Majeed. 2022. “How do Users’ Feedback Influence Creators’ Contributions: An Empirical Study of an Online Music Community.” Behaviour & Information Technology, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2022.2155574
  • Wang, X., M. Tajvidi, X. Lin, and N. Hajli. 2019. “Towards an Ethical and Trustworthy Social Commerce Community for Brand Value Co-Creation: A Trust-Commitment Perspective.” Journal of Business Ethics 167 (1): 137–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04182-z
  • Wang, C., and P. Zhang. 2012. “The Evolution of Social Commerce: The People, Management.” Technology, and Information Dimensions. Communications of the Association for Information Systems 31 (5): 105–127. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.03105
  • Wells J, D., S. Valacich J, and J. Hess T. 2011. “What Signal are you Sending? How Website Quality Influences Perceptions of Product Quality and Purchase Intentions.” MIS Quarterly 35 (2): 373–396. https://doi.org/10.2307/23044048
  • Wiltbank, R., S. Read, N. Dew, and S. D. Sarasvathy. 2009. “Prediction and Control Under Uncertainty: Outcomes in Angel Investing.” Journal of Business Venturing 24 (2): 116–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2007.11.004
  • Wingreen, S. C., N. C. H. L. Mazey, S. L. Baglione, and G. R. Storholm. 2019. “Transfer of Electronic Commerce Trust Between Physical and Virtual Environments: Experimental Effects of Structural Assurance and Situational Normality.” Electronic Commerce Research 19 (2): 339–371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-018-9305-z
  • Wu, W., V. Huang, X. Chen, R. M. Davison, and Z. Hua. 2018. “Social Value and Online Social Shopping Intention: The Moderating Role of Experience.” Information Technology & People 31 (3): 688–711. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-10-2016-0236
  • Xue, J., X. Liang, T. Xie, and H. Wang. 2020. “See now, act now: How to Interact with Customers to Enhance Social Commerce Engagement?” Information & Management 57: 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2020.103324
  • Yang, X. 2021. “Understanding Consumers’ Purchase Intentions in Social Commerce Through Social Capital: Evidence from SEM and fsQCA.” Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research 16 (5): 1557–1570. https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer16050087
  • Yi M, Y., J. Yoon, M. J. Davis, and T. Lee. 2013. “Untangling the Antecedents of Initial Trust in Web-Based Health Information: The Roles of Argument Quality, Source Expertise, and User Perceptions of Information Quality and Risk.” Decision Support Systems 55 (1): 284–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2013.01.029
  • Zafar, A. U., J. Qiu, Y. Li, J. Wang, and M. Shahzad. 2019. “The Impact of Social Media Celebrities’ Posts and Contextual Interactions on Impulse Buying in Social Commerce.” Computers in Human Behavior 106178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.106178
  • Zhang, K. Z., and M. Benyoucef. 2016. “Consumer Behavior in Social Commerce: A Literature Review.” Decision Support Systems 86: 95–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2016.04.001
  • Zhang, H., Y. Lu, S. Gupta, and L. Zhao. 2014. “What Motivates Customers to Participate in Social Commerce? The Impact of Technological Environments and Virtual Customer Experiences.” Information & Management 51 (8): 1017–1030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2014.07.005
  • Zheng, X., J. Men, L. Xiang, and F. Yang. 2020. “Role of Technology Attraction and Parasocial Interaction in Social Shopping Websites.” International Journal of Information Management 51: 102043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.102043
  • Zhou, L., P. Zhang, and H.-D. Zimmermann. 2013. “Social Commerce Research: An Integrated View.” Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 12 (2): 61–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2013.02.003
  • Zucker, L. G. 1986. “Production of Trust: Institutional Sources of Economic Structure, 1840–1920.” Research in Organizational Behavior 8: 53–111.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.