• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.21-36
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• 2021

This study investigated the means-end chain theory more concretely through the APT hard laddering technique. This is carrying out a questionnaire survey targeting users by hair salon type, and the items drawn from the qualitative laddering technique are applied. The technique is a comparative analysis of each attribute, consequences, and value item by analyzing each step's questions. The results are as follows. First, hairdresser's ability, acceptance of individual-customized opinions, and cheap price were the most mentioned items in the selection attributes. As for the consequences items, image transformation, neatness, novelty, and psychological stability were drawn in order. The items indicated as important among the value items were satisfaction, followed by happiness, confidence, beauty, and bond. Second, the remarkable selection attributes, irrelevant of hair salon type, was revealed as hairdresser's ability and the key values pursued when using a hair salon were drawn as satisfaction, confidence, and beauty. From this result, it was found that meeting the desire of consumers using hair salons can be linked with ultimately pursued values. It was also verified that partial differences were shown by hair salon type and this meant that consumers' desire and expected benefits were different by hair salon type. Although this study drew value perception through comparison with hair salon types based on the means-end chain theory, it was confirmed that the most important selection attribute was hairdresser's ability and they select and use hair salons to gain satisfaction and confidence.