• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.137-158
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• 2022

Purpose As artificial intelligence voice agents (AIVA) have been widely adopted in services, diverse forms of their voices, which are the main interface with users, have been experimented. The purpose of this study is to examine how users evaluate vocal characteristics (gender, voice pitch, and voice pace) of AIVA, depending on prior research on human voice attractiveness. Design/methodology/approach This study employed an experimental survey which 516 participated in. Each participant was randomly assigned into one of eight situations (e.g., male - higher pitch - faster pace) and listened a AIVA voice sample, which introduce weather information. Next, a participant answered three consequence factors (attractiveness, trust, and anthropomorphism). Findings The results reveal that female voices of AIVA were perceived as more attractive and trustworthy than male voices. As far as voice pitch goes, while lower-pitch voices were preferred in female voices, higher-pitch voices were preferred in male voices. Finally, faster voices of AIVA were more attractive than slower voices.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1-27
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• 2011

Introduction: Sales of private labels(PU have been growing m recent years. Globally, PLs have already achieved 20% share, although between 25 and 50% share in most of the European markets(AC. Nielson, 2005). These products are aimed to have comparable quality and prices as national brand(NB) products and have been continuously eroding manufacturer's national brand market share. Stores have also started introducing premium PLs that are of higher-quality and more reasonably priced compared to NBs. Worldwide, many retailers already have a multiple-tier private label architecture. Consumers as a consequence are now able to have a more diverse brand choice in store than ever before. Since premium PLs are priced higher than regular PLs and even, in some cases, above NBs, stores can expect to generate higher profits. Brand extensions and private label have been extensively studied in the marketing field. However, less attention has been paid to the private label extension. Therefore, this research focuses on private label extension using the Multi-Attribute Attitude Model(Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975). Especially there are few studies that consider the hierarchical effect of the PL's two parent brands: store brand and the original PL. We assume that the attitude toward each of the two parent brands affects the attitude towards the extended PL. The influence from each parent brand toward extended PL will vary according to the perceived fit between each parent brand and the extended PL. This research focuses on how these two parent brands act as reference points to one another in the consumers' choice consideration. Specifically we seek to understand how store image and attitude towards original PL affect consumer perceptions of extended premium PL. How consumers perceive extended premium PLs could provide strategic suggestions for retailer managers with specific suggestions on whether it is more effective: to position extended premium PL similarly or dissimilarly to original PL especially on the quality dimension and congruency with store image. There is an extensive body of research on branding and brand extensions (e.g. Aaker and Keller, 1990) and more recently on PLs(e.g. Kumar and Steenkamp, 2007). However there are no studies to date that look at the upgrading and influence of original PLs and attitude towards store on the premium PL extension. This research wishes to make a contribution to this gap using the perceived fit difference between parent brands and extended premium PL as the context. In order to meet the above objectives, we investigate which factors heighten consumers' positive attitude toward premium PL extension. Research Model and Hypotheses: When considering the attitude towards the premium PL extension, we expect four factors to have an influence: attitude towards store; attitude towards original PL; perceived congruity between the store image and the premium PL; perceived similarity between the original PL and the premium PL. We expect that all these factors have an influence on consumer attitude towards premium PL extension. Figure 1 gives the research model and hypotheses. Method: Data were collected by an intercept survey conducted on consumers at discount stores. 403 survey responses were attained (total 59.8% female, across all age ranges). Respondents were asked to respond to a series of Questions measured on 7 point likert-type scales. The survey consisted of Questions that measured: the trust towards store and the original PL; the satisfaction towards store and the original PL; the attitudes towards store, the original PL, and the extended premium PL; the perceived similarity of the original PL and the extended premium PL; the perceived congruity between the store image and the extended premium PL. Product images with specific explanations of the features of premium PL, regular PL and NB we reused as the stimuli for the Question response. We developed scales to measure the research constructs. Cronbach's alphaw as measured each construct with the reliability for all constructs exceeding the .70 standard(Nunnally, 1978). Results: To test the hypotheses, path analysis was conducted using LISREL 8.30. The path analysis for verification of the model produced satisfactory results. The validity index shows acceptable results(${\chi}^2=427.00$(P=0.00), GFI= .90, AGFI= .87, NFI= .91, RMSEA= .062, RMR= .047). With the increasing retailer use of premium PLBs, the intention of this research was to examine how consumers use original PL and store image as reference points as to the attitude towards premium PL extension. Results(see table 1 & 2) show that the attitude of each parent brand (attitudes toward store and original pL) influences the attitude towards extended PL and their perceived fit moderates these influences. Attitude toward the extended PL was influenced by the relative level of perceived fit. Discussion of results and future direction: These results suggest that the future strategy for the PL extension needs to consider that positive parent brand attitude is more strongly associated with the attitude toward PL extensions. Specifically, to improve attitude towards PL extension, building and maintaining positive attitude towards original PL is necessary. Positioning premium PL congruently to store image is also important for positive attitude. In order to improve this research, the following alternatives should also be considered. To improve the research model's predictive power, more diverse products should be included in study. Other attributes of product should also be included such as design, brand name since we only considered trust and satisfaction as factors to build consumer attitudes.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.188-198
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• 2010

This study attempts to examine the influence that negative WOM (NWOM) has in an online context. It specifically focuses on the impact of the service failure description and the perceived intention of the communication provider on consumer evaluations of firm competence, attitude toward the firm, positive word of mouth and behavioral intentions. Studies of communication persuasiveness focus on "who says what; to whom; in which channel; with what effect (Chiu 2007)." In this research study, we examine electronic web posting, particularly focusing on two aspects of "what": the level of service failure communicated and perceived intention of the individual posting. It stands to reason electronic NWOM that appears to be trying to damage a product’s or firm's reputation will be viewed as more biased and will thus be considered as less credible. According to attribution theory, people search for the causes of events especially those that are negative and unexpected (Weiner 2006). Hennig-Thurau and Walsh (2003) state "since the reader has only limited knowledge and trust of the author of an online articulation the quality of the contribution could be expected to serve as a potent moderator of the articulation-behavior relationship. We therefore posit the following hypotheses: H1. Subjects exposed to electronic NWOM describing a high level of service failure will provide lower scores on measures of (a) firm competence, (b) attitude toward the firm, (c) positive word of mouth, and (d) behavioral intention than will subjects exposed to electronic NWOM describing a low level of service failure. H2. Subjects exposed to electronic NWOM with a warning intent will provide lower scores on measures of (a) firm competence, (b) attitude toward the firm, (c) positive word of mouth, and (d) behavioral intention than will subjects exposed to electronic NWOM with a vengeful intent. H3. Level of service failure in electronic NWOM will interact with the perceived intention of the electronic NWOM, such that there will be a decrease in mean response on measures of (a) firm competence, (b) attitude toward the firm, (c) positive word of mouth, and (d) behavioral intention from electronic NWOM with a warning intent to a vengeful intent. The main study involved a2 (service failure severity) x2 (NWOM with warning versus vengeful intent) factorial experiment. Stimuli were presented to subjects online using a mock online web posting. The scenario described a service failure associated with non-acceptance of a gift card in a brick-and-mortar retail establishment. A national sample was recruited through an online research firm. A total of 113 subjects participated in the study. A total of 104 surveys were analyzed. The scenario was perceived to be realistic with 92.3% giving the scenario a greater than average response. Manipulations were satisfactory. Measures were pre-tested and validated. Items were analyzed and found reliable and valid. MANOVA results found the multivariate interaction was not significant, allowing our interpretation to proceed to the main effects. Significant main effects were found for post intent and service failure severity. The post intent main effect was attributable to attitude toward the firm, positive word of mouth and behavioral intention. The service failure severity main effect was attributable to all four dependent variables: firm competence, attitude toward the firm, positive word of mouth and behavioral intention. Specifically, firm competence for electronic NWOM describing high severity of service failure was lower than electronic NWOM describing low severity of service failure. Attitude toward the firm for electronic NWOM describing high severity of service failure was lower than electronic NWOM describing low severity of service failure. Positive word of mouth for electronic NWOM describing high severity of service failure was lower than electronic NWOM describing low severity of service failure. Behavioral intention for electronic NWOM describing high severity of service failure was lower for electronic NWOM describing low severity of service failure. Therefore, H1a, H1b, H1c and H1d were all supported. In addition, attitude toward the firm for electronic NWOM with a warning intent was lower than electronic NWOM with a vengeful intent. Positive word of mouth for electronic NWOM with a warning intent was lower than electronic NWOM with a vengeful intent. Behavioral intention for electronic NWOM with a warning intent was lower than electronic NWOM with a vengeful intent. Thus, H2b, H2c and H2d were supported. However, H2a was not supported though results were in the hypothesized direction. Otherwise, there was no significant multivariate service failure severity by post intent interaction, nor was there a significant univariate service failure severity by post intent interaction for any of the three hypothesized variables. Thus, H3 was not supported for any of the four hypothesized variables. This study has research and managerial implications. The findings of this study support prior research that service failure severity impacts consumer perceptions, attitude, positive word of mouth and behavioral intentions (Weun et al. 2004). Of further relevance, this response is evidenced in the online context, suggesting the need for firms to engage in serious focused service recovery efforts. With respect to perceived intention of electronic NWOM, the findings support prior research suggesting reader's attributions of the intentions of a source influence the strength of its impact on perceptions, attitude, positive word of mouth and behavioral intentions. The implication for managers suggests while consumers do find online communications to be credible and influential, not all communications are weighted the same. A benefit of electronic WOM, even when it may be potentially damaging, is it can be monitored for potential problems and additionally offers the possibility of redress.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.179-189
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• 2005

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between dietitian’s job satisfaction and perception of barriers to HACCP implementation and food safety/sanitation management performance in school food service. An e-mail survey was conducted to 144 dietitians in Gyeongbuk Province. A response rate was 57.6%(N=83) and data were analyzed using SPSS Windows(ver. 10.0). Dietitians were more satisfied with ‘supervision’ and 'co-workers' than 'pay' and 'promotion.' Dietitians perceived 'lack of teachers' support on student education' and ‘limited availability of facilities/equipment' as the biggest challenges in implementing a HACCP system. A total score of sanitation/safety management performance evaluated by school districts was 92 out of 100. By category, 'safety management' and 'personal hygiene' were rated the highest whereas 'facilities/equipment' and 'HACCP system' categories were rated the lowest. The food sanitation/safety management performance scores were not correlated to dietitian’s job satisfaction, but significantly correlated to dietitian’s perceptions of barriers to HACCP implementation. As dietitians perceived facilities/equipment-related barriers greater, the scores of 'facilities/equipment(p<.01),' 'production process(p<.05),' and 'total score(p<.01)' were significantly lower. The findings suggest that more investment on facilities/equipment are needed for food safety improvement and successful HACCP implementation in school food service. Proper facilities and equipment will make employees monitor CCPs and take corrective actions more easily.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.39-53
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to develop lesson plan and to evaluate its application for the chapter of 'family life and housing'in the class of Home Economics in the third grade of middle school through the application of the Universal Design. This study has been done in three phases : analysis. development. and evaluation phase. The results of this study were as follows : First. in the development of the concept of the Universal Design. the objective of learning aimed to build the housing and utilities for all family members. Moreover. the various learning materials such as computer program. video materials. and worksheets of the group work were utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the lesson plan. Second. the evaluation of the students was examined through the assessment of the concept of the design. and the degree of class participation of student at the end of class. The LT cooperative learning as an instructional method was perceived to be appropriate and the participation of the cooperative work was also enhanced. The use of the computer programs. and video tapes was considered to be useful. Third. the response of the teachers was found to be both positive and negative. Teachers'positive reactions indicated that the use of the Universal Design facilitated student's participation in class stimulating their motivations and creative ideas not only in the classroom but also in the real life as for the negative reactions. teachers perceived understanding of the concept of the Universal Design. the activities of the students and class hours were relatively shout. These should be added to by the further study with the teachers endeavor.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.187-199
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• 2009

The objective of the research is to investigate the causal relationships among functional value, emotional value, social value, perceived sacrifice, satisfaction, loyalty and behavioral intention. All in all, 296 respondents completed a questionnaire themselves in the presence of an interviewer who could be consulted about the response scales and other technical matters. Behavioral intention models were estimated by structural equation modelling using 7 latent constructs. The results demonstrated that the confirmatory factor analysis model provided a good model fit. The unconstrained model yielded a significantly better fit to the data than the constraint model. The effects of functional value and social value on satisfaction and behavioral intention were statistically significant. The effects of perceived sacrifice, satisfaction and loyalty on behavioral intention were statistically significant. As expected, satisfaction had a significant effect on loyalty. Functional value had an indirect effect on behavioral intention through satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, social value had an indirect effect on behavioral intention through satisfaction and loyalty. Replicating and extending this study in other regions and other samples would test the generalizability of the present findings and provide a basis for an external validation of the framework developed in this paper.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.663-674
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• 2011

Two experiments were conducted to examine how additional dotted lines and peripheral stimulus to the caf$\grave{e}$ wall illusion affect on the degree of perceived tilt (amount of illusion) and confidency of illusionary perception. The experiment 1 tested the effects of adding mortar (solid line) and bright contrast dotted lines to the borderline of 3 layers of blocks, which are consisted of black and white blocks. On the experiment 2, effects of adding peripheral stimulus on caf$\grave{e}$ wall illusion were tested. The results of experiment 1 showed that adding dotted line on the borderline mortar between blocks has additive effects on confidency of illusory perception. However, no effect on perceived amount of illusion was noted. On the other hand according to the results of experiment 2, adding blocks did increase amount, but not confidency of illusory perception. These results imply that the perception of caf$\grave{e}$ wall illusion is related with response of orientation selective neurons.

• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.133-147
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• 2017

Human perception is an outcome of the influence of various factors rather than objective reflection of external environment. Among the factors, action-specific perception is a phenomenon where perception changes in terms of one's ability to act on the environment. Previous research reported contradictory results regarding whether action-specific perception occurs during performance or after performance due to memory distortion or knowledge about performance results. In this research, we conducted three experiments to determine when action-specific perception occurs. Participants threw darts at different distances and reported perceived size of targets in each trial. The results showed that, in Experiments 1 and 2, participants perceived targets larger when they hit than missed the targets, and the effect was greater when the targets were not visible after each throw. However, because participants had knowledge about the results of their throws, there could have been bias in participants' responses. In Experiment 3, where this possibility was excluded, we also obtained action-specific perception, and therefore concluded that action-specific perception occurs during but not after task performance.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.38-46
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• 2003

Perceived crowding is known as a necessary method to evaluate social carrying capacity in recreational settings. But according to the results of previous research, perceived crowding, use density, and satisfaction have shown weak and indirect correlations. The theory of visitors’ adjustment is one of several possible explanations for this poor relation. But the validity of the visitors’ adjustment theory has not been not inspected clearly. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to understand visitors’ adjustment theory and to examine visitors’ adjustment to the overuse of recreational settings. Study hypotheses were formulated through literature review and related to visitors’ adjustment in recreation density. Pour hypotheses were established and inspected with the case study, i.e., Rationalization : Visitors’ satisfaction isn't related to use density in recreation setting, 2) Product-shift : Preference norm is related to current use density, 3) Self-selection : Visitors’ satisfaction for the use level is generally high, and 4) Displacement : Norm interference is related to willingness to revisit. The case study was conducted during May and June,2001. According to the results of this survey, visitors adjust to overuse of recreation setting through rationalization and product shift (hypotheses l/2 acceptance). Current use density isn't related to visitors’ satisfaction and willingness to revisit (see table 3). And visitors’ preference norm is modified by situation (see table 4). Visitors’ satisfaction and willingness to revisit don't show a high correlation but moderately high (see table 5, hypothesis 3 acceptance). Differences between visitors’ preference norm and current use density is norm interference. Norm interference isn't related to willingness to revisit (see table 7). Therefore, the norm interference concept is not a useful method to explain visitors’ adjustment to the degree of overuse in a recreational setting (hypothesis 4 rejection). As for future directions, the following are proposed: 1) correctly understanding and reestablishing the visitor norm and norm interference concept, 2) introducing a composite research method to monitor visitors’ behavior and survey visitors’ attitudes and coping responses. These efforts would be helpful in the Planning and management of recreational settings to improve the quality of visitors’ experiences.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.63-83
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• 2017

Purpose: In Korea, market size of social commerce has been increased steadily and highly, but profits of social commerce companies have been decreased because of excessive marketing cost. To overcome this stagnant market environment, new marketing strategy that could attract customers and make customers continue to use social commerce is required instead of cost consuming marketing strategy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among characteristics of social commerce - that is, economic value and information quality - usefulness, enjoyment, satisfaction and repurchase intention by applying motivation theory to the area of social commerce. Design/Methodology/Approach: Previous researches have been studied by applying Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) Model, although there are many studies related with customer acceptance model in the field of e-commerce. However, there is not so many studies in applying motivation theory. So this study adopts new approach to examine why customers use social commerce based on motivation theory. Thus, this study adopts economic value and information quality as antecedents, and then customers will perceive extrinsic and intrinsic motivation; usefulness is extrinsic and enjoyment is intrinsic, and adopts satisfaction and repurchase intention as a dependent variable. The data of questionnaire were collected from customers who have experience to buy something in social commerce. 228 questionnaires as data unit of individual level were collected using random sampling. Findings: This study proved empirically that the relationship between antecedents and motivation factors has a positive influence, and motivation factors also have a positive influence on repurchase intention through satisfaction. This study provides the managers an insight that social commerce companies should pay more attention to improve customer satisfaction in order to increase higher performance in repurchase intention of social commerce.