Volume:01, Number:05, Sep-2011 Page 267 www.theinternationaljournal.org
A STUDY ON POST PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR OF CUSTOMERS OF
HYUNDAI i10 IN CHENNAI CITY, TAMILNADU, INDIA-AN
EMPIRICAL STUDY
Dr.S.Ramanathan,
Dean, CARE School of Business Management,
Trichy, Tamilandu, India
Dr.P.Balasubramaniyan,
Associate Professor,
Department of Commerce,
Hindu College,
Tirunelveli,
Tamilnadu, India
Dr.S.Balakrishnan,
Associate Professor,
Vivekananda Institute of Information and Management studies,
Tiruchencode
Abstract
This study focuses on the post purchase behavior of customers of Hyundai with special
reference to the new variant i10 in Chennai city. This study helps to identify the post purchase
behavior of customers of Hyundai i10 especially in Chennai city.
This study also helps to identify the satisfaction level of customers of Hyundai i10 and the
effectiveness of after sales service.
The sample size was taken as 150. The data from the customers were collected through
questionnaire. Descriptive research was adopted in conducting the study. The statistical tools
such as percentage analysis, chi square analysis and multiple regression analysis were used
for the analysis of the study.
This study also suggests the ways to improve the satisfaction level and after sales service of
customers of i10 and gives a clear picture of the opinion of the customers towards Hyundai
i10.
Volume:01, Number:05, Sep-2011 Page 268 www.theinternationaljournal.org
Introduction
This study focuses on the post purchase behavior of customers of Hyundai with
special reference to the new variant i10 in Chennai city. This study helps to identify the post
purchase behavior of customers of Hyundai i10 especially in Chennai city.
This study also helps to identify the satisfaction level of customers of Hyundai i10
and the effectiveness of after sales service.
The sample size was taken as 150. The data from the customers were collected
through questionnaire. Descriptive research was adopted in conducting the study. The
statistical tools such as percentage analysis, chi square analysis and multiple regression
analysis were used for the analysis of the study.
This study also suggests the ways to improve the satisfaction level and after sales
service of customers of i10 and gives a clear picture of the opinion of the customers towards
Hyundai i10.
The automotive Industry directly and indirectly employs 13 million individuals in
India. The industry is valued at about US$ 35 billion contributing about 3.1% of India’s GDP
(nominal). India’s cost-competitive auto components industry is the 2nd largest
in the
world. In addition, India’s motorcycle market is also the 2nd largest
in the world with
annual sales of around 5million units (Bernard: 2008)
The high growth in the Indian economy has resulted in all major international car
manufacturers entering the Indian market. General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai
and others set up manufacturing plants. Rolls Royce, Bentley and Maybach are examples of
the few high end automobile manufacturers which entered India in the recent years. Then on
January 2008, Tata Motors launched Tata Nano, as the world’s cheapest car in the passenger
car segment at $2500.
Maruti registered a 2.1% decline in volumes while Hyundai’s i10 wrested the market
share in the A2 segment in March 2008.Hyundai Motor India crossed the 500,000 mark in
exports. HMIL doubled its production capacity from 300,000 units to 600,000 units p.a.
This has led to an increased target production of 5.3 lakh units and export to 2.12 lakh
units with the i10, Santro, Getz and Accent models on the export list for 2008. Some of the
major characteristics of Indian Automobile sector are: Second largest two-wheeler market in
the world. Also it ranked as Fourth largest commercial vehicle market in the world and 11th
largest passenger car market in the world. It is expected to become the world's third
largest automobile market by 2030, behind only China and the US. (Source:
www.iloveindia.com/economy of India)
The passenger car industry in India has grown steadily during the last few years
except during the year 2000-01 when there was negative growth due to global economic
recession. Passenger car industry in India has 15 manufacturers with an installed capacity of
12, 37,000 units.
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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and i10 Branded car
HMIL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea and is
the second largest and the fastest growing car manufacturers in India. HMIL presently
markets 34 variants of passenger cars across segments. The production management
processes at Hyundai Motor India are overlaid with an organization-wide implementation of
manufacturing best practices like Just-in-time inventory management, Kaizen, TPM and
TQM, that helps in making the world's best cars in India. HMIL has many awards in its
bouquet. Hyundai’s i10 has captured the entire gamut of the most prestigious of Indian
automobile awards with its distinction and performance.
Taking advantage of the demand for more small cars in the Indian auto industry,
Hyundai rolled out i10 with a powerful engine and an upscale interior. It is one of India's
most popular 'B+' segment small cars. It is built to take on sub-compact segment cars such as
the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, and Tata Indica
Xeta.
The well-equipped i10 is an affordable small car and a perfect combination of
superior technology, roomy interiors, and the stamp of reliability. It gains the confidence of
car enthusiasts with its aerodynamic design, array of standard convenience and comfort
features, and luxurious fittings. It comes with all elements that would please a buyer
looking for a small family car at an affordable price.
Need for the Study
Understanding of consumer negative perceptions, fears, inhibitions, and anxieties is
one of the critical aspects of consumer buying behavior.
Marketers also need to understand the consumer’s preferences and fears, needs and
perceptions thoroughly before attempting to deal with their behavior. Here arises the
need for the study.
The study helps the Company to know about satisfaction level and preference of the
customers of i10 and the customers’ expectations regarding the after sales service.
The study has the following objectives
To identify the post purchase behavior of customers of Hyundai i10 car.
To identify the customers satisfaction level and
To find the effectiveness of after sales service provided to Hyundai i10.
Hypotheses of the Study
There is significant relation between income and factors influencing customer to buy
Hyundai i10
There is significant relation between income and people perception about i10 value
There is significant relation between age and customer expectation.
Overall satisfaction of the customers and the factors that contribute overall
satisfaction was positively contributed.
Overall satisfaction of the customers with delivery time and after sales service has
positive contribution
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Review of previous studies
There are number of studies conducted on the researched areas on different brands all
over the world. Here the researchers concentrate few of meaningful literature to find out the
research gap. Engel et al. define consumer behaviour as "... those activities directly involved
in obtaining, consuming, and disposing of products and services, including the decision
processes that precede and follow these actions." (1993, p. 4). Thus, in the marketing context,
the term 'consumer behaviour' refers not only to the act of purchase itself but to any pre- and
post-purchase activities (Foxall, 1985, 1997; Ennew, 1993). Pre-purchase activities would
include the growing awareness of a want or need, and the search for and evaluation of
information about the product and brands that might satisfy it. Post-purchase activities would
include the evaluation of the purchased item in use, and any attempt to reduce feelings of
anxiety which frequently accompany the purchase of expensive and infrequently bought
items like consumer durables. Each of these has implications for purchase and repurchase and
they are amenable to marketing communications and the other elements of the marketing
mix. Our understanding of both consumer behaviour and the capacity of marketing activities
to influence it rest on knowledge of the ways in which consumers form decisions (Foxall,
1985, 1997).
Research anchored in the satisfaction/dissatisfaction and complaining literature has
focused on the selection of WOM as a post-purchase complaint option. In other words,
negative WOM is thought to be one form of customer complaining behaviour. Hirschman
(1970) proposed that customers can either voice their dissatisfaction or exit the relationship
when faced with unmet expectations. More recently, Richins (1983) differentiates between
three reactions to dissatisfaction (1) switching brands or refusing to repatronise the offending
store, (b) making a complaint to the seller or to a third party, and (c) telling others about the
unsatisfactory product or retailer (negative WOM). This tripartite taxonomy of complaint
style was also found by Singh (1988) when applying cluster analysis to complaints data. The
potential impact of these responses on a firm can be significant. Data reported by Diener and
Greyser (1978) indicated that 34 percent of those dissatisfied with a personal care product
told others about their dissatisfaction. If the number of consumers experiencing
dissatisfaction is high enough, such responses may have lasting effects in terms of negative
image and reduced sales for the firm (Richins, 1983).
A study by Richins (1983) indicates that the responses to dissatisfaction are related to
the nature of the dissatisfaction problem. In the case of minor dissatisfaction, consumers'
responses are often minimal too. Consumers' do not complain nor do they spread negative
WOM. When the dissatisfaction is serious enough, consumers tend to complain, regardless of
other factors in the situation. It is at moderate levels of dissatisfaction that management
policy may have the most impact. If complaints are encouraged (e.g. toll-free telephone
numbers to receive customer comments), the retailer has the chance to remedy legitimate
complaints and win back a customer who may also spread positive WOM to others. Research
by TARP (1979) showed that even if the complaint is not settled to the consumer's
satisfaction, he/she is more likely to repurchase than if no complaint is made. However, if
complaints are discouraged, fewer consumers may indeed complain; instead, they may tell
others of their unsatisfactory experiences and may not repurchase the product. Richins (1983)
also showed that negative communication was more likely when the consumer placed the
blame for dissatisfaction directly on the manufacturer or retailer and/or when the consumer
believed that complaining directly to the source would not do any good.
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Watkins and Liu (1996) provide general support for the contention that consumers
dissatisfied with durables will exhibit higher levels of voice and lower levels of exit than for
non-durables. Singh (1990) sees this phenomenon explained by the relative investment of the
consumer in the product and thus the value of any redress.
As already noted, after purchases are made, consumers often engage in a post-
purchase evaluation of the product. If the product's perceived performance is below the
consumer's expectation, he/she might sense dissonance. Since such psychological discomfort
is not pleasant, the consumer will be motivated to act to reduce the amount of dissonance
he/she is experiencing. One strategy for customers who experience discomfort from cognitive
dissonance is to seek WOM from sources which can reduce the discomfort (Buttle, 1998;
Dibb et al., 1997; Assael, 1992).
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF POST PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR
Post-purchase behavior involves all the consumers’ activities and the experiences that
follow the purchase. Usually, after making a purchase, consumers experience post-purchase
dissonance. In other words, they regret their purchase decision. The reasons for high post-
purchase dissonance can be attractiveness and performance of forgone alternatives, difficult
purchase decision, large number of alternatives, etc. A high level of post-purchase
dissonance is negatively related to the level of satisfaction the consumer draws out of product
usage. While experiencing post-purchase dissonance, consumers become actually aware of
the marketers’ communication. To reduce post–purchase dissonance, consumers may
sometimes even return or exchange the product. Marketers, therefore, can use these
opportunities to reduce consumers’ risk perception by way of good return/exchange policies
and reduce their post-purchase dissonance by messages targeted at this segment of their
consumers.
Post-Purchase Evaluation - Cognitive Dissonance
The final stage is the post-purchase evaluation of the decision. It is common for customers to
experience concerns after making a purchase decision. This arises from a concept that is
known as “cognitive dissonance”. The customer, having bought a product, may feel that an
alternative would have been preferable. In these circumstances that customer will not
repurchase immediately, but is likely to switch brands next time. To manage the post-
purchase stage, it is the job of the marketing team to persuade the potential customer that the
product will satisfy his or her needs. Then after having made a purchase, the customer should
be encouraged that he or she has made the right decision.
Post Purchase Behavior
The post purchase behavior and research shows that there exists a common trait amongst
purchasers of products. Manufacturers of products clearly want recent consumers to feel
proud of their purchase; it is therefore just as important for manufacturers to advertise for the
sake of their recent purchaser so consumers feel comfortable that they own a product from a
strong and reputable organization. This limits post purchase behavior.
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No two organizations can have similar set of rules for maintaining relationship. Even if on a
particular occasion a situation prompted a particular behavior, it is not necessary that a
similar behavior is necessary on another occasion. The time, place and group of person might
be the same but behave in different way, though circumstances and situations might be
identical. To a great extent relationship depends upon the: character of contracting parties.
This is thus a study of human behavior and forms part of the behavioral science.
Customers Expectations
Customer’s expectation plays a major role in determining their post purchase behavior. If the
product matches the expectations of the customer then the customer get satisfied, if it exceeds
their expectation then they will be delighted likewise if the product doesn’t matches their then
they will be dissatisfied.
Research suggests that customers go through a five-stage decision-making process in any
purchase. Post purchase decision is very essential and important for any manufacturer by
which the product fulfilled the consumers’ demand and preferences. This model is important
for anyone making marketing decisions. It forces the marketer to consider the whole buying
process rather than just the purchase decision (when it may be too late for a business to
influence the choice!)The model implies that customers pass through all stages in every
purchase. However, in more routine purchases, customers often skip or reverse some of the
stages.
Research methodology
The questionnaire had been administered with strict accordance without deviating from
the research objectives and recording the response precisely as given in terms of
measurement that one called for. The questionnaires were circulated among the customers
who came for servicing their cars in various service centers, situated in and around Chennai.
The sampling size was restricted to 150. The sampling technique used was Simple Random
Sampling. In this study primary data along with some secondary data had been used to carry
out the research work. Primary data had been collected through the structured questionnaire
designed especially for measuring post purchase behavior of the customers of Hyundai i10 in
Chennai City alone. Secondary data was collected from the journals, magazines, old
research reports and from the Company website.
Tools used for the study
Decision making scale of Likert’s type, constructed and validated by investigators, has been
used. The reliability of the tool is found to be 0.82. The scale consists of 17 statements with
one open ended question along with personal details of the respondents.
Analysis of the data
Descriptive (Table 1 – Table 7) statistics and Inferential statistics i.e., chi square test (Table 8
and 9) have been employed for testing the hypotheses. The data were analyzed using
Percentage Analysis (Table 1 – Table 7) Percentage Analysis had been employed to assess
the Gender, age, occupation, income, factors influence the customers to go in for Hyundai
i10, factors that motivated the customers to go in for Hyundai i10 and the customers’
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satisfaction level towards after sales service of Hyundai i10. Chi-square test was employed to
identify if there was any significant difference between income and motivating factors,
income and customers’ perception, income and customers’ satisfaction, and age and
customers’ satisfaction. Regression test was employed to identify if there exists any positive
contribution between the factors taken for the study as well as the delivery time with after
sales service.
Limitations of the Study
The study has been limited to the customers within Chennai city with a sample
size of 150.The study deals only about the post purchase behavior of customers of
Hyundai i10 and not for the other variants of Hyundai.
Summary of Findings
Of the 150 respondents, 87 were male and the rest were female.
82% of the respondents, whose age group is 25 and above have owned Hyundai i10.
65% of the respondents, who, owned Hyundai i10 are, employed somewhere.
Surprisingly, 60% of the respondents whose income was less than Rs. 5 lakhs have
owned this car.
The factors such as stylish, space and interior, comfort and technology have
influenced 91% of the respondents to switch over their preference to Hyundai i10.
The motivating factors such as stylish, special features, brand image, comfort and
mileage and after sales service were some of the factors, which influenced 62% of the
respondents to prefer Hyundai i10.
94% of the respondents agreed that Hyundai i10 is a fuel efficient car.
All the respondents were agreed in the same line that Hyundai i10 is a spacious car.
All the respondents were agreed that Pick up of the car was excellent.
93% of the respondents were agreed that the said car fulfills the expectation of the
customer.
100% of the respondents were agreed that Hyundai i10 is value for their money.
86% of the respondents were satisfied with after sales service.
91% of the respondents have recommended their close circle to go in for Hyundai i10.
Income was found as one of the motivating factors, which influence the respondents
to prefer Hyundai i10.
It was found that performance, interior, gear box and suspension contributes
positively towards the overall satisfaction of the customer experience with Hyundai
i10.
It was found that both delivery time and after sales service contributes positively
towards the overall satisfaction of customers.
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Table No.1 Classification of Respondents by Gender
Gender No. of Respondents Percentage
MALE 87 58
FEMALE 63 42
Table No.2 Classification of Respondents according to Age
Age Classification No. of Respondents Percentage
Under 25 27 18
26 – 35 63 42
36 - 50 41 27
50 & above 19 13
Total 150 100
Table No.3 Classification of Respondents according to the Occupation
Occupation No. of Respondents Percentage
Self employed 53 35
Employed 97 65
Total 150 100
Table No.4 Classification of Respondents according to Income
Income Classification No. of Respondents Percentage
< 5lakhs 91 60
5 - 7lakhs 31 21
7 – 10lakhs 27 18
Above 10lakhs 1 1
Total 150 100
Table No.5 Factors Influenced the Customers who used other Cars and switched over to
Hyundai I10
Factors No. of Respondents Percentage
European style 31 46
Space & interior 17 25
Comfort 9 14
Technology 4 6
Others 6 9
Total 67 100
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Table No.6 Factors motivated the customers to buy Hyundai I10
Factors No. of Respondents Percentage
Price 12 8
Brand image 10 7
Features 29 19
After sales service 11 7
Comfort 12 8
Power steering 2 2
Mileage 13 9
Safety 0 0
Power 0 0
Space 7 4
Drivability 7 4
Word of mouth 3 2
Style 33 22
Advertisement 9 6
Brand ambassador 2 2
Availability of service outlet 0 0
Easy availability of finance 0 0
Others 0 0
Total 150 100
Table No.7 Customers Satisfaction level towards after Sales Service
Satisfaction Level No. of Respondents Percentage
Highly satisfied 37 25
Satisfied 91 61
Neither/ nor dissatisfied 22 14
Dissatisfied 0 0
Highly dissatisfied 0 0
Total 150 100
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Table No.8
Overall satisfaction of the customers and factors that contributes to Overall satisfaction
Model Summary
.966a .933 .926 .132
Model
1
R R Square
Adjusted
R Square
Std. Error of
the Estimate
Predictors: (Constant), pick, design, interior, space,
perf or, gear, suspensi, ac, handling, engine, creat ,
right, dy na, power, fuel
a.
ANOVAb
32.758 15 2.184 125.304 .000a
2.335 134 .017
35.093 149
Regression
Residual
Total
Model
1
Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Predictors: (Constant), pick, design, interior, space, perf or, gear, suspensi, ac,
handling, engine, creat , right, dy na, power, fuel
a.
Dependent Variable: OVERSb.
Variables Entered/Removedb
pick,
design,
interior,
space,
perf or,
gear,
suspensi,
ac,
handling,
engine,
creat, right ,
dyna,
power, fuela
. Enter
Model
1
Variables
Entered
Variables
Removed Method
All requested v ariables entered.a.
Dependent Variable: OVERSb.
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SATISFACTION = 0.682performance + 0 .446 interior + 0.302 gearbox + 0.211 suspension
+ 0.103 ride quality - 0.063 design - 0.097 power - 0.134 engine – 0.081fuel efficiency – 0
.092 dynamic ability - 0.150 creature comfort - 0.133 space - 0.010 handling – 0.132 a/c -
0.070 pickup
Table No.9.Overall satisfaction level of the customers with delivery time and after sales
service
Variables Entered/Removedb
ASS, LOSa . Enter
Model
1
Variables
Entered
Variables
Removed Method
All requested v ariables entered.a.
Dependent Variable: OVERSb.
Model Summary
.718a .515 .509 .340
Model
1
R R Square
Adjusted
R Square
Std. Error of
the Estimate
Predictors: (Constant), ASS, LOSa.
Coefficients a
.226 .066 3.425 .001
-.063 .053 -.071 -1.191 .236
-.097 .070 -.186 -1.387 .168
.302 .059 .480 5.114 .000
-.134 .073 -.183 -1.840 .068
.682 .051 .916 13.400 .000
-.081 .084 -.153 -.964 .337
-.092 .078 -.178 -1.176 .242
-.150 .102 -.192 -1.480 .141
-.133 .047 -.169 -2.837 .005
.446 .075 .485 5.948 .000
.211 .042 .355 5.018 .000
.103 .062 .181 1.667 .098
-.010 .045 -.017 -.224 .823
-.132 .054 -.211 -2.426 .017
-.070 .067 -.112 -1.037 .301
(Constant)
design
power
gear
engine
perfor
fuel
dyna
creat
space
interior
suspensi
Ride
handling
ac
pick
Model 1
B Std. Error
Unstandardized Coefficients
Beta
Standardized Coefficients
t Sig.
Dependent Variable: OVERS a.
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SATISFACTION = 0.444 delivery time + 0.028 after sales service.
Conclusion and suggestions
Some more choice of colors of car can be made available to the car pearl white, cycus
grey, quartz black, metallic midnight black, brilliant yellow etc. because the
customers felt that more colors are available among the competitors.
The price of the car is ok now but if the company reduces the price of the car, for sure
it will increase the sales because nowadays cars are available at very lower price in
the market from the competitors by focusing on middle income group.
Most of the customers do not have enough time to let their car for service to the
service center. In order to please the customers the company can introduce an
innovative method. Through this method the company can give a centralized helpline
number to their customers especially for service. So, if the customers wants service to
their car or they wants to repair their car they can call to that number and by telling
their location the company personnel can go directly to that location and they can pick
the car and service the car. Finally, the service personnel should let their car back to
the place of the customer after service. There can be a piece of metal till the engine
block so that the engine won’t be affected in case of any accident as it is few inches
ahead of the dash board. The company can increase the number of service centers in
Chennai. The service personnel should maintain prompt delivery after servicing the
cars.
Therefore the study categorically said that i10 is the most successful car of Hyundai motors
and it beats the success of santro in all aspects. On the whole the customers of Hyundai i10
are satisfied with the car after purchase and this itself a great achievement to the company. It
gives the feel of luxury to the customers and a convenience of smaller cars in the crowded
area. It is the most stylish car ever manufactured by Hyundai when compared to other cars.
ANOVAb
18.082 2 9.041 78.125 .000a
17.011 147 .116
35.093 149
Regression
Residual
Total
Model
1
Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Predictors: (Constant), ASS, LOSa.
Dependent Variable: OVERSb.
Coefficients a
.386 .090 4.267 .000
.444 .069 .687 6.463 .000
.028 .083 .036 .337 .737
(Constant)
DT
ASS
Model 1
B Std. Error
Unstandardized Coefficients
Beta
Standardized Coefficients
t Sig.
Dependent Variable: OVERS a.
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