Research Article
The Relationship between E-Servicescape, Customer Emotional Responses, and Behavior
Published: January 2004 · Vol. 33, No. 1 · pp. 205-239
Abstract
This study aims to propose the servicescape, which has primarily been discussed in the context of physical spaces, as one of the differentiated strategies for internet shopping malls to attract customers. This represents an attempt to understand internet shopping malls from an environmental psychology perspective, thereby suggesting the possibility of extending the research topic of servicescape beyond physical spaces to the internet. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify the dimensions of e-servicescape, present the differences from internet shopping mall-related variables suggested in prior research, and empirically verify the relationships between e-servicescape and customers' emotional responses and behaviors. The research results empirically identified three e-servicescape dimensions (aesthetics, ambient factors, and spatial functionality) and four emotional response dimensions (pleasure, arousal, displeasure, and dominance). Path relationship analysis revealed that e-servicescape affects emotional responses, and emotional responses affect approach/avoidance behavior. It was also found that the effect of e-servicescape on approach/avoidance behavior is mediated by emotional responses. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that servicescape management is important in internet environments just as it is in physical spaces, and that managing e-servicescape can serve as a means of differentiating one's own website. Additionally, this study demonstrates that e-servicescape is a distinctive factor different from internet shopping mall-related variables mentioned in many prior studies, and reveals the role and importance of e-servicescape as well as the similarities and differences compared to servicescape discussed in physical spaces. Through this, the study suggests that e-servicescape is an important variable capable of stimulating customer responses in future internet-related research, providing an impetus for both practical and academic interest in e-servicescape.
