How quality, value, image, and satisfaction create loyalty at an iran telecom
1. www.ccsenet.org/ijbm
International Journal of Business and Management
Vol. 6, No. 8; August 2011
How Quality, Value, Image, and Satisfaction Create
Loyalty at an Iran Telecom
Fazlzadeh Alireza (Corresponding author)
Assistant professor, Tabriz University, Iran
Tel: 98-914-404-2925
E-mail: Fazlzadeh_acc@yahoo.com
Khoshmaram Ali
Business management, Aras University, Tabriz, Iran
E-mail: Khoshmaram.a@gmail.com
Feyzipour Aram
Aras University, Tabriz, Iran
E-mail: Aramfayzipoor@gmail.com
Received: November 26, 2010
Accepted: January 14, 2011
doi:10.5539/ijbm.v6n8p271
Abstract
This study proposes and tests an integrative model to examine the relations among service quality, value, image,
satisfaction, and loyalty in Iran. Analysis of survey data from 417 customers of an Iran mobile Communication
Company reveals that service quality directly influences perceived value, image perceptions and customer
satisfaction, that value and image influence satisfaction, that corporate image influences value, and that both
customer satisfaction and corporate image are significant determinants of loyalty. Thus, image has both a direct
and indirect (through value and satisfaction) impact on customer loyalty. Customer satisfactions mediate the
impact of service quality, value, and corporate image on customer loyalty.
Keywords: Value, Satisfaction, Loyalty, Image, Mobil communication
1. Introduction
Telecommunication companies are advancing technology tremendously. As a result, they face intense competition,
including competition from sources not previously existing. Over 30 million Iran consumers own and use a mobile
phone. The Iran government's recent restructuring of state owned monopolistic telecommunication system and
further deregulation has led to a more open and free market system.
How does a firm survive under such turbulent conditions? Traditionally, mobile ad land phone providers competed
fiercely for new customers. In the U.S., customers were provided with financial incentives to sign up or switch
service from one provider to another. Over time, and with the increased saturation of the market, companies have
come to realize their performance can improve by focusing more on retaining customers than constantly acting in
a conquest mode. As the Iran market provides an increasing range of opportunities for consumers, how can
telecommunication service providers maintain customer loyalty?
The present study tests a model of customer loyalty among customers of a telecommunications firm in a
collectivist society. The model examines the inter-connections among evaluation of service quality, customer
perceived value, perceptions of corporate image, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The research offers theoretical
contributions and extends our understanding of consumer loyalty.
Additionally, those providing technological services in collectivist cultures will find practical insight.
2. Background, theoretical development, and research hypotheses
2.1 The need for the study
Although customer loyalty is increasingly seen as a prime determinant of long-term financial performance in
competitive markets (Jones and Sasser, 1995; Reichheld, 1996), there are clear gaps in our knowledge of the
antecedents of loyalty.
First, and the primary purpose of this research, is to examine an integrated model of loyalty. While quality,
consumer satisfaction, and value are viewed as key building blocks of customer loyalty (Babin and Attaway,
2000; Bolton and Drew, 1991; Zeithaml, 1988), research generally considers only the simple bivariate links
between service evaluation (quality, satisfaction, and value), image, and loyalty which may mask true relations
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Second, research examining corporate image focuses mostly on goods producing firms and on retail stores (e.g.
Bloemer and Ruyter, 1997; Donovan and Rossiter, 1982; Dowling, 1988; Mazursky and Jacoby, 1986; Nguyen
and LeBlanc, 1998). Little work reports on customers' image assessments of service firms. Further, researchers
have not integrated the role of corporate image into customer loyalty, especially among high-tech service firms
or service firm consumers outside the U.S.A.
Third, most previous service research examines a western cultural context. U.S. and European consumers
participate in and are socialized within a predominantly capitalistic marketplace (Trompenaars, 1994).
Applying western-developed theory and theoretical inter-connections between consumer service evaluations and
true customer loyalty may not be universally appropriate. Researchers argue that cultural idiosyncratic
characteristics may result in different relationship patterns and different strengths of relationships across cultures
(Clark, 1990; Dabholkar, 1995). Limited evidence suggests that consumers do not become loyal the same way in
different cultures. For example, one study of German mobile communication consumers finds service price,
phone number portability, and benefit perception most affect loyalty (Gerpott et al., 2001). A study of Korean
consumers, on the other hand, reports brand image, perceived service quality, and the perceptions of switching
costs better determine loyalty (Kim et al., 2004). Research examining Turkish mobile communications
consumers suggests service quality is necessary, but insufficient, to create loyalty (Aydin and Ozer, 2005). Lee
et al. (2001) find that switching costs strongly affect the satisfaction →loyalty relationship for French mobile
consumers. Finally, Lee and Ulgado (1997) find corporate image, low price, and consistent quality affect U.S.
consumer loyalty. Generally, Asian cultures see the less tangible characteristics of service as more important
(Mattila, 1999).
Marketers face a challenge in applying western-derived theory in Iran where social transition, and a unique
culture shape consumer behavior. Thus, Iran consumers' reactions to service providers and loyalty formation
may be quite unique. On the other hand, the core constructs are likely universal and the relationship among them
could remain reasonably consistent across cultural and structural contexts. To summarize, the current study
simultaneously examines the relationship among service quality, perceived value, customer satisfaction,
corporate image, and customer loyalty among Iran consumers. Fig. 1 displays the proposed model.
2.2 Service quality, value, and satisfaction
Several researchers examine links between and among service quality, value, and satisfaction (e.g. Cronin et al.,
2000; Garbarino and Johnson, 1999; Spreng et al., 1996). Not surprisingly, they find that high service quality
and high value correlate with relatively high customer Satisfaction (e.g. Cronin et al., 2000). While some suggest
that satisfaction drives quality, the preponderance of evidence indicates that quality drives satisfaction
(Dabholkar, 1995). The basis of links from service quality and value to satisfaction is Bagozzi's (1992) and
Lazarus' (1991) framework of appraisal → emotional response → coping.
Adapting the framework to a service context suggests that the more cognitively-oriented service quality and
value appraisals may lead to emotive satisfaction, which in turn drives loyalty (e.g. Chenet et al.,1999; Ennew
and Binks, 1999;Woodruff, 1997). Overall the service quality→ satisfaction causal order receives considerable
support and empirical validation (Brady and Robertson, 2001; Gotlieb et al., 1994). Further, the quality →
satisfaction link holds up across different cultures and explains more variance in customer loyalty (Brady and
Robertson, 2001). Therefore, the first hypothesis is:
H1. Service quality has a significant, positive effect on customer satisfaction.
In addition to the studies above, Fornell et al., (1996) report that the top two determinants of customer
satisfaction are perceived quality and perceived value. Thus, the second hypothesis is:
H2. Perceived value has a significant, positive effect on customer satisfaction.
Value is at the heart of what consumers pursue from a marketing exchange. While value is operationalized in
different ways, the general definition of value is a consumer's perception of the subjective worth of some activity
or object considering all net benefits and costs of consumption (Babin et al., 1994). In the present study, the
relevant consumption act is the overall service received from telecommunication provider. Perceived quality will
positively influence value, while price/cost will negatively influence value (Chang and Wildt, 1994; Hellier et al.,
2003). Logically, high quality is not a prerequisite for value because a reduction in quality can be offset by lower
overall costs.
However, research supports a positive relationship between quality and value (e.g. Andreassen and Lindestad,
1998; Choi et al., 2004; Cronin et al., 2000; Zins, 2001). Therefore, the third hypothesis is:
H3. Service quality has a significant, positive effect on perceived value.
2.3 Corporate image
Corporate image is another important factor in the overall service evaluation (Bitner, 1991; Grönroos, 1988;
Gummesson and Grönroos, 1988). According to Grönroos (1988) and Keller (1993), corporate image is a
perception of an organization held in consumer memory and works as a filter which influences the perception of
the operation of the company.
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Attitude theory suggests that service evaluations are the leading cause of corporate image and that these attitudes
increase in predictive value as they become more accessible in memory (Fazio, 1989; Fazio and Zanna, 1978).
Direct experience makes attitudes more accessible and more predictive of future behaviors. Oliver (1980) claims
that a consumer's attitude towards a product/service choice is a function of the consumer's initial attitude at the
time of purchase/encounter and his or her satisfaction with a particular consumption experience.
Selnes (1993) posits that performance quality affects a global, more general, evaluation of the brand. Along the
same line, Ostrowski et al. (1993) examine airline service and arguing that “positive experience over time
(following several good experiences) will ultimately lead to positive image” (p.23). Corporate image stems from
all of a customer's consumption experiences, and service quality is representative of these consumption
experiences. Hence, the perception of service quality directly affects the perception of corporate image (Aydin
and Ozer, 2005):
H4. Service quality has a significant, positive effect on corporate image.
Andreassen and Lindestad (1998) posit that corporate image, through a filtering effect, impacts a customer's
evaluation of service quality, value, and satisfaction. In other words, corporate image creates a halo effect on
customer satisfaction. In this study, a cumulative or relational level measure reflecting a customer's overall
impression and mental picture of the firm represents corporate image (Bloemer et al., 1998; Zimmer and Golden,
1988). Consumers who develop a positive mental schema of a brand will tend toward high customer satisfaction
through a halo effect where all things associated with the brand are similarly valenced. As such:
H5. Corporate image has a significant, positive effect on customer satisfaction. Value extends in its
conception beyond the functional aspect to include the more hedonic, social, emotional, and experiential
components (Babin et al., 1994; Holbrook, 1994). A positive image makes a consumption experience more
gratifying, thus helping customers experience pleasurable social and emotional benefits. Therefore:
H6. Corporate image has a significant, positive effect on perceived value.
2.4 Loyalty
Although ample evidence suggests significant, bivariate relationships between service evaluations and their
outcomes such as word of -month, referral, and retention, the links between these three service evaluation
variables (i.e. quality, value, and satisfaction) and outcome measures are still unclear. Cronin et al.'s (2000)
review reveals little uniformity concerning which of the three variables of service evaluation, or their
combinations, directly affect outcome measures. The model structure appears highly dependent on the nature of
the study and the time period of the paper.
The extant studies are categorized into one of three model structure types (Cronin et al., 2000): a satisfaction
model, a value model, or an indirect model. In satisfaction models, the primary and direct link is from customer
satisfaction to consumption outcome (consequences like behavioral intentions) measures (e.g. Ennew and Binks,
1999; Fornell et al., 1996; Hallowell, 1996). Value models feature perceived value, rather than satisfaction, as
the primary and direct mechanism linking service perceptions to consumption outcomes (e.g. Chang and Wildt,
1994; Cronin et al., 1997). Indirect models posit that service quality influences customer loyalty only through
value and satisfaction (e.g. Gotlieb et al., 1994; Patterson and Spreng, 1997; Roset and Pieters, 1997).
Partial examination of the simple bivariate links between any of the three constructs and loyalty may either mask
or overstate the true relationship due to omitted variable bias. To address this issue, Cronin et al. (2000) propose
a model in which all three variables (quality, value, and satisfaction) directly lead to loyalty simultaneously:
H7. Customer satisfaction has a significant, positive effect on loyalty.
H8. Perceived value has a significant, positive effect on loyalty.
H9. Service quality has a significant, positive effect on loyalty.
Corporate/brand image can also affect customer loyalty. Andreassen and Lindestad (1998) examine the role of
corporate image in the formation of customer loyalty in the service sector and find both an indirect and direct
influence of image on loyalty. Hart and Rosenberger (2004) replicate the Andreassen and Lindestad study in
Australia.
In their paper, Hart and Rosenberger report that image has a “marginally significant” direct effect on customer
loyalty, but a substantial effect mediated by customer satisfaction.
Therefore, a positive corporate image appears to stimulate loyalty for a company. While the indirect effects may
be greater, a direct relationship between image and loyalty remains even in their presence:
H10. Corporate image has a significant, positive effect on customer loyalty.
3. Methodology
3.1 Sampling and data collection
The survey sample is from customers of one of Iran largest telecommunications providers. Due to research
budget constraints, 1000 customers were randomly selected from the company's database. A questionnaire, cover
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letter, and postage paid return envelope were mailed to these 1000 individuals.
In total, the mailings yielded 500 responses. There were 83 unusable questionnaires due to relatively high
portions of missing data within these cases. Subsequent data analyses were conducted on the 417 usable
questionnaires, representing a 41.7% response rate. Table 1 shows key demographic characteristics of the
customers.
3.2 Measures
To enhance the content validity of the measures, a number of steps were taken. Wherever possible, existing
measures were adopted. To assist with translation, the measures were first discussed with a panel of 15 managers.
Managers were interviewed individually and asked to review the questionnaire and assess the suitability,
readability, and ambiguity. The questionnaire was iteratively revised based on feedback received from the
managers.
The revised questionnaire was then pilot tested. Questionnaires were mailed to 100 randomly selected customers
and 45 useable responses were received. The questionnaire was further revised according to the preliminary
analysis based on the pilot data. The final version of the questionnaire is discussed below.
Perceived service quality was determined using 22 items from SERVQUAL scale. Although there is much debate
regarding the measurement of perceived quality, SERVQUAL of parasuraman, et al. (1988) is appropriate to
examine perceived service quality in the mobile communication industry and is used in many studies in spite of its
limitations of validity and reliability. In this study, SERVQUAL measurement was composed of 22 service
perception items representing, five dimensions of service quality: tangibles (four items), reliability (five items),
responsiveness (four items), assurance (four items), and empathy (five items). These items are on a 5-point Likert
scale. (kim & lee, 2010).
Perceived value is an overall tradeoff of “get” versus “give-up” (Zeithaml, 1988). Two items measure value –
“Overall, the service I receive from company X is valuable” (VA1) and “The service quality I receive from
company X is worth my time, energy, and efforts” (VA2) – adapted from Choi et al. (2004). Both items are on a
five-point Likert scale, ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”
Customer satisfaction is an overall global reaction to the consumption experience (Stank et al., 1999). The
present study uses two items, “How satisfied are you with the services you receive from company X” (SA1) and
“Overall, how satisfied are you with company X” (SA2). Both items are on a five-point scale from “Very
Dissatisfied” to “Very Satisfied.”
Corporate image has four indicators. Three reflect the company's overall reputation, prestige, and brand
reputation (Zeithaml, 1988; Selnes, 1993)–“Please rate Company X's reputation” (IM1), “Please rate Company
X's prestige” (IM2), and “Please rate the reputation of Company X's products and services” (IM3). A fourth item
compares reputation of the target firm vis-à-vis the competitors (IM4; Selnes, 1993). All items are on a
five-point scale, with the first three items anchored with “Very Low” and “Very High” and the fourth item with
“Much Worse” and “Much Better.”
Customer loyalty is measured with two items, one assessing intention to repurchase and the other the willingness
to recommend to others (Zeithaml et al., 1996). The items asked “How probable is it that you will switch to
another mobile communication company in the future” (LO1) and “How probable is it that you will recommend
company X's service to your friends and relatives” (LO2). In essence, these items capture behavioral intentions
or continuance commitment. Both items are assessed on a five- point scale ranging from ˜ Very Unlikely ˝ to ˜
Very Likely. ˝
4. Data analysis and results
4.1 Measurement model
Results of the measurement analysis are shown in Table 2. The χ2 statistic (1080.76, 396 DF; p=0.00018)
indicates the overall fit. Thus, the measurement model fits well enough to suggest adequate validity and warrant
a closer look.
Item reliability and composite reliability estimates both assess reliability. Factor loading estimates assess item
reliability. Generally, items with loadings of 0.7 or more have adequate item reliability (Hair et al., 2006).The
composite reliabilities for each dimension range from 0.76 to 0.90. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)
establishes the construct validity of the proposed measurement model (Gerbing and Anderson, 1988; Hair et al.,
2006). The indexes suggest a reasonable fit, as would be expected given the model χ2 (NFI=0.95; CFI=0.97;
RMSEA=0.066). Overall, the results support the theoretical measurement model.
Comparing the variance extracted (AVE) estimates for each construct with the squared inter- construct
correlations between the relevant constructs gives an indication of discriminant validity (see table 3). The results
in table 3 show that the AVE is greater than the squared correlation estimate for each construct pair, providing
additional support of discriminant validity (Fornell and larcker, 1981).
Overall, the results indicate that the study measures possess adequate fit, reliability, and validity. Thus, the
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following section presents the structural results.
4.2 Structural model testing
Estimating a structural model corresponding to the hypothesized relationships assesses the research model (Fig.
1). The χ2 goodness of- fit statistic is 1080.76 with 396 DF. Estimates are shown in Fig. 2 with other fit indexes
in table 4, all indicating an acceptable fit.
4.3 Individual hypothesis testing
Individual path estimates and the variance explained in the endogenous constructs (R2) provide a test of the
research hypotheses. As shown in Fig. 2, our model has high predictive power. For value, satisfaction, image,
and loyalty, 68%, 80.6%, 57.9% and 39.4% of variance is explained, respectively.
The research model proposes that service quality has a direct, positive relationship with perceived value,
customer satisfaction, and corporate image. The path estimates in Fig. 2 show service quality is a significant
predictor of value (H3; β=0.60, p<0.05), corporate image (H4; β=0.761, p<0.05) and customer satisfaction (H1;
β=0.221, p<0.05). As both perceived value (H2; β=0.425, p<0.05) and corporate image (H5; β=0.292, p<0.05)
are significant predictors of customer satisfaction.
The model also proposes that corporate image influences perceived value directly (H6). The data support this
relationship (β=0.30, p<0.05).
Four factors (quality, value, image, and satisfaction) are proposed to simultaneously influence customer loyalty.
However, only the coefficients from satisfaction (H7) and corporate image (H10) to loyalty are significant
(β=0.413 and 0.354; p<0.05, respectively). The path coefficients from value (H8) and quality (H9) to loyalty are
not significant (β= 0.119 and 0.008; p>0.05 and, respectively).
Thus, the data support H7 and H10, but do not support H8 and H9. The total effect of service quality on loyalty
can be broken down into an indirect component, working through image, and a direct component, represented by
H9. In this case, the indirect component is 0.581(p<0.05) and the direct component is 0.008 (ns).
4.4 Loyalty drivers
Satisfaction and corporate image are the two significant, direct determinants of loyalty (β=0.413 and 0.354,
respectively—see Fig. 2). A comparison of total effects indicates that corporate image affects loyalty more
strongly than does satisfaction (0.561 vs. 0.413).
5. Discussion
The key objective of the study is to simultaneously examine the relationship among service quality, perceived
value, customer satisfaction, corporate image, and customer loyalty. In addition, the study (1) tests the
applicability of the model among Iran Consumers and (2) extends the loyalty model into the service sector.
Overall, results generally support the model. Further, the model appears both applicable in Iran and in a service
setting.
5.1 Satisfaction
In this study, examining the mediating role of customer satisfaction between other service evaluations and
customer loyalty is a key issue. Results reveal customer satisfaction has significant mediation effects for
relationships from service quality, perceived value and corporate image to loyalty. Thus, the majority of the
effect of both value and quality on loyalty is indirect (see Table 5).
The mediating power of satisfaction may be based on recency. Customers feeling highly satisfied with an
exchange may overemphasize the influence of service quality, value, and image on loyalty (Peterson and Wilson,
1992). These results are also consistent with empirical studies showing that satisfaction has a mediating effect on
customer loyalty behavior (Caruana, 2002; Lu and Tang, 2001; Stank et al., 1999; Zins, 2001). Like other affect
variables, satisfaction helps link more cognitively oriented constructs to behavioral outcomes.
5.2 Value
Service quality and corporate image both have significant, direct effects on perceived value. Value then predicts
customer satisfaction, directly. Thus, perceived value plays both a mediating role between service quality and
satisfaction and corporate image and satisfaction. Here, perceived value only indirectly influences loyalty
through satisfaction.
5.3 Image
Service quality explains 57.9% of the variance in corporate image. Higher service quality significantly enhances
corporate image, which in turn improves customer satisfaction and perceived value. Image has an indirect effect
on satisfaction through value. Corporate image also predicts customer loyalty directly. Overall, image plays a
critical role in enhancing customer value, satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Implications, limitations, and conclusions
6.1 Implications for practitioners
The study should help marketing practitioners better understand the inter-relationship among service quality,
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customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image, and loyalty, as well as the mechanism for enhancing
loyalty. While the context of the study is limited to a single Iran mobile communications company, the results
generally reinforce previous research involving goods and services in western cultures.
First, service quality affects loyalty indirectly. In addition, service quality significantly affects value, satisfaction
and image, three factors determining satisfaction and loyalty. Thus, service quality is a key building block to
improving value, satisfaction and image, which determine service loyalty.
Second, customer satisfaction and corporate image are direct determinants of customer loyalty. Obviously,
service providers are concerned with these outcomes and this mobile communications company needs to build
and monitor both image and satisfaction. In fact, corporate image has a greater total effect on service loyalty than
does any other construct.
6.2 Implications for researchers
In this study, image plays a role in creating value and building customer satisfaction, and in directly enhancing
loyalty. Researchers should consider the role of image in service loyalty, particularly for technologically oriented
products. Most importantly, the results indicate quality may play a very important role in producing positive
outcomes for service firms.
In addition, the research context provides a contribution. Despite being the largest single market in the world,
knowledge about Iran consumers remains limited. While a full cross cultural assessment is beyond the scope, the
present study adds insight into one aspect of Iran buyer behavior. Certainly building a knowledge base regarding
the Iran market is an increasingly important frontier for marketing academicians.
6.3 Limitations
Several limitations of the study should be noted. First, some important factors are not integrated into the model.
For example, possible factors which may significantly influence customer loyalty include number portability
between various cellular operators (Gerpott et al., 2001) and other switching barriers (Kim et al., 2004; Jones et
al., 2002). Second, one of the strengths of the study can also be considered a limitation. The model is tested in an
Iran telecommunications setting in which cultural and economic factors are embedded. Therefore, the findings
may not be fully applicable in other settings.
6.4 Conclusions
This study examines a model incorporating service quality, value, image, satisfaction, and loyalty. Meanwhile
several restrictions of reference paper such as small size sample have been removed and it has been used more
objective measures to reduce the potential of self-reporting bias. Findings posit that among this Iran firm's
telecommunication Customers, customer satisfaction and corporate image directly influence customer loyalty. In
most aspects, evidence suggests the loyalty model in Iran is similar to what researchers have found in western
cultures.
References
Kim, Y. k., & Lee, H. R. (2010). Customer satisfaction using low cost carriers. Tourism Management, 1-9.
Lai, f., Griffin, m., & Babin. B.J. (2009). How quality, value, image, and satisfaction create loyalty at a Chinese
telecom. Journal of business research, 62(10), 980-986.
Table 1. Respondent profile
gender
age
education
Male
64.2%
Under20
25.5%
School
10.3%
Female
35.6%
20-30
60.4%
Diploma
48.8%
30-40
9.2%
Bachelor
36.9%
Above40
4.9%
master
4%
missing
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Table 2. Measurement model
item
Quality
Standard
loading
Factor1:Tangibles
Composite
reliability
0.90
1.Modern equipments
3. XYZ s employees are neat-appearing.
4. XYZ s materials associated with the service are visually appealing.
Factor2: Reliability
6. When you have a problem, XYZ shows a sincere interest in solving it.
7. XYZ performs the service right the first time.
8. XYZ provides its services at the time it promises to do so.
Factor 3: Responsiveness
10. XYZ s employees tell you exactly when services will be performed.
11. XYZ s employees give you prompt service.
12. XYZ s employees are always willing to help you.
13. XYZ s employees are never too busy to respond to your requests.
Factor 4: Assurance
14. Behavior of XYZ s employees instills confidence in customers.
15. You feel safe in your transactions with XYZ.
16. XYZ s employees are consistently courteous with you.
17. XYZ s employees have the knowledge to answer your questions.
Factor 5: Empathy
18. XYZ dose not give you individual attention.
19. XYZ has operating hours convenient to all its customers.
22. XYZ s employees understand your specific needs.
0.71
0.80
0.75
Perceived
Value
1. Overall, the service I receive from xyz is valuable.
2. The service quality I receive from xyz is worth my time, energy, and efforts.
0.75
.0.83
0.76
Satisfaction
1. How satisfied are you with the services you receive from XYZ.
2. Overall, how satisfied are you with XYZ.
0.71
0.84
0.80
Image
1. XYZ s overall reputation.
2. XYZ s prestige.
3. XYZ s brand reputation.
4. Compares reputation of XYZ vis-à-vis the competitors.
0.74
0.79
0.73
0.90
0.85
Loyalty
1. Consider XYZ your first choice to buy.
2. Say positive things about XYZ to other people.
3. Recommend XYZ to someone who seeks your advice.
4. Do more business with XYZ in next years.
0.80
0.82
0.85
0.81
0.89
0.85
0.78
0.85
0.82
0.80
0.73
0.72
0.89
0.76
0.87
0.92
0.83
0.75
0.77
0.89
0.78
0.88
0.71
NFI= 0.95 , NNFI=0.96,CFI=0.97, RMSEA=0.066
* Standardized factor loading, all are significant at 0.05 level.
Table 3. Construct correlation
Quality
Image
value
Satisfaction Loyalty
Quality
0.938*
Image
0.751**
0.887
value
0.843
0.701
0.906
Satisfaction
0.835
0.692
0.891
0.852
Loyalty
0.495
0.713
0.523
0.625
0.869
* Square root of average variance extracted (AVE) is shown on the diagonal and in bold;
** Correlation coefficients are shown in the off diagonal; all correlations are significant at the 0.05 level.
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Table 4. Summary of fit indices
Fit indices
χ2/Df
Recommend value
>3
Value in this study 2.93
Table 5. Standardized effect
RMSEA GFI
< 0.08
> 0.90
0.066
0.85
Quality
0.7611
(0.7612, 03)
0.828
(0.60, 0.228)
0.30(0.30, 0)
Satisfaction
0.795
(0.221, 0.574)
CFI
> 0.90
0.97
Image
-
Value
AGFI
> 0.80
0.82
Image
NFI
NNFI
> 0.90 > 0.90
0.95
0.96
IFI
> 0.90
0.97
Value
-
Satisfaction
-
-
-
0.419(0.292, 0.127)
Loyalty
0.589
(0.008, 0.581)
0.425(0.425, 0)
-
0.561(0.354, 0.207)
0.413(0.413, 0)
0.294(0.119, 0.175)
1
Standardized total effects
Standardized direct effects
3
Standardized indirect effects
2
Figure 1. Conceptual model
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H9 = 0.008 ns
R2 = 0.68
Value
H8= 0.119 ns
H2 = 0.425
H3 = 0.60
H1 = 0.221
Service quality
H7=0.413
Satisfaction
R2 =0.806
H5 = 0.292
Loyalty
H6 = 0.30
R2 = 0.394
H4 = 0.761
H10= 0.354
* P<0.05
Ns: not significant
Image
Solid path: significant
Dashed path: insignificant
R2 = 0.579
Figure 2. Structural model with parameter estimates
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
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