Os melhores e os piores: o boca a boca em sites de varejo eletrônico no Brasil - uma análise por meio de equações estruturais

Abstract

This research aims to analyze Word of Mouth (WOM) behavior, conveyed by consumers in Brazil, of the best and worst e-Tail websites, using Structural Equation Modeling. The survey was conducted with 247 users in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, and it takes as reference the Goyette et al. (2010) model, which measures WOM in four dimensions: Intensity , Positive Valence, Negative Valence and Content. As research findings, it is suggested that there is an “arm wrestling” between positive and negative WOM in the Brazilian market, which the negative WOM is overcome by the positive WOM, in the case of market leaders. When the customer experience is positive, the WOM behavior tends to focus on product aspects such as price, product quality or product variety. When the experience is negative, WOM behavior tends to focus on logistics and service aspects, such as post-purchase service and delivery. The research also identified that frequency of use makes increase the probability of negative experiences and consequent detraction of websites, also, negative BAB of the best websites may be related to post purchase service experience and positive BAB of the worst sites may be related to usability. This work contributes to formulate a model of multidimensional measurement of WOM, specific to the Brazilian e-tail market, able to capture relevant aspects of the construct and applied to different contexts (best and worst sites).