Message and source characteristics as drivers of mobile digital review persuasiveness: does cultural context play a role?

Iryna Pentina, Oksana Basmanova and Qin Sun

International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising, 2017, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: This study examines the impacts of message valence (positive/negative/sided) and perceived source similarity on user attitudes towards mobile restaurant reviews and review persuasiveness in low- and high-context cultures. Two experiments were conducted in the USA and Ukraine. The results reveal significant differences in consumer paths to adopting mobile digital reviews in low-context vs. high-context cultures. They indicate that in low-context cultures positive reviews are perceived as more trustworthy, credible, and helpful than negative or two-sided reviews. The same relationships are observed in high-context cultures only under conditions of perceived source similarity. Review helpfulness and credibility, in turn, positively impact its persuasiveness in both high- and low-context communication traditions. Based on the findings, future research avenues and managerial implications are proposed.

Keywords: digital customer reviews; message characteristics; source characteristics; mobile platforms; Yelp; mobile digital reviews; online reviews; review persuasiveness; culture; cultural context; message valence; perceived source similarity; user attitudes; restaurant reviews; USA; United States; Ukraine. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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