Investigating Sustained Participation in Open Design Community in China: The Antecedents of User Loyalty

Ruo-Yu Liang, Wei Guo, Ling-Hao Zhang and Lei Wang
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Ruo-Yu Liang: School of Design, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
Wei Guo: School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Ling-Hao Zhang: School of Design, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
Lei Wang: School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: Understanding what drives user loyalty is a central theme in the research fields of open design community (ODC) and sustained innovation. Drawing on theories of network externalities and expectation disconfirmation, this paper develops a theoretical model reflecting the effect of determinants on user loyalty. The model is tested utilizing survey data amassed from 389 users of a typical ODC, Xiaomi Corporation’s forum, in China. The major findings of our work as follows: First, satisfaction plays the most important role in explaining the user loyalty to ODCs, and disconfirmation of fan care is the most critical factor influencing user satisfaction. Second, the perceived network size exerts negative impact on user loyalty to an ODC. Third, impacts of different factors on user loyalty vary due to gender difference. This research advanced the knowledge in Open Design by demonstrating the antecedents of participant’s loyalty towards ODC, and highlighting the motivations of individual’s open design participation behavior.

Keywords: firm-hosted open design community; user loyalty; sustained participation; network externalities; expectation disconfirmation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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