The emotional influence on satisfaction and complaint behavior in hedonic and utilitarian services
International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences
ISSN: 1756-669X
Article publication date: 17 August 2021
Issue publication date: 14 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Greater attention should be paid to the emotional aspects of the service experience. In this context, this paper aims to propose that emotions will have a different impact on customers’ complaint behavior and satisfaction depending on the hedonic or utilitarian nature of the service and for this purpose a valence-based approach is followed.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 809 service users was analyzed through multi-group structural equation modeling, including both hedonic (bars and cafeterias, n = 210) and utilitarian services (bank and public transportation services, n = 599).
Findings
Research findings show the different influence of emotions on customers’ complaint behavior and satisfaction depending on the service nature. Further, the negative affect does not influence behavioral outcomes in hedonic services, whereas positive affect exerts a slight lower influence in utilitarian services. Finally, the service nature plays a moderating role in the emotions–satisfaction and emotions–complaint behavior relationship.
Originality/value
This research shows the important role of the service nature, reporting different results for hedonic and utilitarian services in the influence of emotions in behavioral outcomes.
Keywords
Citation
Calvo-Porral, C. and Otero-Prada, L.-M. (2021), "The emotional influence on satisfaction and complaint behavior in hedonic and utilitarian services", International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 471-488. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-02-2020-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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