Title
Localization Of Computer-Mediated Communication And Corporate Impression On Online Communities
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of localizing online communities (OCs) and examines how OC members form impressions of organizations that use OCs in their communication activities. A conceptual framework and measurement scale are developed that consist of complex latent constructs. Design/methodology/approach A sequential multi-method approach is adopted with both qualitative and quantitative investigations. Using Structural equation modeling, the research refines and validates the measurement scales of impression formation in OCs. Findings Findings reveal that comprehensive messages have a direct effect on the impressions that an OC member forms. In particular, social context cues are an important predictor of online community corporate impression (OCCIP). Source credibility, affiliation, characteristics and interpersonal communication are all critical to OCCIP, which in turn, influence members' attitudes toward the company and the intention to use it again. Surprisingly, relevance, timeliness, accuracy and perceived similarity did not have any significant effect on the corporate impression. Originality/value Three contributions are offered: First, the study provides reliable scales for measuring OCCIP. Second, support is given to the conceptual model that links OCCIP to a set of consequences, namely, attitudes toward the company, intention to use the company, and word-of-mouth. Finally, the study is conducted across two different and unique types of OC contexts, stipulating further insights into the localization of OCs.
Year
DOI
Venue
2019
10.1108/INTR-05-2016-0126
INTERNET RESEARCH
Keywords
Field
DocType
Scale development, Localization
Source credibility,Interpersonal communication,Online community,Conceptual model,Structural equation modeling,Public relations,Computer science,Knowledge management,Computer-mediated communication,Conceptual framework,Impression formation
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
29
4
1066-2243
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
0
0.34
0
Authors
6
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Christine Hallier Willi100.34
Bang Nguyen2428.23
Bang Nguyen3428.23
t c melewar400.68
Suraksha Gupta541.94
Xiaoyu Yu6184.75