A1 Journal article (refereed)
Adapting and Validating Scale of Customer Engagement in Online Travel Communities (2020)
Mkumbo, P. J., Ukpabi, D. C., & Karjaluoto, H. (2020). Adapting and Validating Scale of Customer Engagement in Online Travel Communities. European Journal of Tourism Research, 25, Article 2501. https://doi.org/10.54055/ejtr.v25i.416
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Mkumbo, Peter J.; Ukpabi, Dandison C.; Karjaluoto, Heikki
Journal or series: European Journal of Tourism Research
ISSN: 1994-7658
eISSN: 1314-0817
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 25
Article number: 2501
Publisher: Varna University of Management
Publication country: Bulgaria
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54055/ejtr.v25i.416
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68474
Abstract
Increasing attention towards customer engagement has caused its measurement to remain a highly debated issue among scholars. This study adapts and validates measurement scales for customer engagement in Online Travel Communities. It builds on previous studies on scale development for customer engagement. Data were collected from 450 members of Online Travel Communities in eight countries: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (Chinese territory), New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The process of adapting and validating the scale involved exploratory factor analysis, testing for differential item functioning, examination of item response theory, confirmatory factor analysis, testing for invariance and criterion validity. The results found that three dimensions (affection, absorption, and interaction) suitably and adequately measure customer engagement in Online Travel Communities.
Keywords: customers; committing oneself; tourism; online communities; psychometrics
Free keywords: customer engagement; online travel communities; psychometric scale development and validation
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1
