Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multidimensional concept of mobile banking service quality (security/privacy, practicity, design/aesthetics, enjoyment and sociality) and the impact of the latter on the quality of the relationship (commitment, trust and satisfaction) between consumers and their primary financial institution. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted using a sample of 375 respondents, all owners of a mobile device and all accustomed to conducting banking activities on mobile platforms. Results were analyzed using structural modeling techniques (EQS 6.1). Findings Findings confirm that trust significantly and positively impacts commitment/satisfaction. Mobile banking service quality dimensions also influence trust and commitment/satisfaction. Trust is associated with security/privacy and practicity (regarded as utilitarian factors), while commitment/satisfaction is driven by enjoyment and sociality (dimensions more hedonic by nature). No link is found between interface design and either trust or commitment/satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributes to bank marketing theory since it is the first to demonstrate how key mobile banking service quality dimensions drive customer perceptions of relationship quality. In doing so, this research extends beyond mobile adoption (short term) by addressing customer engagement with financial institutions and issues relating to relationship quality (long term). Regarding managerial implications, findings signal to marketers in the financial services industry the importance of not underestimating the power of hedonic factors (sociality and enjoyment) when developing mobile platforms. These dimensions are often overlooked in the banking industry, a sector in which consumers are believed to be mostly driven by utilitarian motives.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a model that investigates the antecedents and the consequences of buyer‐seller relationship quality in the financial services.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a survey of more than 400 dyads (414 financial advisors and 772 clients in Canada) and were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe results notably show that, for both financial advisors and clients, customer orientation has an impact on buyer‐seller relationship quality, whereas buyer‐seller similarity does not. The link between relationship quality and both consequences (purchase intention and word‐of‐mouth) is significant for the two samples.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations and research directions refer to the measure of word‐of‐mouth construct, which is only weakly reliable, and the need to consider a multilevel approach.Practical implicationsThe study can be helpful for financial advisors to build effective strategies for enhancing their relationships with clients.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few to consider both perceptions (financial advisors and clients) in order to analyze buyer‐seller relationship quality in the financial services sector.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a reliable and valid integrative scale for online relationship quality based on both the relationship marketing and electronic commerce literature. Design/methodology/approach – The scale was developed using the approach put forward by Churchill (1979). The scale development and validation process includes a qualitative exploratory phase, three pre-tests and a final study using an online questionnaire (476 members of a consumer panel). Findings – The findings support a third-order integrative model of online relationship quality composed of three dimensions (trust, commitment and satisfaction). The final scale is composed of 21 items. Research limitations/implications – The study shows a lack of discrimination between satisfaction and trust, which other studies have also found. As the scale is validated in only one sector, online banking, it should be tested and replicated in other contexts (e.g. insurance). Practical implications – An instrument for assessing the quality of online relationships between banks and consumers is important for marketing professionals who want to determine their relational positioning and focus on those dimensions that promote long-term online relationships. The scale developed here can be used to assess customers’ perceptions of the quality of the relationship with an online financial institution, to segment those customers more effectively, and to improve targeting of marketing strategies and activities. Originality/value – This study contributes to the enrichment of the body of theory and provides researchers with a tool for the further investigation of the quality of online relationships.

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Purpose This study aims to examine the relationships between brand attachment, mobile service quality (MSQ), and positive word-of-mouth (WOM) for mobile banking applications (m-banking apps). Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted among 759 Canadian consumers who had used m-banking apps in the previous six months. To test the research hypotheses, a causal model using structural equation modeling was developed. Findings The results reveal that, in the m-banking context, brand attachment is associated with three MSQ dimensions – value-added features, security/privacy and interactivity – and positive WOM, with the usability dimension replacing interactivity in this case. Brand attachment is also associated with positive WOM. Practical implications To promote WOM, mobile banking managers should foster brand attachment and improve MSQ, mainly in terms of value-added features. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the relationships between brand attachment, mobile service quality and WOM in the context of m-banking apps. It also highlights the prominent role of value-added features available on m-banking apps to persuade customers.