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Examining the impact of service robot communication styles on customer intimacy following service failure

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  • Park, Junsung
  • Yoo, Joon Woo
  • Cho, Youngju
  • Park, Heejun

Abstract

With the growing use of robots in the service industry, service failures have increased. This study applies the Communication Accommodation Theory to examine how robot employees' communication style can foster perceived intimacy, reducing customer anger and negative word-of-mouth. The study also tests if this relationship varies based on failure severity. Results show that an informal communication style significantly reduces negative word-of-mouth through intimacy, but only for low severity failures. These findings offer valuable insights for service providers using robots, emphasizing the need to adapt communication styles based on failure severity to effectively manage negative customer experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Park, Junsung & Yoo, Joon Woo & Cho, Youngju & Park, Heejun, 2023. "Examining the impact of service robot communication styles on customer intimacy following service failure," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:75:y:2023:i:c:s0969698923002588
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103511
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mehmood, Khalid & Kautish, Pradeep & Shah, Tejas R., 2024. "Embracing digital companions: Unveiling customer engagement with anthropomorphic AI service robots in cross-cultural context," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    2. Kim, Hyojung & Park, Minjung, 2024. "When digital celebrity talks to you: How human-like virtual influencers satisfy consumer's experience through social presence on social media endorsements," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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