Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the switching behavior of mobile service customers in the USA with a focus on service quality, innovation and lock-in strategies as deterrents of switching. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature review coupled with two focus...

Purpose – This research aims to provide insight on the interactive effects of service quality and e-service quality on perceptions of retailer brand equity and also extend and test the efficacy of Baker ' s service environment typology in both offline and online service experiences....

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the servicescape should be subsumed as a dimension within service quality conceptualizations or whether it is a unique construct in itself which precedes service quality evaluations and behavioral intentions. The authors both propose...

Considers how recent concerns with service quality have led to increased awareness of the importance of the role of the front‐line employee, the service provider. Describes how internal marketing has been instrumental in raising service providers′ performance. Develops a method, drawing on...

Describes the differences between the marketing of services and that of products. States that thesedifferences can affect marketing and also communications, in relation to the perception of quality, positioning and competitive difference. Offers examples of how such differences can impact on a...

Evaluates customers′ and employees′ service quality expectations and perceptions from the example of a hospital environment. Considers employees′ responses in administrative and nonadministrative categories. Notes differences between the groups and discusses the managerial implications...

Postulates that the use of some key ideas from statistical control thinking can improve service quality. Explores the identification and analysis of gaps in perceptual differences between service customers and service providers as a way of adopting a statistical control philosophy in a service...

Considers the dehumanization and weak service performance in the banking industry as it seeks to increase its efficiency. Argues that since customers are demanding more humanized banking, banks must narrow this gap between supply and demand by evaluating their marketing deficiencies and becoming...

Notes that current thinking places an appropriate culture near the top of the list of important ingredients for successfully marketing services. Examines the concept of marketing culture in detail. Provides a method for assessing the marketing culture of a service firm. Outlines the details of...

Considers the “Conceptual Model of Service Quality”. Describes five service gaps, using a case example of American Airlines as illustration. Examines ways of bridging these gaps. Concludes with a personal commentary on the delivering of quality.