The search for service quality and the division of work between front office employees and backroom workers as the core of service design are examined. Discussion centres on whether the server′s task should encompass more backroom work to avoid duplication and delay or be more limited to...

Reports on empirical survey of six major players in the house mortgage market and determines elements of customer service that are indicative of both good and bad practice. Compares and contrasts the customer service of the financial institutions comprising the sample. Concludes by identifying a...

The notion of business ethics is explored as a way of understanding difficulties in bridging the credibility gaps between management′s intention, staff′s committed implementation and consumers′ need for reinforcement of their personal dignity, in service situations where general competence...

Banks and other financial services providers are increasingly developing service quality initiatives. In this article some of the research literature on service quality is considered to include definitions, determinants and measurement of quality. Attention is also given to research applications...

Effective segmentation is a challenge for financial service managers. Investigates the use of service quality, convenience, and competitiveness as a basis for benefit segmentation. Identifies two segments, a performance driven segment that in the retail bank sector is primarily interested in...

Investigates service quality in the student market for financial services. Reports empirical work in which students′ attitudes towards the service provided by their banks and building societies were assessed, with emphasis on loan and overdraft arrangements. The students′ expectations and...

A 17‐item scale emerges following the study to develop an instrument for measuring customer service quality at trading bank branches, with a focus on retail banking. The conceptual framework addresses the psychometric shortcomings of the existing work in service quality research. A robust...

The development of effective customer relationships is widely advocated as a key element of marketing strategies in the service sector. The advantages associated with the development of such relationships are thought to be particularly relevant in the case of services for which credence...

Presents an empirical study of major quality improvement initiatives recently undertaken by two British banks. Provides a useful comparison of the two different approaches, and contributes new evidence on the current debate concerning the validity of the SERVQUAL model. First outlines the...

Points out that customer satisfaction and retention are critical for retail banks, and investigates the major determinants of customer satisfaction and future intentions in the retail bank sector. Identifies the determinants which include service quality dimensions (e.g. getting it right the...