This study aims to identify the factors that influence buyer and seller trust in online consumer-to-consumer transactions. Earlier studies focused on the B2C domain, thus this study intends to fill this literature gap. Factor analysis is used to identify the factors in this study using the principle component method. The factors identified by this study are buyers' and sellers' general propensity to trust others, knowledge and expertise, risk propensity, personal acquaintances and relationships, and their prior transaction experience. The study's limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Many organizations are providing customer support and service through building virtual communities of users and practitioners. Within these communities, knowledge is exchanged and transferred on a continual basis. But what type of organizations are actually relaying on such communities? And what are the mechanics of knowledge transfer in these communities? This study sets out to identify the organizations most likely to use virtual communities in their customer support operations through a survey of the Fortune 500 organizations. It also analyzes the process of knowledge transfer mechanics within these virtual communities by focusing on four technology-intensive organizations: Microsoft, Dell, Amazon.com, and eBay.com. Study conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.

No abstract

The case study presents the experience of the New York Theatre Group (NYTG), a nonprofit performing arts organization, in integrating e-commerce in its operational practices. In particular, its strategic positioning and integration of its web presence into its business model is detailed, along with the consequences and lessons learned from this integration.