No abstract

Religious travel has grown consistently with the growth of the tourism industry worldwide. However, some of the religious based tourism particularly pilgrimage tourism such as Umrah received little attention in the literature although there are 6 million people performing it each year. Thus, this study aims to examine the relationship between the factors influencing information acquisition behavior to gain destination product knowledge in performing Umrah. Survey data from 198 Umrah travelers were analyzed using Partial least squares (PLS) structural equation. The final useful sample consisted of 198 Muslim participants who had travelled to Mecca for Umrah in the last 12 months. Partial least squares (PLS) structural equation was used in data analysis. The results show that the determinants of information search, the purpose of travelling, past experience, quality of information and travel companion affect information acquisition behavior and destination product knowledge. The findings of this study will aid tour operators and travel agents in developing relevant strategies for future business development.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the epistemic nature of e-lifestyle conceptualization and to asses a proposed second-order formative-formative model for consumer e-lifestyle. Through a two-step approach of formative-formative model using partial least square analysis, the four constructs of consumer e-lifestyle was assessed and validated. The empirical results reveal the absence of multicollinearity while nomological, and discriminant validity were affirmed. This study has confirmed the e-lifestyle model as formative first-order and second-order hierarchical latent construct which was previously operationalized by means of reflective dimensions. This investigation merely represents a starting point in e-lifestyle conceptualization using SEM-PLS. To improve the validity and generalization of the scale proposed in the study, further cross-cultural validation through a greater population is recommended. Beyond validating e-lifestyle model as a second-order construct, this study is able to provide ample opportunity for marketers to know more about the weight and importance of each dimension of e-lifestyle. This research contributes to current consumer behavior literature on what factors affect consumer e-lifestyle that pave a way for marketers to have a better understanding toward their consumer e-lifestyle and hence execute related marketing strategies.Keywords: consumer e-lifestyle, reflective measurement model, formative measurement model, partial least square analysis, second-order construct, MalaysiaLifestyle studies are prevalently based on extensive surveys using quantitative methods (Vyncke, 2002). Lifestyle was studied using large set of activities, interests, and opinions (AIO) rating statements developed by Wells and Tigert (1971). Plummer (1977) conceptualized the notion of lifestyle term in generic perspective without statistical results. Kucukemiroglu (1999) used AIO statements to measure Turkish consumer's belief toward their activities, interests and opinions. Their analysis extracted eight factors explain 68.55 percent of variance; however, they didn't consider consumer values in lifestyle measurement model. This can be explained by the notion that individual's value preferences are part of their basic worldviews (Struch et al.

Technology advancement is gaining a great deal of attention among young individuals. Technology has significantly impacted and changed the context and the way young people live in recent years, particularly in developing countries across Southeast Asia. Indeed, telecommunication companies have noticed the importance of e-lifestyle factors which largely contribute to their identity. This research is aimed to examine the impact of e-lifestyle on customer satisfaction and loyalty from mobile consumers in the emerging countries. The data were collected using a survey among 197 respondents from Generation Y that aged between 18 and 37 years old. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS and the results show that the second-order construct of e-lifestyle has significant effect on customer satisfaction and loyalty. The future implications and conclusion are discussed.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether consumers’ complaint behavior varies according to demographics, psychographics, and attitude toward businesses as well as product attributes. Discriminant analysis on a sample of 122 consumers residing in north Malaysia showed that complainers were males, married, better educated, and holding white collar jobs. Complainers were found to be more confident, more assertive, individualistic, and possessed a positive attitude toward complaining. Consumers who have a more positive attitude towards businesses and product attributes were more likely to complain. The discriminant model was able to predict behavior of complainers better than chance. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.