Exploring Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) in The Consumer Purchase Decision-Making Process:The Case of Online Holidays – Evidence from United Kingdom (UK) Consumers

摘要

This study explores the role of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) in the consumer decision-making process when purchasing a holiday. Using an ethnographic approach, it explores the role of eWOM on consumers’ attitudes toward online reviews (eReviews) and their subsequent behavior. Across the consumer decision-making processes – information search, evaluation, and purchase – the study develops a conceptual framework with three eWOM dimensions: (1) motivation, (2) source, and (3) content. Findings explore the variations of eWOM’s influence across the decisionmaking stages with implications for theory and practice. The study further highlights implications for segmentation practices in the tourism industry.