To read this content please select one of the options below:

Characterizing consumer concerns about identification technology

Philip J. Trocchia (College of Business, University of South Florida, St Petersburg, Florida, USA)
Thomas L. Ainscough (College of Business, University of South Florida, St Petersburg, Florida, USA)

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management

ISSN: 0959-0552

Article publication date: 1 August 2006

2539

Abstract

Purpose

Retailer's use of advanced technology to identify consumers has broad and, for many individuals, disturbing social implications. This study seeks to uncover consumer concerns regarding various identification technologies that may be encountered in present and future retail environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjects were asked to describe, in writing, concerns that they might have regarding six identification technologies. Content analysis was employed in order to place consumer concerns regarding biometric and radio frequency identification device technology into meaningful categories.

Findings

Eight specific categories of concern emerged which fall under three general themes: concerns regarding the technology itself, concerns regarding the security of collected data, and existential issues regarding interaction with the technology.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a framework for academic researchers to further develop a model of consumer interaction with identification technology. Therefore, an empirical follow‐up study, using a representative sample, should be conducted in order to expand the findings of this research.

Practical implications

This research study makes use of qualitative elicitation techniques to uncover specific areas of concern that may be addressed and alleviated prior to a technology's introduction.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the existing literature with regard to our knowledge of consumer concerns and fears about identification technology.

Keywords

Citation

Trocchia, P.J. and Ainscough, T.L. (2006), "Characterizing consumer concerns about identification technology", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 34 No. 8, pp. 609-620. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550610675930

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles