An empirical examination of Instagram as an s-commerce channel
Journal of Advances in Management Research
ISSN: 0972-7981
Article publication date: 16 April 2018
Issue publication date: 10 May 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and empirically examine a theory-based model in the context of social commerce (s-commerce). The study examined the popular photo-sharing platform “Instagram” to determine the value of s-commerce and its acceptance by customers.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical framework, the researcher examined the proposed research model and related hypotheses. A survey questionnaire of 441 Instagram users in Saudi Arabia was collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results revealed that social influence and trust are the most significant factors affecting behavioral intention. In contrast, the effect of facilitating conditions on behavioral intention was found to be not significant.
Originality/value
Very limited empirical research has been conducted in the context of s-commerce in the Arab region generally and in Saudi Arabia specifically. The findings of the present study will provide guidance that could be put into action for marketers and professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
Citation
Abed, S. (2018), "An empirical examination of Instagram as an s-commerce channel", Journal of Advances in Management Research, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 146-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-05-2017-0057
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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