Key factors influencing word-of-mouth intentions: the case of college freshmen in Taiwan
ISSN: 1368-3047
Article publication date: 30 May 2020
Issue publication date: 11 May 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the key determinants of word-of-mouth intentions among freshmen in a Taiwanese college. It investigates the causal relationships among different indicators of organizational sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study is conducted on a sample of 3,159 college freshmen. A survey instrument with 41 measurement items are used to recognize the implementation of management practices at the college level. Descriptive statistical and multiple regression analyzes are performed to analyze the data, using SPSS software.
Findings
The results show that course identity, professional identity toward teachers, self-identity, learning attitude and satisfaction have a positive and significant impact on word-of-mouth intentions. Among these, satisfaction is the most crucial influencing factor. Colleges, particularly Taiwanese colleges competing in the field of higher education, must identify critical factors influencing the implementation of management practices to increase performance.
Practical implications
This study’s findings make a valuable contribution to understanding management practices in Taiwanese colleges. In addition, they serve as important guidelines for Taiwanese colleges to implement management practices effectively. The findings can also help improve organizational sustainable development, in view of the new insights they offer on the topic of the determinants of word-of-mouth intentions among Taiwanese college freshmen.
Originality/value
This study contributes to management practices in Taiwan-based colleges. It provides crucial information for decision-makers involved in the implementation of management practices in colleges and serves as a useful reference for further research in this area.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Taiwan Assessment and Evaluation Association who kindly offered respondent data to our study.
Citation
Hsu, C.-L., Pan, Y.-J., Yan, Q.-W. and Yan, M.-R. (2021), "Key factors influencing word-of-mouth intentions: the case of college freshmen in Taiwan", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 106-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-02-2020-0033
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited