Are you still willing to use pre-made dishes? Examining young customers' continuous usage intention in the Chinese emerging market

Abstract

Purpose This study empirically examined four value attributes (e.g. conditional value, functional value, epistemic value and price consciousness) influencing young customers’ attitudes, word-of-mouth (WOM) and continuous usage intentions. Subjective norm was positioned as the moderator, while WOM was identified as the mediator. Design/methodology/approach This study collected data from 252 Chinese young customers using purposive sampling technique and utilized PLS-SEM to examine the interrelationships among variables. Findings The findings confirmed that the four value attributes (i.e. conditional value, functional value, epistemic value and price consciousness) significantly influence young consumers' attitudes toward pre-made dishes (PMDs). Additionally, attitudes and WOM positively influence continuous usage intention, with WOM acting as a mediator between attitudes and continuous usage intentions. Furthermore, subjective norm partially moderates the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) model. Practical implications PMDs manufacturers should take into account the consumption values and price consciousness of young customers when developing marketing campaigns. Subjective norm and WOM continue to be key factors in enhancing continuous intention. Originality/value This study expands the applicability of the VAB model, the theory of consumption value (TCV), and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), enriching the literature on PMDs by examining four value attributes and moderating factors influencing continuous usage intention.

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