Betrayal? Relationship quality implications in service recovery

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine whether high quality relationships buffer or magnify the negative impact of a failed service recovery on subsequent consumer attitudes and behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 264 online shoppers were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were asked to imagine themselves in a hypothetical failed service recovery scenario involving a multi-channel retailer with whom they shop. Findings: Results from a MANCOVA analysis and SEM modeling indicate that, following a failed service recovery incident, high quality relationships present a challenge for the service provider. In accordance with the hypotheses, consumers with a high level of relationship quality will decrease their repurchase intentions to a greater extent; more strongly and negatively adjust their overall relationship quality; and react to the service recovery effort less favorably than those with lower levels of relationship quality. Research limitations/implications: The findings suggest that high quality relationships may "raise the bar" of service recovery management, rather than "buffering" firms from service failure. Practical implications: Service providers should consider the potential implications of customer relationship quality in their service recovery management efforts. Originality/value: The study provides empirical evidence of the "double-edge" issue of relationship quality in service recovery management, illustrating the need to incorporate this variable in future service failure/recovery research. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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Holloway, B. B., Wang, S., & Beatty, S. E. (2009). Betrayal? Relationship quality implications in service recovery. Journal of Services Marketing, 23(6), 385–396. https://doi.org/10.1108/08876040910985861

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