The Impact of e-WOM on Hotels Management Reputation: Exploring TripAdvisor Review Credibility with the ELM Model

Abstract

In recent years, electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) has been widely used by consumers on different online platforms. The numerous studies have emphasized the growing importance of e-WOM for the consumer decision-making process, particularly in the tourist sector. There are various factors that will influence the adoption of e-WOM by the users but among all these factors, credibility is of paramount importance. Changes in the platform, new consumer trends, and possible fake information require a continuous update and analysis of the factors that can influence the e-WOM perceived credibility and e-WOM adoption on TripAdvisor and other social tourism platforms. In the present study, we analyzed the following five factors that can impact e-WOM perceived credibility and e-WOM adoption: 1) volume of e-WOM; 2) source credibility; 3) rate extremism; 4) consumer involvement, and; 5) perceived e-WOM credibility. For the analysis, the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and PLS-SEM were used. The sample consisted of a total of 221 participants who responded to the questionnaire. The results revealed that, with the exception rate extremism, the four remaining factors have a significant impact on e-WOM perceived credibility and adoption. Therefore, these factors are important drivers of the e-WOM perceived credibility resulting in the e-WOM adoption. The results of the present study provide meaningful practical implications for hotel or social tourism platforms managers in terms of possible strategies to improve their online reputation.