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Servicescape navigation PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile wayfinders into homogeneous sub-groups according to their wayfinding ability, and to investigate the differences between the clusters identified and their evaluations of satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses survey data collected in a hospital in the Northern part of Italy. The survey questionnaire assessed the participants’ self-estimation of wayfinding ability in terms of wayfinding competence, wayfinding strategy and wayfinding anxiety, as well as the wayfinder’s satisfaction.FindingsThe findings propose that three factors, namely, individual orientation skills, confidence in servicescape elements and anxiety control, contribute to defining wayfinding ability. Based on these factors, cluster analysis reveals three profiles of wayfinders, as follows: the Easy Goings, the Do-it-yourselves and the Insecures. Group differentiation comes from wayfinding ability and customer satisfaction levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study advance the segmentation literature by analyzing different types of wayfinding ability that can lead to different satisfaction levels.Practical implicationsThese findings will help service managers improve servicescape design and help them formulate effective targeting strategies.Originality/valueWhile previous research outlined the importance of some factors such as gender differences, familiarity with the service environment and cognitive approaches, this study recommends the examination of the profile of visitors to the service setting to allow them to find their way more effectively. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The TQM Journal Emerald Publishing

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
1754-2731
DOI
10.1108/TQM-01-2017-0003
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to profile wayfinders into homogeneous sub-groups according to their wayfinding ability, and to investigate the differences between the clusters identified and their evaluations of satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses survey data collected in a hospital in the Northern part of Italy. The survey questionnaire assessed the participants’ self-estimation of wayfinding ability in terms of wayfinding competence, wayfinding strategy and wayfinding anxiety, as well as the wayfinder’s satisfaction.FindingsThe findings propose that three factors, namely, individual orientation skills, confidence in servicescape elements and anxiety control, contribute to defining wayfinding ability. Based on these factors, cluster analysis reveals three profiles of wayfinders, as follows: the Easy Goings, the Do-it-yourselves and the Insecures. Group differentiation comes from wayfinding ability and customer satisfaction levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study advance the segmentation literature by analyzing different types of wayfinding ability that can lead to different satisfaction levels.Practical implicationsThese findings will help service managers improve servicescape design and help them formulate effective targeting strategies.Originality/valueWhile previous research outlined the importance of some factors such as gender differences, familiarity with the service environment and cognitive approaches, this study recommends the examination of the profile of visitors to the service setting to allow them to find their way more effectively.

Journal

The TQM Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jun 12, 2017

References

  • Initial psychometric evaluation of the wayfinding effectiveness scale
  • Way-finding in complex neo-traditional housing schemes in Jordan