Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate User-Generated Content (UGC) and motivation to create consumer brand engagement and purchase intention on e-marketplaces by utilizing the S-O-R (Stimulus-Organism-Response) model to explain the relationships among variables under the conceptual framework. Based on the literature review, a key issue of interest was how UGC, in conjunction with motivation, influences purchase intention, with consumer brand engagement (CBE) acting as a mediator. Within the context of UGC, previous studies have employed varying concepts, definitions, and measurement dimensions. In this study, the researcher focused on the concept of UGC that correlates with purchase intention and CBE, which comprises three dimensions: volume, valence, and rating. Meanwhile, the dimensions of CBE consist of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
The research methodology of this study was quantitative research. The sample group consisted of 423 respondents in Thailand who met the following criteria: 1) born between 1965 and 1996, 2) had purchased products online through Lazada and/or Shopee platforms within the past year, and 3) had created content at least once in the past year (between 2022 and 2023). Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
The results showed that UGC (consisting of volume, valence, and rating) and motivation (comprising extrinsic and intrinsic motivation) were related to CBE and purchase intention. Both UGC and motivation exerted a positive direct effect on purchase intention, as well as an indirect effect on purchase intention through CBE as a mediator.
The findings of this study will be beneficial in two aspects. In academic terms, this study contributes new knowledge regarding the relationships among UGC, motivation, CBE, and purchase intention. In practical terms, it provides guidelines for entrepreneurs interested in selling online through e-marketplaces to formulate marketing strategies. Specifically, entrepreneurs should consider motivational componentsboth extrinsic and intrinsic motivationto incentivize consumer brand engagement. Additionally, these motivations should be integrated with UGC dimensions (volume, valence, and rating) to foster consumer confidence in products and enhance consumer brand engagement, which serves as a crucial factor influencing purchase intention.