E-service quality: a study of online shoppers in India

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to measure the service quality of online shops using E-S-QUAL and validating the tool in an Indian context. Also, the study examines the mediating role of service value on the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in the context of online services. Design/methodology/approach - An online survey is conducted by administering a structured questionnaire to online shoppers in India. The dimensions of E-S-QUAL (Parasuraman et al., 2005) are adopted without revision to measure electronic service quality (e-SQ) of online shops. Structural equation modeling, reliability tests, analysis of variance (one-way), correlation and regression analysis are performed through SPSS and AMOS. Findings - The study reveals that E-S-QUAL as developed by Parasuraman et al. (2005) is valid for measuring e-SQ in the context of Indian online shopping. The study proves that there is a significant impact of perceived e-SQ on perceived service value. Further, perceived service value mediates the relationship between e-SQ and customer satisfaction. Originality/value - The study helps the online service providers/e-commerce industry to understand e-shoppers' perception and e-SQ in India. Also, it can contribute to formulating the best e-marketing strategies by which to tap into the e-shopping market in India.