Analysing the effect of membership and perceived trust on sport events electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention

The main scope of this paper examines the relationship among perceived trust, membership and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention. A structured questionnaire based on a nonprobability purposive sample resulted in 413 responses, from which a structural equation model was developed. The results demonstrate that perceived trust significantly influences membership among a virtual group, and membership subsequently affects eWOM. From a sample drawn among international participants of a sporting event in Taiwan, results demonstrate the positive relationship and importance of perceived trust in creating a sense of membership among athletes.