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Indian Journal of Marketing

ISSN: 0973-8703 Frequency: Monthly Peer Review: Double-blind Published since: 1968 Language: English
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Indexed in: Scopus Q3 UGC-CARE Group II ABDC: C Google Scholar J-Gate NAAS NISCAIR Crossref

Original Article

Open Access Original Article

A Qualitative Inquiry on Information Search Behaviour for Services In India

Anuradha Malik1Hamendra K. Dangi2

1 Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007

2 Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007

Volume 51
Issue 3
Pages 8–20
Year 2021
Received: March 12, 2020 Accepted: Oct. 20, 2020 Published: March 31, 2021
Abstract

The service sector is the strongest pillar of any economy and offers tremendous opportunities for research. Information search behaviour for services has been a relatively underexplored area of research, particularly in emerging economies like India. The present study investigated the information search behaviour of consumers for search, experience, and credence services. The study was qualitative in nature and used interviewing and focus group discussion method to probe search behaviour. Data were collected in the Delhi–NCR region in India during the year 2019. Thematic analysis using constant comparison method was performed on the data. The study revealed that consumers exhibited different search behaviour for different types of services. Least efforts were expended for services rich in search attributes. Internet emerged as a popular source of information search for all the services. Age had a substantial impact on search behaviour. Quality of information was a major concern among consumers. This study contributes in broadening the understanding of information search behaviour of consumers of developing economies.

Keywords Information Search Services Consumer Behaviour Qualitative Study Focus Group Discussion Thematic Analysis
How to Cite

Anuradha Malik, Hamendra K. Dangi (2021). A Qualitative Inquiry on Information Search Behaviour for Services In India. Indian Journal of Marketing, 51(3), 8–20. https://doi.org/10.17010/ijom/2021/v51/i3/158059

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