The value co-creation process as a determinant of customer satisfaction

Purpose – The greater part of the academic literature coincides in highlighting the positive influence that consumer participation has on the value created in service delivery. In this sense, research stands out which studies the consumer's role as a value co-creator in the service. However, there are few studies which analyze the consequences of co-creation behavior from the customer perspective. This research aims to fill this gap. To do so, it sets out from the measuring of co-creation from the perspective of the customers themselves and proposes that there is a direct relationship between value co-creation behavior and customer satisfaction with the service experience. Design/methodology/approach – To verify the hypothesis proposed, adults over 18 were personally interviewed. They had to be regular users of firms in the beauty parlor and personal care sector. The data collection finished with 547 duly-completed questionnaires. The SPSS 20 and AMOS 20 statistical programs were used for the data analysis. Findings – Regarding the causal model proposed, the data confirm the relationship set out in the hypothesis. It can therefore be stated that there is a positive relation between value co-creation and customer satisfaction. It allows a greater comprehension of the value creation process, analyzing the consequences for customer satisfaction. In this sense, the findings of the study suggest that service firms dedicated to personal care should foster the customers' active participation in the value creation process. Originality/value – The analysis highlights the positive influence which taking part in the value co-creation has on satisfaction. This is the first study that clearly shows this relationship from the empirical point-of-view.