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Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A qualitative study exploring customer’s perceptions of AI chatbots in e-commerce

Martell, Ella LU and Seifried, Franziska LU (2024) BUSN39 20241
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
Title
Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A qualitative study exploring customer’s perceptions of AI chatbots in e-commerce
Authors
Ella Martell and Franziska Seifried
Supervisor
Solomon Akele Abebe
Course
BUSN39 - Degree Project in Global Marketing - Master Level
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, AI, Chatbots, Customer Experience, Customer Perceptions, E-Commerce
Research Question
How do customers perceive different AI-based chatbot features in regards to their customer experience in e-commerce?
Research Aim
The aim of the study is to explore how customers perceive various AI chatbot features and how these perceptions in turn affect the online customer experience. By doing so, it seeks to uncover... (More)
Title
Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A qualitative study exploring customer’s perceptions of AI chatbots in e-commerce
Authors
Ella Martell and Franziska Seifried
Supervisor
Solomon Akele Abebe
Course
BUSN39 - Degree Project in Global Marketing - Master Level
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, AI, Chatbots, Customer Experience, Customer Perceptions, E-Commerce
Research Question
How do customers perceive different AI-based chatbot features in regards to their customer experience in e-commerce?
Research Aim
The aim of the study is to explore how customers perceive various AI chatbot features and how these perceptions in turn affect the online customer experience. By doing so, it seeks to uncover valuable insights on how AI chatbots features have to be deployed to improve customer experiences in e-commerce.
Theoretical Framework
A conceptual framework was produced which has been derived from the synthesised findings of prior research alongside with the findings of the study. It visualises the interrelations between AI chatbot features, customer perceptions and effects on the online customer experience.
Methodology
The research consists of a qualitative study using an abductive approach. Primary data has been collected through interviews with Swedish consumers from generation Z with diverse viewpoints on chatbots.
Findings
Five AI chatbot features were identified as relevant in e-commerce contexts, namely interface, functionality, personalised recommendations, data safety and language style. These features were shown to influence customer perceptions of AI chatbots. High perceived usability and usefulness were found to result in a positive online customer. Contrary to this, the perceived privacy risk needs to be low to result in a positive customer experience. For perceived human-likeness there is a need to find a balance where the chatbots are perceived to have the right level of human-likeness to result in a positive customer experience. The customer perceptions were shown to have positive and negative effects on the customer experience. Finally, two influencing factors, experience with using AI technology and attitude towards data privacy, were shown to influence the customer perceptions.
Managerial and Theoretical Implications
Understanding customer perceptions is essential for optimising chatbot deployment. This study offers a holistic perspective on AI chatbot features effects on customer perceptions and experience and contributes to the understanding of how chatbots can either enhance or diminish the customer experience. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Martell, Ella LU and Seifried, Franziska LU
supervisor
organization
course
BUSN39 20241
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Artificial Intelligence, AI, Chatbots, Customer Experience, Customer Perceptions, E-Commerce
language
English
id
9168474
date added to LUP
2024-06-27 09:19:45
date last changed
2024-06-27 09:19:45
@misc{9168474,
  abstract     = {{Title
Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A qualitative study exploring customer’s perceptions of AI chatbots in e-commerce
Authors
Ella Martell and Franziska Seifried
Supervisor
Solomon Akele Abebe
Course
BUSN39 - Degree Project in Global Marketing - Master Level
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, AI, Chatbots, Customer Experience, Customer Perceptions, E-Commerce
Research Question
How do customers perceive different AI-based chatbot features in regards to their customer experience in e-commerce?
Research Aim
The aim of the study is to explore how customers perceive various AI chatbot features and how these perceptions in turn affect the online customer experience. By doing so, it seeks to uncover valuable insights on how AI chatbots features have to be deployed to improve customer experiences in e-commerce. 
Theoretical Framework
A conceptual framework was produced which has been derived from the synthesised findings of prior research alongside with the findings of the study. It visualises the interrelations between AI chatbot features, customer perceptions and effects on the online customer experience.
Methodology
The research consists of a qualitative study using an abductive approach. Primary data has been collected through interviews with Swedish consumers from generation Z with diverse viewpoints on chatbots. 
Findings
Five AI chatbot features were identified as relevant in e-commerce contexts, namely interface, functionality, personalised recommendations, data safety and language style. These features were shown to influence customer perceptions of AI chatbots. High perceived usability and usefulness were found to result in a positive online customer. Contrary to this, the perceived privacy risk needs to be low to result in a positive customer experience. For perceived human-likeness there is a need to find a balance where the chatbots are perceived to have the right level of human-likeness to result in a positive customer experience. The customer perceptions were shown to have positive and negative effects on the customer experience. Finally, two influencing factors, experience with using AI technology and attitude towards data privacy, were shown to influence the customer perceptions. 
Managerial and Theoretical Implications
Understanding customer perceptions is essential for optimising chatbot deployment. This study offers a holistic perspective on AI chatbot features effects on customer perceptions and experience and contributes to the understanding of how chatbots can either enhance or diminish the customer experience.}},
  author       = {{Martell, Ella and Seifried, Franziska}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Customer Experience in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A qualitative study exploring customer’s perceptions of AI chatbots in e-commerce}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}