The process of benefit exchange between consumers and sellers: Applying social exchange theory in the context of livestreaming commerce

Abstract

Drawing on Social Exchange Theory, this study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between perceived value, trust, and consumer behavior in the context of livestreaming commerce (LS). Specifically, utilitarian value and hedonic value are conceptualized as benefits that consumers receive, which in turn influence their trust in the product and trust in the streamer, serving as a macromotive that drives purchase intention and continued viewing intention ‒ representing the benefits consumers reciprocate to streamers. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS version 4 was employed on a sample of 628 consumers to test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that all hypotheses are supported by the data. Accordingly, the study not only offers deeper insights into the value–trust–behavior relationship in the LS context but also provides several managerial implications to enhance purchase and continuous watching intention.