An adapted TPB approach to consumers’ acceptance of service-delivery drones

What is it about?

Organizations and marketers have long debated the consumer–brand relationship. Theorizing related to this debate led to self-service technologies (SSTs), which were implemented to both reduce costs and increase productivity by turning customers into co-producers of services or merely to keep up with technological developments. With the emergence of disruptive technologies, it is imperative to discuss the potential shift from a customer co-created value to a customer-technology relationship that could disrupt the value-based relationship model.

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Why is it important?

In line with advancements in service delivery drones, and based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework, this paper pioneers the discussion on consumers’ intention to accept their use based on their related perceived risks, potential functional benefits, and relational attributes, leading to a new type of relationship with the brand –namely, the customer–drone relationship. This discussion opens a new direction for retailers and academics alike to reflect on during the coming years.