Importance of relationship quality and communication on foodservice for the elderly.
- Author:
Sunhee SEO
1
;
Ki Joon BACK
;
Carol W SHANKLIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Elderly; food service; satisfaction; communication; relationship quality
- MeSH: Aged; Food Services; Humans; Intention; Judgment; Marketing; Retirement
- From:Nutrition Research and Practice 2011;5(1):73-79
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: In order to promote foodservice for the elderly, foodservice managers in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) must identify the main factors to enhance the satisfaction and behavioral intentions with food service. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between relationship quality (consisting of trust, commitment, and satisfaction) and communication in the formation of elderly's behavioral intentions with food services at CCRCs. A survey was administered to residents in two CCRCs and a total of 327 residents participated. A tested structural equation model exhibited good model fit and explanatory power of the study construct. Satisfaction directly influenced word-of-mouth and service quality has an influence on commitment. Commitment was a significant determinant of behavioral intentions to eat more often in the dining room. Also, communication showed positive association with trust. The results provided strong evidence for the importance of satisfaction and communication as a consequence of relationship marketing efforts. Suggestions for future research to better understand the elderly' behavioral intention judgments were given.
