Investigating the impact of food tourism vlogger entrepreneurs' language characteristics on audiences' attitude and behaviours

Hutchinson, W., Djafarova, E., Liu, S. and Abdelrahman, M. 2024. Investigating the impact of food tourism vlogger entrepreneurs' language characteristics on audiences' attitude and behaviours. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research. 30 (2/3), pp. 735-772. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2023-0222

TitleInvestigating the impact of food tourism vlogger entrepreneurs' language characteristics on audiences' attitude and behaviours
TypeJournal article
AuthorsHutchinson, W., Djafarova, E., Liu, S. and Abdelrahman, M.
Abstract

Purpose
Despite entrepreneurial linguistic style gaining increased attention in entrepreneurship studies, the field for digital vlogger entrepreneurs still lacks a comprehensive understanding of how linguistic patterns enhance audiences attitude and behaviour. This study aims to propose a conceptual model of “language-mental imagery-attitude-behaviour model” that leads to the examination of rich sensory language style of food travel vlogger entrepreneurs and its persuasive effect on audiences' attitude and behavioural intention.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study utilises a stimulus-based survey method that involves a sensory-rich vlog script extracted from a high social media engagement authentic vlog. Data are collected through an online questionnaire distributed to a sample of 355 participants via the Amazon Turk mechanism. The study employs confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses, with the aim of contributing to the advancement of theories of embodied cognition in entrepreneurial language by examining the attitudes and behaviours of audiences exposed to sensory-rich language. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the effects of sensory-rich language on audience responses and can inform future research on the role of embodied cognition in entrepreneurial communication.

Findings
The findings demonstrate that vlogger entrepreneurial sensory-rich linguistic communication style positively influence audiences' attitude, behavioural involvement with food and intention to taste. Visit intention will be enhanced via the mediating effects of attitude, behavioural involvement with food and intention to taste.

Practical implications
This research highlights the significance of sensory-rich language for vlogger entrepreneurs in entrepreneurial communication, digital storytelling and for destination marketing enterprises in creating a digital sensory engagement marketing strategy.

Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature by elucidating the theories of embodied cognition in entrepreneurial communication. By examining the relationships between vlogger communication evoked mental imagery, audiences attitude and behaviours, this study provides novel insights into the effectiveness of sensory-rich language in vlogger entrepreneurial communication and its impact on audience engagement. These findings have important implications for communication scholars and practitioners alike, shedding light on the role of embodied cognition in entrepreneurial language and the potential of sensory-rich language to enhance audience engagement.

KeywordsVlogger entrepreneurs
Language cues
Mental Imagery
JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
Journal citation30 (2/3), pp. 735-772
ISSN1355-2554
Year2024
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2023-0222
Publication dates
Published online29 Aug 2023
Published in print2024

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