Factors Affecting Consumers’ Online Choice Intention: A Study Based on Bayesian Network

Abstract

In China, the mature development of online retail channels provides consumers with multiple consumption choices, and the factors that affect whether consumers choose to search or purchase online are numerous and complex. In this context, this paper reports on experimental research regarding consumers’ willingness to choose channels based on the two-stage decision-making theory. Using structural equation modeling, the factors influencing consumers’ online search intention and purchase willingness and the relationship between them are studied. In particular, the perceived benefits, channel trust, and channel transfer costs are explored. Furthermore, a Bayesian network is used in order to analyze the degree of influence of each factor quantitatively. It is found that online trust is an important factor affecting consumers’ online search intention, and the most important factor for consumers’ online purchase intention is their perceived benefits of online shopping. At the same time, there is a positive relationship between online search intention and purchase intention. This study can provide management decision support for online retail enterprises and help to promote the healthy development of online shopping.