eWOM processing from receiver perspective: Conceptualising the relationships

Electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) communication is considered an important source of information for consumers. In existing frameworks and empirical studies, factors that lead to eWOM influence have been categorised into three essential elements equivalent to the three elements of communication processing: source, receiver and message. eWOM requires a more elaborate form of information processing, given the many-to-many nature of such communications and that the types of information processing differ between novice and experienced consumers. However, there is no conceptualisation that demonstrates the relationships among the factors of eWOM from this critical information processing perspective. Further, there is limited discourse on the situation and communication channel, although the situation and platform characteristics shape the nature of communication in the digital age. This paper reports insights obtained from an extensive literature review and presents a broader categorisation encompassing the factors of source, receiver, message, situation, task involvement and channel. Research propositions and recommendations for further research into eWOM processing are offered.