The role of a large competitor’s entry and level of innovativeness in consumer adoption of new products: A comparison between market uncertainty and technological uncertainty

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the role of a large competitor’s entry and level of innovativeness in consumer adoption of new products. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on a comparison between market uncertainty and technological uncertainty. This paper henceforth defines and analyzes the following key factors affecting the purchase intention of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) new products: type of new products and entry of large competitors. The study further verifies mediator variables that exert impacts: uncertainties regarding both technology and market. Findings - The findings are as follows: purchase intention of SME new products does vary according primarily to the product types and entry of large competitors. More specifically, the entry of large competitors reduces uncertainties about really new products, thereby positively affecting SME new products. Originality/value - There was no causal relationship found, however, on incrementally new products. Further findings clarify that the mediator variables affecting reciprocal interactions between purchase intention of SME new products and the entry of large competitors hold valid only for market uncertainties and not for technological uncertainties.

Keywords

• Small- to medium-sized enterprises
• Incrementally new product
• Really new product
• Entry of a large competitor
• Technological uncertainty
• Market uncertainty