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Customer satisfaction: A multi-level framework

delete2026-07-18
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V
Vikas Mittal
S
Sonam Singh
A
Ashwin Malshe *
DOI:10.1007/s11747-026-01175-zdelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Customer satisfaction (CSAT) is a central construct in theory and practice; yet its role as a strategic resource is often underappreciated. This article synthesizes the conceptual foundations, measurement approaches, empirical findings, and managerial applications of CSAT research. This article defines CSAT as a post-consumption evaluative judgment of whether customers receive the promised value, and distinguishes it from related constructs such as service quality, engagement, loyalty, experience, and value. Drawing on multiple scales and a comparative study across consumer demographics, we demonstrate that widely used CSAT measures exhibit strong convergent validity. A historical review of the evolution of CSAT research highlights the multi-level nature of the resulting frameworks, providing individual-, firm-, and industry-level insights. Furthermore, we use a large-scale dataset of more than 285 million ratings across 1,126 brands to replicate and extend prior meta-analytic evidence and show that CSAT is robustly associated with customer mindset metrics, accounting outcomes, and stock market performance. Finally, we develop micro-, meso- and macro-level conceptual frameworks and outline a forward-looking, multi-level research agenda to revitalize CSAT scholarship and practice.
Keywords:
Customer satisfaction
Multi-level framework
Financial performance
Strategy
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Journal

Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science cover
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science
IF:
10.1
Papers:
3.4K
Citations:
2.2W

Organization

J
Jones Graduate School of Business
Scholars:
3
Papers: 3
Citations: 0
A
Alvarez College of Business
Scholars:
3
Papers: 3
Citations: 0
M
Muma College of Business
Scholars:
5
Papers: 5
Citations: 0
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