Mapping attitude, engagement and purchase behavioral intention through multistage PLS-SEM: Exploration of gamified marketing dynamics

Technological developments are things that must be followed by companies to achieve a competitive advantage to improve performance. To achieve and improve performance, companies need active employee engagement by encouraging motivation and fulfilling their job satisfaction. This study aims to analyze the effect of motivation and job satisfaction on performance with employee engagement as a mediating variable. The research sample is Information Technology (IT) companies located in the cities of Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. Research respondents are system developers who handle system development activities for a project or part of an ongoing project. By using the convenience sampling technique 103 responses were obtained from IT developers. The research model analysis method uses Partial Least Square (PLS) with SMART PLS Ver 3.0 software. Empirical findings prove that motivation has a positive effect on the performance of IT employees, while job satisfaction is independent. Employee engagement does not directly affect employee performance, but the effect of mediation through motivation and job satisfaction can have a significant effect on employee performance. The research findings have managerial implications, in increasing high employee involvement, motivation needs to be encouraged to be more active and innovative, and facilitate the achievement of the desired results.

Acknowledgment
This study was made possible because of the full support of the Region III Education Service Institute (LL-DIKTI III), the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Research Center at Mercu Buana University, Jakarta.

The objective of the research was to identify statistically significant differences in selected engagement indicators on Facebook – likes and shares in relation to the different types of content that brands on this platform add to. The analysis was performed on a sample of three global companies from the top 25 most valuable brands in the world and their posts. Using quantitative statistical methods – MANOVA (Multivariate analysis of variance) and Gammes-Howell post hoc test, a total of 1,280 brand posts were analyzed in order to differentiate the liking and sharing of content types. Data collection was carried out in the first half of 2018. The findings pointed to two statistically significant differences that were also interpreted in the discussion of the research. The findings have shown that in case of liking, in two cases out of three, there is a statistically significant difference in terms of the type of content added, when photos came out as those with the greatest potential to get like from Facebook users and fans. At the same time, the same finding appeared in the case of sharing, which is an even stronger form of engagement. Likewise, photos were shown to be the most promising in terms of potential content sharing by Facebook users and fans. The study provided some clues as to where this research should go further and explore the relationship more deeply in view of the more extensive quantitative research, and also the potential qualitative approach. The future research directions include analyzing companies of different types and sizes and also taking into account the contribution from other social networks with the same or similar engagement indicators.

This study holds significance due to the increasing impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior, particularly among the youth demographic in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to examine how influencer marketing influences perceived credibility and purchase intention, emphasizing the roles of transparency and cultural factors in shaping consumer behavior.
A descriptive-analytical method was utilized, the research was conducted at University of Bisha, incorporating a structured survey to gather data from 384 university students, both male and female. The sample was meticulously chosen to embody the characteristics of young consumers, a group recognized for its significant involvement with social media channels and vulnerability to influencer marketing tactics. The findings indicate that the traits of influencers play a crucial role in boosting purchase intention (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the influence of brand credibility on purchase intention is significant (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), and it serves as a partial mediator in the connection between influencer characteristics and purchase intention (indirect effect = 0.27, p < 0.001). The results underscore Snapchat’s prominence as the leading platform among participants, illustrating its significance for focused influencer marketing initiatives. Marketers are advised to prioritize transparent and authentic collaborations with influencers to strengthen brand credibility and foster consumer trust. Emphasizing partnerships with influencers whose values align with students’ interests on Snapchat will enhance engagement and drive purchasing behavior. This information provides actionable direction for marketers aiming to enhance their influencer marketing approaches, cultivating enduring consumer confidence and sustainable brand development among younger demographics.