CONSUMER COMFORT IN SOCIAL SCIENCES: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This research aims to analyze consumer comfort studies in the research areas of business, behavioral sciences, and social sciences using performance and science mapping analysis, which are part of the bibliometric analysis method. This paper uses the Web of Science database to examine the most significant authors, journals, keywords, theories, countries, and their citations. This research uses VOSviewer software, specifically for citation analysis, co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, co-word analysis, co-authorship analysis, keyword clustering, and graphical visualization. Additionally, the research employs the SPAR-4-SLR protocol for conducting a bibliometric analysis. According to findings, the studies of consumer comfort are mostly influenced by Fornell, J. F., Spake, D. F., Parasuraman, A., and Patterson, P. G. Also, Butcher et al., (2001), Riley et al., (2000), Dobrow (2013), and Joffe et al. (2003) are the most cited articles. Facilities journal has the highest number of studies. The United States is the most frequently cited country. The most used keywords are client relationships, interpersonal communication, repurchase intention. Additionally, comfort theory is commonly used followed by the signaling theory, social identity theory, and self-efficacy theory. The research offers guidance for future research, identifying potential areas of study and contributing to the progression and enhancement of research on consumer comfort. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper represents the first bibliometric evaluation of consumer comfort. An investigation of studies on consumer comfort is expected to provide precious guidelines for future researchers, managers, and entrepreneurs.