Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers

OBJECTIVES This study explores the impact of fitness facility servicescapes on customer satisfaction and compares the differences between Korean and Chinese consumers using the Kano model. The research aims to identify key service elements influencing satisfaction, analyze cultural and socioeconomic...

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Main Authors: Long-Zhe Li, Sung-Kwang Kim, Jinho Yoo, Kyong-ken Choi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Asian Society of Kinesiology 2025-04-01
Series:The Asian Journal of Kinesiology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ajkinesiol.org/upload/pdf/ajk-2025-27-2-50.pdf
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author Long-Zhe Li
Sung-Kwang Kim
Jinho Yoo
Kyong-ken Choi
author_facet Long-Zhe Li
Sung-Kwang Kim
Jinho Yoo
Kyong-ken Choi
author_sort Long-Zhe Li
collection DOAJ
description OBJECTIVES This study explores the impact of fitness facility servicescapes on customer satisfaction and compares the differences between Korean and Chinese consumers using the Kano model. The research aims to identify key service elements influencing satisfaction, analyze cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting consumer preferences, and provide strategic insights for market-specific service design. METHODS An online survey via Google Forms was conducted with 158 Korean participants (Seoul and Gyeonggi regions) and 216 Chinese participants (Liaoning Province). The Kano model and Timko coefficient were applied to classify service quality attributes (Attractive, One-dimensional, Must-be, Indifferent, Reverse) and quantify satisfaction (SI) and dissatisfaction (DSI) impacts. Six servicescape dimensions (equipment status, facility systems, spatial design, ambiance, accessibility, fitness tech) were analyzed using SPSS 26 for reliability testing (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.70). RESULTS Korean consumers prioritized Attractive Quality (A) elements like equipment innovation and ambiance (e.g., smart lighting), while Chinese consumers emphasized Must-be Quality (M) for standardized infrastructure. Timko analysis revealed high SI for real-time monitoring systems in Korea and localized digital content in China. Differences in socio-cultural contexts significantly influenced preferences, with Korea favoring tech-integrated experiences and China prioritizing functional reliability. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights culture-specific strategies: Korea should focus on high-tech, emotionally resonant servicescapes, while China requires standardized infrastructure and localized digital content. Integrating the Kano-Timko framework enables dynamic quality management, optimizing resource allocation for global fitness industries.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2586-5595
2586-5552
language English
publishDate 2025-04-01
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spelling doaj-art-46961bafe92a4828811f164d8bf11e5f2025-08-20T03:53:46ZengAsian Society of KinesiologyThe Asian Journal of Kinesiology2586-55952586-55522025-04-01272506010.15758/ajk.2025.27.2.50636Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese ConsumersLong-Zhe Li0Sung-Kwang Kim1Jinho Yoo2Kyong-ken Choi3 Department of Business Administration, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Department of Healthcare Convergence Business, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Department of Business Administration, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Department of Healthcare Convergence Business, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaOBJECTIVES This study explores the impact of fitness facility servicescapes on customer satisfaction and compares the differences between Korean and Chinese consumers using the Kano model. The research aims to identify key service elements influencing satisfaction, analyze cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting consumer preferences, and provide strategic insights for market-specific service design. METHODS An online survey via Google Forms was conducted with 158 Korean participants (Seoul and Gyeonggi regions) and 216 Chinese participants (Liaoning Province). The Kano model and Timko coefficient were applied to classify service quality attributes (Attractive, One-dimensional, Must-be, Indifferent, Reverse) and quantify satisfaction (SI) and dissatisfaction (DSI) impacts. Six servicescape dimensions (equipment status, facility systems, spatial design, ambiance, accessibility, fitness tech) were analyzed using SPSS 26 for reliability testing (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.70). RESULTS Korean consumers prioritized Attractive Quality (A) elements like equipment innovation and ambiance (e.g., smart lighting), while Chinese consumers emphasized Must-be Quality (M) for standardized infrastructure. Timko analysis revealed high SI for real-time monitoring systems in Korea and localized digital content in China. Differences in socio-cultural contexts significantly influenced preferences, with Korea favoring tech-integrated experiences and China prioritizing functional reliability. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights culture-specific strategies: Korea should focus on high-tech, emotionally resonant servicescapes, while China requires standardized infrastructure and localized digital content. Integrating the Kano-Timko framework enables dynamic quality management, optimizing resource allocation for global fitness industries.http://ajkinesiol.org/upload/pdf/ajk-2025-27-2-50.pdfcross-cultural comparisoncustomer satisfactionfitness facilitieskano modelservicescape
spellingShingle Long-Zhe Li
Sung-Kwang Kim
Jinho Yoo
Kyong-ken Choi
Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
The Asian Journal of Kinesiology
cross-cultural comparison
customer satisfaction
fitness facilities
kano model
servicescape
title Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
title_full Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
title_fullStr Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
title_full_unstemmed Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
title_short Servicescape of Fitness Facilities and Customer Satisfaction: A Comparative Kano Analysis of Korean and Chinese Consumers
title_sort servicescape of fitness facilities and customer satisfaction a comparative kano analysis of korean and chinese consumers
topic cross-cultural comparison
customer satisfaction
fitness facilities
kano model
servicescape
url http://ajkinesiol.org/upload/pdf/ajk-2025-27-2-50.pdf
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AT jinhoyoo servicescapeoffitnessfacilitiesandcustomersatisfactionacomparativekanoanalysisofkoreanandchineseconsumers
AT kyongkenchoi servicescapeoffitnessfacilitiesandcustomersatisfactionacomparativekanoanalysisofkoreanandchineseconsumers