# Validation of a Research Instrument to Measure Generation Y Parents’ Perception of Service Quality and Effect on Satisfaction and Word of Mouth in International Schools

Authors: Howard Stribbell; Somsit Duangekanong
Journal: Mobile Information Systems
 (2022)

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## Abstract

This quantitative research aimed to (1) validate an adapted instrument used for measuring service quality in private hospitals to measure the perceived service quality of K-12 international schools and (2) implement the instrument to assess service quality’s impact on word of mouth and satisfaction. It was necessary to contextualize the scale items through item objective congruence test using industry experts. Scale items were adjusted to reflect the service provided by teachers, staff, and leadership of the school. The resulting 27 scale items for service quality were shown to be contextually valid and internally reliable. The instrument was then implemented to measure parental service quality’s effect satisfaction and word of mouth. The survey was piloted by 33 parents and verified for internal consistency before being administered to 422 Generation Y parents. The results showed that the modified instrument was reliable and valid. The results showed that service quality had a direct and positive effect on both satisfaction and word of mouth but it had a greater effect on satisfaction.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Schools are good at assessing the academic achievement of their students. Evaluating academic achievement is essential for schools. However, as a service industry, schools must also ensure that the quality of their service meets the expectations of parents and students. Schools will routinely monitor the satisfaction level of staff, parents, and students. Higher education institutes often measure the quality of the service they deliver by asking their students [1–5]. However, K-12 schools face the challenge that their students are not their direct customers; parents are the ones paying the tuition. As such, there is often a gap in measuring the service quality as perceived by their parents. Yet, satisfaction and perceived service quality are essential for service industries to be successful in an ever-increasing competitive market [6, 7]. As a result, schools must seek to understand the needs of their parents and students allowing them to adapt and improve so that they can not only meet but also even exceed their expectations. Therefore, there exists a need for K-12 schools to develop an instrument for measuring the perceived service quality of their parents.This study sought to develop and validate an existing service quality instrument to make it contextually relevant and statistically reliable for use with parents of K-12 international schools.Objectives for this research were, first, to develop and validate the service quality instrument according to the specific context of Generation Y parents in The International School of Macao, and second, to use a reliable modified instrument to measure Generation Y parents’ perception of service quality and the effect on parent satisfaction and word of mouth.


### 1.1. Research Question

Can parent perception of service quality in K-12 international schools be reliably measured and what effect does service quality have on parent satisfaction and on parent word of mouth?


### 1.2. Research Objectives

The objective of the current study was to develop a reliable instrument for measuring service quality by adapting and contextualizing one used in private healthcare. The second objective was to implement and validate the instrument by determining the effect that service quality has on parent satisfaction and parent word of mouth.


## 1.1. Research Question

Can parent perception of service quality in K-12 international schools be reliably measured and what effect does service quality have on parent satisfaction and on parent word of mouth?


## 1.2. Research Objectives

The objective of the current study was to develop a reliable instrument for measuring service quality by adapting and contextualizing one used in private healthcare. The second objective was to implement and validate the instrument by determining the effect that service quality has on parent satisfaction and parent word of mouth.


## 2. Literature Review

### 2.1. Service Quality

Service quality is most often based on the expectancy disconfirmation theory [8–10]. A review of the literature suggests that two service quality models are typically accepted. Parasuraman [10] and colleagues proposed the SERVQUAL model for measuring service quality that consisted of 5 dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. This model has been used widely by many researchers [11–15] and specifically to measure service quality in higher education [2, 16–18]. Gronroos [9] developed a service quality model specifying the technical and functional aspects of service quality [9, 19].Research into service quality has been used in many industries but its use in education has been limited to higher education [16, 20] and the researcher was unable to find any studies where it was used in K-12 contexts. Unfortunately, the use in HE is not suitable for K-12 contexts. In a university setting, the student receiving the service also decides whether it fits their expectations. In K-12 education, parents determine if the service meets their expectations though they may have only received some of the services directly and some of the services indirectly. As such, there is a need for a different measurement instrument that addresses this gap.


### 2.2. Expectation Disconfirmation Theory

Service quality and satisfaction is a measure between what is expected and what is experienced and is commonly referred to as expectation disconfirmation theory [21] and previously known as expectation confirmation theory [22, 23]. Expectation disconfirmation theory can be applied to a product or a service. A person with low expectations may be satisfied with the same level of experience that a person with high expectations would not. As such, expectation disconfirmation theory informs perceived service quality. Customers are satisfied with a service experience if it meets or exceeds their expectations [8]. In the same way, parents will be satisfied with their service experience from the school if it meets or exceeds their expectations.


### 2.3. Satisfaction

The satisfaction of both students and parents is often closely monitored by schools using both internal and external procedures. School-related nonacademic and academic aspects are frequently included in the multifaceted concept of satisfaction. Parents who are not happy will complain and spread negative messages, and if things do not change, they will withdraw their children from the school and look for another one.In the research, satisfaction is informed by the expectancy disconfirmation theory [22–24] as the “consequence of the difference between the expected and perceived performance” [25]. Consumer satisfaction is a unique type of customer attitude used in the service sector that takes into account how much a customer likes or dislikes a service after using it [26].Research is also interested in how satisfaction affects customer loyalty. Customer loyalty can be exhibited in repurchasing, continued use, or positive word of mouth. Jain et al. were not able to establish a link between satisfaction and WOM or brand loyalty. While satisfaction was not sufficient by itself in generating WOM, building customer-brand relationships on social media did have a significant and positive impact on brand trust, brand loyalty, and WOM for the brand [27].


### 2.4. Word of Mouth

Word of mouth (WOM) occurs when a consumer expresses their individual experiences with the company to other consumers. Previous research has shown that WOM has a direct effect on a consumer’s expectation and on a consumer’s perceived benefit which leads to a decision to purchase. WOM is generated by the consumer after purchasing and thereby influences other potential customers. In this way, the consumer is the producer of the WOM [27]. WOM is often a behaviour associated with customer loyalty. Like customer loyalty, parent loyalty can be defined as parents who give positive word of mouth, recommends the school to others, and encourages others to use the school service [28].A special kind of WOM includes the liking, commenting, and sharing of posts on social media [29]. The effect of WOM is directly related to the strength of the tie between the author and receiver [30]. Prospective parents put a lot of faith in the WOM of their friends who are already enrolled in the institution.


### 2.5. Generation Y

Parents of international school students span multiple generations. Generation Y parents, also called Millennials, were born between 1981 and 2004 inclusively. Generation Y parents place greater emphasis on caring for and protecting their children while also encouraging their children to be involved in community service. Academic achievement of the children of Generation Y parents is increasing and parents are likely to have higher expectations of their children’s teachers and schools. [31].


## 2.1. Service Quality

Service quality is most often based on the expectancy disconfirmation theory [8–10]. A review of the literature suggests that two service quality models are typically accepted. Parasuraman [10] and colleagues proposed the SERVQUAL model for measuring service quality that consisted of 5 dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. This model has been used widely by many researchers [11–15] and specifically to measure service quality in higher education [2, 16–18]. Gronroos [9] developed a service quality model specifying the technical and functional aspects of service quality [9, 19].Research into service quality has been used in many industries but its use in education has been limited to higher education [16, 20] and the researcher was unable to find any studies where it was used in K-12 contexts. Unfortunately, the use in HE is not suitable for K-12 contexts. In a university setting, the student receiving the service also decides whether it fits their expectations. In K-12 education, parents determine if the service meets their expectations though they may have only received some of the services directly and some of the services indirectly. As such, there is a need for a different measurement instrument that addresses this gap.


## 2.2. Expectation Disconfirmation Theory

Service quality and satisfaction is a measure between what is expected and what is experienced and is commonly referred to as expectation disconfirmation theory [21] and previously known as expectation confirmation theory [22, 23]. Expectation disconfirmation theory can be applied to a product or a service. A person with low expectations may be satisfied with the same level of experience that a person with high expectations would not. As such, expectation disconfirmation theory informs perceived service quality. Customers are satisfied with a service experience if it meets or exceeds their expectations [8]. In the same way, parents will be satisfied with their service experience from the school if it meets or exceeds their expectations.


## 2.3. Satisfaction

The satisfaction of both students and parents is often closely monitored by schools using both internal and external procedures. School-related nonacademic and academic aspects are frequently included in the multifaceted concept of satisfaction. Parents who are not happy will complain and spread negative messages, and if things do not change, they will withdraw their children from the school and look for another one.In the research, satisfaction is informed by the expectancy disconfirmation theory [22–24] as the “consequence of the difference between the expected and perceived performance” [25]. Consumer satisfaction is a unique type of customer attitude used in the service sector that takes into account how much a customer likes or dislikes a service after using it [26].Research is also interested in how satisfaction affects customer loyalty. Customer loyalty can be exhibited in repurchasing, continued use, or positive word of mouth. Jain et al. were not able to establish a link between satisfaction and WOM or brand loyalty. While satisfaction was not sufficient by itself in generating WOM, building customer-brand relationships on social media did have a significant and positive impact on brand trust, brand loyalty, and WOM for the brand [27].


## 2.4. Word of Mouth

Word of mouth (WOM) occurs when a consumer expresses their individual experiences with the company to other consumers. Previous research has shown that WOM has a direct effect on a consumer’s expectation and on a consumer’s perceived benefit which leads to a decision to purchase. WOM is generated by the consumer after purchasing and thereby influences other potential customers. In this way, the consumer is the producer of the WOM [27]. WOM is often a behaviour associated with customer loyalty. Like customer loyalty, parent loyalty can be defined as parents who give positive word of mouth, recommends the school to others, and encourages others to use the school service [28].A special kind of WOM includes the liking, commenting, and sharing of posts on social media [29]. The effect of WOM is directly related to the strength of the tie between the author and receiver [30]. Prospective parents put a lot of faith in the WOM of their friends who are already enrolled in the institution.


## 2.5. Generation Y

Parents of international school students span multiple generations. Generation Y parents, also called Millennials, were born between 1981 and 2004 inclusively. Generation Y parents place greater emphasis on caring for and protecting their children while also encouraging their children to be involved in community service. Academic achievement of the children of Generation Y parents is increasing and parents are likely to have higher expectations of their children’s teachers and schools. [31].


## 3. Methods

### 3.1. Research Framework and Hypotheses

In addition to developing a reliable instrument to measure service quality, the current study developed the following research model to investigate the effect of service quality on satisfaction and word of mouth where service quality is considered an independent variable and satisfaction and word of mouth are considered dependent variables. The following hypotheses are proposed:H1. A reliable and contextually valid instrument can be developed to measure service quality of parents in international schools.H2. Service quality has significant and positive impact on satisfaction.H3. Service quality has significant and positive impact on parent word of mouth.The following conceptual framework provided a model to examine the relationships between service quality and satisfaction and service quality and word of mouth as seen in Figure1.Figure 1
Conceptual framework for the current study.


### 3.2. The Contextualized Scale Items

Previously developed for private healthcare by Lam [32] and operationalized by Cham [33], the 23 scale items were selected based on the reliability evidenced through its Cronbach Alpha value of 0.839 [33].The researcher converted the scale items for the K-12 private international school context. The conversion was verified through an IOC test with 3 experts in the K-12 education sector. The experts were asked to determine the suitability of the construct to measure the given variable. Items that did not achieve a majority approval (>0.6) were revised based on the expert feedback and resubmitted during the second round. Results of the IOC are shown in Table1.Table 1
Results of the item objective congruence test.
Item1st expert2nd expert3rd expertTotal scoresIOC scoresResultSQ111131AcceptedSQ211131AcceptedSQ31−1110.33Revised and resubmittedSQ3 revised11131AcceptedSQ441−1110.33Revised and resubmittedSQ4 revised11131AcceptedSQ511131AcceptedSQ611020.67AcceptedSQ711131AcceptedSQ811020.67AcceptedSQ911131AcceptedSQ1011020.67AcceptedSQ1110120.67AcceptedSQ1211131AcceptedSQ1310120.67AcceptedSQ1410120.67AcceptedSQ1511131AcceptedSQ1611131AcceptedSQ1710120.67AcceptedSQ1811131AcceptedSQ1911131AcceptedSQ2011131AcceptedSQ2111131AcceptedSQ2210120.67AcceptedSQ2310120.67AcceptedSQ2411131AcceptedSQ2511020.67AcceptedSQ2611131AcceptedSQ2711131AcceptedThe 23 items of Cham (2016) were converted to 27 items as shown in Table2 [33]. Industry experts specifically separated the identified subject in the original scale items from “staff” to “teachers” and “office and support staff” in the revised scale items to more closely reflect the different roles in a school.Table 2
Conversion of Cham (2016) original scale items for K-12 context.
ItemOriginal scale itemRevised scale temSQ1This hospital has up-to-date equipmentThis school has up-to-date equipment.SQ2The physical facilities of this hospital are visually appealingThe physical facilities of this school are visually appealing.SQ3The staffs of this hospital appearance are neatThe teachers at this school present and conduct themselves in a professional manner.SQ4The office and support staff at this school present and conduct themselves in a professional manner.SQ5The materials associated with this hospital are visually appealingThe educational materials associated with this school are visually appealing.SQ6The staffs of this hospital perform the medical service right on the first timeThe school performs the educational service well.SQ7The staffs of this hospital provide dependable services as promisedThe school provides dependable services as promised.SQ8The staffs of this hospital are sincere to solve my problemsThe school is sincere in solving my problems.SQ9The staffs of this hospital provide services at the appointed timeThe school provides meetings and events as scheduled.SQ10This hospital keeps accurate medical recordsThis school keeps accurate educational records.SQ11The staffs of this hospital are never too busy to respond to my requestsThe school responds to my requests promptly.SQ12The staffs of this hospital tell me when the services will be performedThe school tells me when the school events and activities will occur.SQ13The staffs of this hospital are always willing to help meThe teachers of this school are always willing to help me or my child.SQ14The staff of this school are always willing to help me or my child.SQ15I received prompt service from the staffs of this hospitalI received prompt service from the school.SQ16The staffs of this hospital are trustworthyThis school is trustworthy.SQ17I feel safe in receiving services from the staffs of this hospitalI feel positive about receiving education and support services from the school.SQ18The staffs of this hospital are consistently courteous to meThe teachers are consistently courteous to me.SQ19The office and support staff are consistently courteous to me.SQ20The staffs of this hospital have the knowledge to answer my questionsThe teachers of this school have the knowledge to answer my questions.SQ21The staff of this school have the knowledge to answer my questions.SQ22The staffs of this hospital give individual attention to meThe office and support staff of this school give individual attention to me or my child.SQ23The teachers of this school give individual attention to me or my child.SQ24This hospital has convenient operating hours for my needsThis school schedules meetings that are convenient for my needs.SQ25This hospital has my best interests at heartThis school has the best interests of my child at heart.SQ26The staffs of this hospital understand my specific needsThe teachers of this school understand my child’s specific needs.SQ27The staff of this school understand my child’s specific needs.


### 3.3. Sample Size and Method

Given the framework of 3 latent variables with 37 observed variables, an anticipated effect size 0.2, and a probability level of 0.05, it was calculated that a minimum sample size of 296 would be required to determine effect. As such, a goal of 400 responses was set and exceeded. In this study, nonprobability sampling was used. The school granted access to 1937 parent emails and contact information. The researcher was also able to collect contact details of alumni’s parents who would fit the Y population. The researcher was able to use judgement sampling by emailing all parents whose children were currently enrolled in the school. Upon completing the questionnaire, respondents were asked to forward the questionnaire to another potential participant including alumni parents whose contacts were not available at the school. The use of snowball sampling further increased response success.A pilot test using the modified scale items and a 5-point Likert scale was administered by emailing 99 current parents and resulted in 33 valid responses. The collected data was used to test the reliability of the modified scale items. The service quality construct achieved a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.956 which indicates that the items are internally consistent and reliably indicate the service quality construct.The resulting prototype instrument was then distributed to the parents at The International School of Macao by email and they were asked to complete the survey in English or Chinese. There were 475 total responses by Generation Y parents. Of the 475 valid responses, 74.3% (353) were female, 24.0% (114) were male, and 1.7% (8) preferred not to state their gender.


## 3.1. Research Framework and Hypotheses

In addition to developing a reliable instrument to measure service quality, the current study developed the following research model to investigate the effect of service quality on satisfaction and word of mouth where service quality is considered an independent variable and satisfaction and word of mouth are considered dependent variables. The following hypotheses are proposed:H1. A reliable and contextually valid instrument can be developed to measure service quality of parents in international schools.H2. Service quality has significant and positive impact on satisfaction.H3. Service quality has significant and positive impact on parent word of mouth.The following conceptual framework provided a model to examine the relationships between service quality and satisfaction and service quality and word of mouth as seen in Figure1.Figure 1
Conceptual framework for the current study.


## 3.2. The Contextualized Scale Items

Previously developed for private healthcare by Lam [32] and operationalized by Cham [33], the 23 scale items were selected based on the reliability evidenced through its Cronbach Alpha value of 0.839 [33].The researcher converted the scale items for the K-12 private international school context. The conversion was verified through an IOC test with 3 experts in the K-12 education sector. The experts were asked to determine the suitability of the construct to measure the given variable. Items that did not achieve a majority approval (>0.6) were revised based on the expert feedback and resubmitted during the second round. Results of the IOC are shown in Table1.Table 1
Results of the item objective congruence test.
Item1st expert2nd expert3rd expertTotal scoresIOC scoresResultSQ111131AcceptedSQ211131AcceptedSQ31−1110.33Revised and resubmittedSQ3 revised11131AcceptedSQ441−1110.33Revised and resubmittedSQ4 revised11131AcceptedSQ511131AcceptedSQ611020.67AcceptedSQ711131AcceptedSQ811020.67AcceptedSQ911131AcceptedSQ1011020.67AcceptedSQ1110120.67AcceptedSQ1211131AcceptedSQ1310120.67AcceptedSQ1410120.67AcceptedSQ1511131AcceptedSQ1611131AcceptedSQ1710120.67AcceptedSQ1811131AcceptedSQ1911131AcceptedSQ2011131AcceptedSQ2111131AcceptedSQ2210120.67AcceptedSQ2310120.67AcceptedSQ2411131AcceptedSQ2511020.67AcceptedSQ2611131AcceptedSQ2711131AcceptedThe 23 items of Cham (2016) were converted to 27 items as shown in Table2 [33]. Industry experts specifically separated the identified subject in the original scale items from “staff” to “teachers” and “office and support staff” in the revised scale items to more closely reflect the different roles in a school.Table 2
Conversion of Cham (2016) original scale items for K-12 context.
ItemOriginal scale itemRevised scale temSQ1This hospital has up-to-date equipmentThis school has up-to-date equipment.SQ2The physical facilities of this hospital are visually appealingThe physical facilities of this school are visually appealing.SQ3The staffs of this hospital appearance are neatThe teachers at this school present and conduct themselves in a professional manner.SQ4The office and support staff at this school present and conduct themselves in a professional manner.SQ5The materials associated with this hospital are visually appealingThe educational materials associated with this school are visually appealing.SQ6The staffs of this hospital perform the medical service right on the first timeThe school performs the educational service well.SQ7The staffs of this hospital provide dependable services as promisedThe school provides dependable services as promised.SQ8The staffs of this hospital are sincere to solve my problemsThe school is sincere in solving my problems.SQ9The staffs of this hospital provide services at the appointed timeThe school provides meetings and events as scheduled.SQ10This hospital keeps accurate medical recordsThis school keeps accurate educational records.SQ11The staffs of this hospital are never too busy to respond to my requestsThe school responds to my requests promptly.SQ12The staffs of this hospital tell me when the services will be performedThe school tells me when the school events and activities will occur.SQ13The staffs of this hospital are always willing to help meThe teachers of this school are always willing to help me or my child.SQ14The staff of this school are always willing to help me or my child.SQ15I received prompt service from the staffs of this hospitalI received prompt service from the school.SQ16The staffs of this hospital are trustworthyThis school is trustworthy.SQ17I feel safe in receiving services from the staffs of this hospitalI feel positive about receiving education and support services from the school.SQ18The staffs of this hospital are consistently courteous to meThe teachers are consistently courteous to me.SQ19The office and support staff are consistently courteous to me.SQ20The staffs of this hospital have the knowledge to answer my questionsThe teachers of this school have the knowledge to answer my questions.SQ21The staff of this school have the knowledge to answer my questions.SQ22The staffs of this hospital give individual attention to meThe office and support staff of this school give individual attention to me or my child.SQ23The teachers of this school give individual attention to me or my child.SQ24This hospital has convenient operating hours for my needsThis school schedules meetings that are convenient for my needs.SQ25This hospital has my best interests at heartThis school has the best interests of my child at heart.SQ26The staffs of this hospital understand my specific needsThe teachers of this school understand my child’s specific needs.SQ27The staff of this school understand my child’s specific needs.


## 3.3. Sample Size and Method

Given the framework of 3 latent variables with 37 observed variables, an anticipated effect size 0.2, and a probability level of 0.05, it was calculated that a minimum sample size of 296 would be required to determine effect. As such, a goal of 400 responses was set and exceeded. In this study, nonprobability sampling was used. The school granted access to 1937 parent emails and contact information. The researcher was also able to collect contact details of alumni’s parents who would fit the Y population. The researcher was able to use judgement sampling by emailing all parents whose children were currently enrolled in the school. Upon completing the questionnaire, respondents were asked to forward the questionnaire to another potential participant including alumni parents whose contacts were not available at the school. The use of snowball sampling further increased response success.A pilot test using the modified scale items and a 5-point Likert scale was administered by emailing 99 current parents and resulted in 33 valid responses. The collected data was used to test the reliability of the modified scale items. The service quality construct achieved a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.956 which indicates that the items are internally consistent and reliably indicate the service quality construct.The resulting prototype instrument was then distributed to the parents at The International School of Macao by email and they were asked to complete the survey in English or Chinese. There were 475 total responses by Generation Y parents. Of the 475 valid responses, 74.3% (353) were female, 24.0% (114) were male, and 1.7% (8) preferred not to state their gender.


## 4. Results Analysis

### 4.1. Demographics

Of the 475 responses, 422 were complete and valid and 74.9% (316) were female, 23.2% (98) were male, and 1.9% (8) preferred not to state their gender. Most respondents were married or living with a partner (90.8% (383)), 5.7% (24) were single or divorced, and 3.5% (15) preferred not to state their marital status.The following descriptive statistics and assessment of normality are presented in Table3. While the values for skewness and kurtosis between -2 and +2 are considered acceptable to prove normal univariate distribution [34], only SAT4 exceeds the -2, +2 limit. However, Kline suggests that when using a large sample population procedure, such as SEM, one could reject the null hypothesis (of consistency with the normal distribution) and adopt a more descriptive approach to assessing normality. As such, the results are considered acceptable [35].Table 3
Mean, standard deviation, and assessment of normality.
ConstructItemsMeanStd devSkewnessStd errorKurtosisStd errorService qualitySQ14.080.678−0.4150.1190.2810.237SQ24.240.713−0.7890.1190.9180.237SQ34.230.608−0.4130.1191.1340.237SQ44.240.585−0.1690.119−0.0780.237SQ54.130.666−0.3990.1190.1720.237SQ64.130.597−0.1860.1190.2930.237SQ74.140.601−0.4600.1191.8120.237SQ84.120.622−0.2660.1190.2570.237SQ94.260.5540.0200.119−0.4200.237SQ104.080.587−0.1570.1190.4320.237SQ114.180.605−0.3640.1191.1730.237SQ124.360.554−0.1880.119−0.2720.237SQ134.390.581−0.3160.119−0.7250.237SQ144.360.575−0.2280.119−0.7150.237SQ154.240.598−0.1390.119−0.4910.237SQ164.280.559−0.0230.119−0.5130.237SQ174.200.590−0.2220.1190.2900.237SQ184.390.556−0.1670.119−0.8560.237SQ194.370.586−0.3730.119−0.2710.237SQ204.290.578−0.2010.119−0.1480.237SQ214.270.5430.0770.119−0.4250.237SQ223.850.741−0.1460.119−0.4000.237SQ234.010.737−0.2970.119−0.3630.237SQ243.870.781−0.5760.1190.8440.237SQ254.120.606−0.0630.119−0.3460.237SQ264.030.690−0.2950.119−0.0910.237SQ273.870.721−0.2990.1190.3970.237SatisfactionSAT14.330.609−0.3280.119−0.6540.237SAT24.270.685−0.4090.119−0.8500.237SAT34.240.640−0.3110.119−0.4190.237SAT44.280.682−0.9690.1192.4850.237Word of mouthWOM14.420.595−0.5540.119−0.2280.237WOM24.380.635−0.5840.119−0.3280.237WOM34.270.733−0.7710.1190.4280.237


### 4.2. Confirmatory Factor Analysis

To evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs and to determine the model fit, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized. To test convergent validity, the following four criteria should be met as suggested by Hair et al. [36]; namely, the construct reliability (Cronbach Alpha value) should be greater than 0.7; the explained variance (AVE) within each construct should be larger than 0.5; the standardized factor loading of each observed variable to the latent construct should be at least 0.60; and the composite reliability (CR) should be at least 0.70. As seen in Table 4, all four criteria were met. All the observed variables had a factor loading greater than the recommended minimum of 0.6. The Cronbach Alpha values are well above the minimum of 0.7. The AVE values for all constructs exceed the minimum of 0.5 and the composite reliability (CR) values meet the minimum of 0.7. These results demonstrate that all the constructs in this study achieved the acceptable level of convergent validity. Two observed variables from service quality, namely, SQ1 and SQ2, were removed to get model fit.Table 4
Convergent validity assessment.
VariablesFactor loadingt-valueCRAVECronbach AlphaService quality (SQ)0.9640.5170.963SQ30.715—SQ40.63815.534SQ50.60812.240SQ60.75315.224SQ70.73414.838SQ80.77115.588SQ90.72414.640SQ100.70914.321SQ110.75315.209SQ120.65213.148SQ130.74916.717SQ140.73614.886SQ150.81015.433SQ160.83516.911SQ170.77115.580SQ180.74214.991SQ190.65612.320SQ200.76515.469SQ210.78315.840SQ220.60212.139SQ230.64112.945SQ240.61812.459SQ250.78115.810SQ260.73314.817SQ270.62912.683Satisfaction (SAT)0.9000.6940.893SAT10.853—SAT20.84521.101SAT30.87022.241SAT40.75918.645Word of mouth (WOM)0.8860.7210.876WOM10.836—WOM20.90822.290WOM30.80019.055Discriminant validity of this study was assessed using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio of Correlations (HTMT) method proposed by Hensler et al. [37]. The statistical variances between the constructs are measured using discriminant validity. By comparing the correlations of indicators across constructs to the correlations of indicators within a concept, discriminant validity may be evaluated. The model has discriminant validity if the correlation ratio is below 0.9 [37]. The HTMT plugin by Gaskin was used in AMOS to determine the HTMT values [38]. As seen in Table 5, the correlation ratios between all variables are below 0.9; thus discriminant validity for this study was achieved. Since convergent and discriminant validity were proved, construct validity was established.Table 5
HTMT analysis of the current study.
WOMSATSQWOMSAT0.792SQ0.5860.742Based on the suggestion by Hair et al. [36] the following criteria were used to determine model fit including chi-square fit statistics over degrees of freedom (CMIN/DF), goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), normed fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). A research model with a good fit meets the following criteria: CMIN/DF greater than 5; GFI greater than 0.85; AGFI, NFI, CFI, and TLI greater than 0.8; and REMSEA less than 0.08. As seen in Table 6, the current research model exceeded every criterion and achieved acceptable model fit.Table 6
Model fit criteria and values for the current study.
IndexAcceptable valuesStatistical valuesCMIN/DF<5.00 [38]2.584GFI≥0.85 [39]0.854AGFI≥0.80 [39]0.817NFI≥0.80 [40]0.903CFI≥0.80 [41]0.938TLI≥0.80 [42]0.927RMSEA<0.08 [43]0.061Model summaryAcceptable model fit


### 4.3. Structural Equation Model

A structural equation model (Figure2) was created to determine the standardized path coefficients of the constructs, given construct validity and an acceptable model fit. The initial model required SAT and WOM to be covaried in order to achieve model fit as reported in Table 7. Thus, we can conclude that the model is valid [36].‬‬‬Figure 2
Structural Equation Model of the current study.Table 7
Model fit of SEM.
IndexAcceptable valuesBefore adjustmentAfter adjustmentCMIN/DF<5.00 [38]2.8642.584GFI≥0.85 [39]0.8400.854AGFI≥0.80 [39]0.8000.817NFI≥0.80 [40]0.8930.903CFI≥0.80 [41]0.9270.938TLI≥0.80 [42]0.9140.927RMSEA<0.08 [43]0.0670.061Model summaryNo model fitModel fitAs can be seen in Figure2, the standardized direct effects reported by the AMOS software indicate that service quality had 0.76 factor on satisfaction and a 0.60 factor on word of mouth. The results are discussed in the following section.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


## 4.1. Demographics

Of the 475 responses, 422 were complete and valid and 74.9% (316) were female, 23.2% (98) were male, and 1.9% (8) preferred not to state their gender. Most respondents were married or living with a partner (90.8% (383)), 5.7% (24) were single or divorced, and 3.5% (15) preferred not to state their marital status.The following descriptive statistics and assessment of normality are presented in Table3. While the values for skewness and kurtosis between -2 and +2 are considered acceptable to prove normal univariate distribution [34], only SAT4 exceeds the -2, +2 limit. However, Kline suggests that when using a large sample population procedure, such as SEM, one could reject the null hypothesis (of consistency with the normal distribution) and adopt a more descriptive approach to assessing normality. As such, the results are considered acceptable [35].Table 3
Mean, standard deviation, and assessment of normality.
ConstructItemsMeanStd devSkewnessStd errorKurtosisStd errorService qualitySQ14.080.678−0.4150.1190.2810.237SQ24.240.713−0.7890.1190.9180.237SQ34.230.608−0.4130.1191.1340.237SQ44.240.585−0.1690.119−0.0780.237SQ54.130.666−0.3990.1190.1720.237SQ64.130.597−0.1860.1190.2930.237SQ74.140.601−0.4600.1191.8120.237SQ84.120.622−0.2660.1190.2570.237SQ94.260.5540.0200.119−0.4200.237SQ104.080.587−0.1570.1190.4320.237SQ114.180.605−0.3640.1191.1730.237SQ124.360.554−0.1880.119−0.2720.237SQ134.390.581−0.3160.119−0.7250.237SQ144.360.575−0.2280.119−0.7150.237SQ154.240.598−0.1390.119−0.4910.237SQ164.280.559−0.0230.119−0.5130.237SQ174.200.590−0.2220.1190.2900.237SQ184.390.556−0.1670.119−0.8560.237SQ194.370.586−0.3730.119−0.2710.237SQ204.290.578−0.2010.119−0.1480.237SQ214.270.5430.0770.119−0.4250.237SQ223.850.741−0.1460.119−0.4000.237SQ234.010.737−0.2970.119−0.3630.237SQ243.870.781−0.5760.1190.8440.237SQ254.120.606−0.0630.119−0.3460.237SQ264.030.690−0.2950.119−0.0910.237SQ273.870.721−0.2990.1190.3970.237SatisfactionSAT14.330.609−0.3280.119−0.6540.237SAT24.270.685−0.4090.119−0.8500.237SAT34.240.640−0.3110.119−0.4190.237SAT44.280.682−0.9690.1192.4850.237Word of mouthWOM14.420.595−0.5540.119−0.2280.237WOM24.380.635−0.5840.119−0.3280.237WOM34.270.733−0.7710.1190.4280.237


## 4.2. Confirmatory Factor Analysis

To evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs and to determine the model fit, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized. To test convergent validity, the following four criteria should be met as suggested by Hair et al. [36]; namely, the construct reliability (Cronbach Alpha value) should be greater than 0.7; the explained variance (AVE) within each construct should be larger than 0.5; the standardized factor loading of each observed variable to the latent construct should be at least 0.60; and the composite reliability (CR) should be at least 0.70. As seen in Table 4, all four criteria were met. All the observed variables had a factor loading greater than the recommended minimum of 0.6. The Cronbach Alpha values are well above the minimum of 0.7. The AVE values for all constructs exceed the minimum of 0.5 and the composite reliability (CR) values meet the minimum of 0.7. These results demonstrate that all the constructs in this study achieved the acceptable level of convergent validity. Two observed variables from service quality, namely, SQ1 and SQ2, were removed to get model fit.Table 4
Convergent validity assessment.
VariablesFactor loadingt-valueCRAVECronbach AlphaService quality (SQ)0.9640.5170.963SQ30.715—SQ40.63815.534SQ50.60812.240SQ60.75315.224SQ70.73414.838SQ80.77115.588SQ90.72414.640SQ100.70914.321SQ110.75315.209SQ120.65213.148SQ130.74916.717SQ140.73614.886SQ150.81015.433SQ160.83516.911SQ170.77115.580SQ180.74214.991SQ190.65612.320SQ200.76515.469SQ210.78315.840SQ220.60212.139SQ230.64112.945SQ240.61812.459SQ250.78115.810SQ260.73314.817SQ270.62912.683Satisfaction (SAT)0.9000.6940.893SAT10.853—SAT20.84521.101SAT30.87022.241SAT40.75918.645Word of mouth (WOM)0.8860.7210.876WOM10.836—WOM20.90822.290WOM30.80019.055Discriminant validity of this study was assessed using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio of Correlations (HTMT) method proposed by Hensler et al. [37]. The statistical variances between the constructs are measured using discriminant validity. By comparing the correlations of indicators across constructs to the correlations of indicators within a concept, discriminant validity may be evaluated. The model has discriminant validity if the correlation ratio is below 0.9 [37]. The HTMT plugin by Gaskin was used in AMOS to determine the HTMT values [38]. As seen in Table 5, the correlation ratios between all variables are below 0.9; thus discriminant validity for this study was achieved. Since convergent and discriminant validity were proved, construct validity was established.Table 5
HTMT analysis of the current study.
WOMSATSQWOMSAT0.792SQ0.5860.742Based on the suggestion by Hair et al. [36] the following criteria were used to determine model fit including chi-square fit statistics over degrees of freedom (CMIN/DF), goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), normed fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). A research model with a good fit meets the following criteria: CMIN/DF greater than 5; GFI greater than 0.85; AGFI, NFI, CFI, and TLI greater than 0.8; and REMSEA less than 0.08. As seen in Table 6, the current research model exceeded every criterion and achieved acceptable model fit.Table 6
Model fit criteria and values for the current study.
IndexAcceptable valuesStatistical valuesCMIN/DF<5.00 [38]2.584GFI≥0.85 [39]0.854AGFI≥0.80 [39]0.817NFI≥0.80 [40]0.903CFI≥0.80 [41]0.938TLI≥0.80 [42]0.927RMSEA<0.08 [43]0.061Model summaryAcceptable model fit


## 4.3. Structural Equation Model

A structural equation model (Figure2) was created to determine the standardized path coefficients of the constructs, given construct validity and an acceptable model fit. The initial model required SAT and WOM to be covaried in order to achieve model fit as reported in Table 7. Thus, we can conclude that the model is valid [36].‬‬‬Figure 2
Structural Equation Model of the current study.Table 7
Model fit of SEM.
IndexAcceptable valuesBefore adjustmentAfter adjustmentCMIN/DF<5.00 [38]2.8642.584GFI≥0.85 [39]0.8400.854AGFI≥0.80 [39]0.8000.817NFI≥0.80 [40]0.8930.903CFI≥0.80 [41]0.9270.938TLI≥0.80 [42]0.9140.927RMSEA<0.08 [43]0.0670.061Model summaryNo model fitModel fitAs can be seen in Figure2, the standardized direct effects reported by the AMOS software indicate that service quality had 0.76 factor on satisfaction and a 0.60 factor on word of mouth. The results are discussed in the following section.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬


## 5. Discussion

This study’s primary goal was to develop a contextually reliable and valid measure instrument for assessing the perceived service quality of parents in international schools. The findings demonstrate that, through IOC and CFA, a reliable instrument can be developed. This study’s secondary objective was to use the new instrument to assess the impact service quality had on satisfaction and word of mouth. The impact of these variables and the proposed hypotheses are discussed below and shown in Table8.Table 8
Hypotheses results.
HypothesisGoalResultH1Service quality instrumentSupportedH1SQ ⟶ SATSupported (.756,∗∗∗)H2SQ ⟶ WOMSupported (.596,∗∗∗)∗∗∗=p<0.001; ∗∗=p<0.01; ∗=p<0.05; ns = “not significant”.


### 5.1. Influence of Service Quality on Satisfaction

The current study revealed that service quality had a significant and direct impact on parent satisfaction. As such, H2 was supported. Like satisfaction, service quality is a measure of the gap between expected results and actual results. When a parent receives lower than expected service, they perceive it as lower quality. Responding to a parent complaint with good service quality can lead to parent satisfaction. When a parent receives higher than expected service, they perceive it as higher quality. This expectancy confirmation or expectancy disconfirmation applies to satisfaction as well [8]. When a parent’s needs are exceeded, they are more likely to be perceived as being satisfied.


### 5.2. Influence of Service Quality on Word of Mouth

The results of the current study revealed that there is a significant and direct relationship between service quality and parent word of mouth. As such, H3 was supported. When a parent receives greater than expected service at the school, they are more likely to recommend the school to others. It is understandable that when more parents feel that they get higher levels of service at the school, their satisfaction of the school and the likelihood of them recommending the school are increased.


## 5.1. Influence of Service Quality on Satisfaction

The current study revealed that service quality had a significant and direct impact on parent satisfaction. As such, H2 was supported. Like satisfaction, service quality is a measure of the gap between expected results and actual results. When a parent receives lower than expected service, they perceive it as lower quality. Responding to a parent complaint with good service quality can lead to parent satisfaction. When a parent receives higher than expected service, they perceive it as higher quality. This expectancy confirmation or expectancy disconfirmation applies to satisfaction as well [8]. When a parent’s needs are exceeded, they are more likely to be perceived as being satisfied.


## 5.2. Influence of Service Quality on Word of Mouth

The results of the current study revealed that there is a significant and direct relationship between service quality and parent word of mouth. As such, H3 was supported. When a parent receives greater than expected service at the school, they are more likely to recommend the school to others. It is understandable that when more parents feel that they get higher levels of service at the school, their satisfaction of the school and the likelihood of them recommending the school are increased.


## 6. Conclusion

This study reports the development of a contextualized service quality instrument for K-12 parents from one sample of Generation Y parents. The results demonstrate that modified scale items are reliable and may be used as an appropriate instrument for assessing parents’ perception of service quality. The objectives were all answered satisfactorily. The adaptation of the service quality model used in healthcare required industry expert consultation for contextualization and measuring for internal consistency to ensure that the scale items would measure the intended variables. The use of the Item Objective Congruence provided a meaningful context of the scale items for a K-12 international school. Service quality scale items originally referring to staff were split to identify teachers and office and support staff. The development of reliable and contextualized scale items can be used in future research. As suggested by Chatfield and Collins [44] modified scale items can be used reliably as part of a measurement model and further used in the structural equation models (SEM) to identify causal relationships that use service quality as one of the constructs.School administrators and leaders need a reliable method for measuring the quality of the service that staff were providing in their schools. School administrators and leaders can also benefit by understanding the role that the service that a parent experiences has a direct impact on their satisfaction and on the likelihood to recommend the school. By improving the experience associated with service, parents will have a greater perception of the school quality. The instrument can be used by schools to better evaluate the quality of the service that it provides to parents. Furthermore, the use of the new instrument can be used to survey all the parents in the school and does not need to be limited to a specific subpopulation such as Generation Y.One limitation is that the developed instrument was only tried out in one international school and specifically limited to one specific population within the larger parent population. Future studies should expand on the population and be implemented within a greater range of international schools. Such development would yield further refining of the instrument.



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*Source: 9322949-2022-08-30.xml*