Eudemonic Servicescapes: Value Co-Creation in Karate Dojos

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

1. The paper collected the relevant data of 17 members of the world famous karate organization Seido juku, and selected the dynamic theory of service scene perception as the theoretical framework to investigate the behavior change process based on the interaction between participants and the environment. The topic of the article is relatively new and the idea is novel, but it is suggested to strengthen the practical significance of the theme.

 

2.The structure of the paper is relatively complete, starting from the introduction of the first part, the introduction of materials and methods used in the second part, the report of the results in the third part, the further analysis of the experimental results in the fourth part, and the conclusion in the fifth part. The structure of the paper is relatively complete, and the research ideas are clear.

 

3. The topic of this paper is novel and the paper has a unique analysis angle. At the same time, the third and fourth chapters of the paper consciously use the flow chart to sort out the data structure and express the ideas of the article, which is conducive to readers' reading. The ideas are novel and clear.However, the third chapter is mainly about personal views, lacking empirical and data support. Meanwhile, the author should consider whether the analysis is comprehensive.

Author Response

1. The paper collected the relevant data of 17 members of the world famous karate organization Seido juku, and selected the dynamic theory of service scene perception as the theoretical framework to investigate the behavior change process based on the interaction between participants and the environment. The topic of the article is relatively new and the idea is novel, but it is suggested to strengthen the practical significance of the theme.

 Thank you for your understanding.

 2.The structure of the paper is relatively complete, starting from the           introduction of the first part, the introduction of materials and methods used in the second part, the report of the results in the third part, the further analysis of the experimental results in the fourth part, and the conclusion in the fifth part. The structure of the paper is relatively complete, and the research ideas are clear.

 Thank you for your comment.

3. The topic of this paper is novel and the paper has a unique analysis angle. At the same time, the third and fourth chapters of the paper consciously use the flow chart to sort out the data structure and express the ideas of the article, which is conducive to readers' reading. The ideas are novel and clear.However, the third chapter is mainly about personal views, lacking empirical and data support. Meanwhile, the author should consider whether the analysis is comprehensive.

As this is a qualitative analysis, it is not unnatural for individual interpretations to form the basis of the analysis. In order to show more objectivity, the two authors of this paper checked the qualitative data together and shared their opinions in the coding process to avoid bias toward one analyst's interpretation.

Reviewer 2 Report

This study explored how actors develop eudemonic well-being in servicescape. Authors selected the Dynamics Theory of Perception of Servicescapes as the theoretical framework, to examine the process of behavior change based on the interaction between participants and the environment. This research has its values in both theoretical and practical contributions in the field. However, there are still some problems in this paper. I list here some subsets of unclear points and problems as follows:

1. In the section of introduction, discussions in the limits of prior researches should be stated. Additionally, the authors should demonstrate that how this study could overcome the above limits and what the theoretical and practical contributions of this study should be stated.

2. In p.5, the data analysis methods in this study should be explained in more detail, especially on how to maintain the reliability and validity of the data analysis.

3. Finally, please spend more time discussing the link between research findings in specific applications in this field.

 

Author Response

This study explored how actors develop eudemonic well-being in servicescape. Authors selected the Dynamics Theory of Perception of Servicescapes as the theoretical framework, to examine the process of behavior change based on the interaction between participants and the environment. This research has its values in both theoretical and practical contributions in the field. However, there are still some problems in this paper. I list here some subsets of unclear points and problems as follows:

1. In the section of introduction, discussions in the limits of prior researches should be stated. Additionally, the authors should demonstrate that how this study could overcome the above limits and what the theoretical and practical contributions of this study should be stated.

We have revised the introduction. We have added a digest of the previous studies and the theoretical contribution of this study to the existing studies that are lacking in the existing studies.

2. In p.5, the data analysis methods in this study should be explained in more detail, especially on how to maintain the reliability and validity of the data analysis.

The following content has been added to the paper.

Regarding the reliability and validity of the data analysis, we added that the two researchers who have promoted this study have discussed the results of the analysis together. This was done to avoid biased interpretation by a single researcher (Shirahada & Wilson, 2023).

3. Finally, please spend more time discussing the link between research findings in specific applications in this field.

We have added what we consider to be practical implications.

Reviewer 3 Report

 

Comment 1 – General comment:

The manuscript “Eudemonic Servicescapes: Value co-creation in Karate Dojos” explores a theme of interest referring to the way in which eudemonic well-being can be created withn a dojo serviscape. Hence, in the context of Martial Arts (Budo), the authors looked at how instructors and students cultivate eudemonic well-being in the dojo serviscape. To analyze the process of behavior modification based on the interaction between participants and the environment, the authors used the DTPS as the theoretical framework in this situation. They also used TSR, which investigates positive change to enhance wellbeing, and SDL, which sees services as a value co-creation process among actors. 17 members were interviewed, and secondary data was examined. The findings showed that: (1) the training at the servicescape helped the participants learn value co-creation; (2) the servicescape helped the participants experience good mental transformation and encouraged their personal development.

I want to congratulate the authors for the work performed!

 

Comment 2:

Regarding the research methodology, I consider you adequately used and properly disclosed specific methods and instruments. Materials and methods that were used are described with sufficient detail so as to allow other researchers to replicate and build on published results.

 

Comment 3:

A more developed introduction and an enhanced literature review (comprising more references) – are needed, in order to better place the study in the broad context and highlight why it is relevant, as well as to outline the intercorrelation between the chosen concepts in the theoretical framework.

According to a broad definition in the sociological and psychological literature (Rokeach 1973; Schwartz and Bilsky 1987), values are guiding principles that give behaviour meaning and direction. The majority of research has been devoted to categorizing value schemas and determining how these relate to human behaviour.

Hence, in order to strengthen and improve this study, I recommend adding a more comprehensive literature review on value co-creation theory, means-end theory, in connection, maybe, with Rokeach’s value system. The current state of research field should be reviewed carefully, key publications cited, and controversial and diverging hypotheses highlighted.

Henceforth, I suggest additional reading that will surely help increase the study’s general impact, taking into consideration the international perspective:

1. Rokeach, M. The Nature of Human Values; Free Press: London, UK, 1973.

2. Christie, A. M., Atkins, P. W., & Donald, J. N. The meaning and doing of mindfulness: The role of values in the link between mindfulness and well-being. Mindfulness 2017, 8(2), 368-378.

3. Braithwaite, V. A., & Law, H. G. Structure of human values: Testing the adequacy of the Rokeach Value Survey. Journal of personality and social psychology 1985, 49(1), 250.

4. Bardi, A., & Goodwin, R. The dual route to value change: Individual processes and cultural moderators. Journal of cross-cultural psychology 2011, 42(2), 271-287.

5. Farcane, N.; Deliu, D.; Bureană, E. A Corporate Case Study: The Application of Rokeach’s Value System to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Sustainability 2019, 11, 6612.

6. Kostorz, K., Gniezinska, A., & Nawrocka, M. The hierarchy of values vs. self-esteem of persons practising martial arts and combat sports. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology 2017, 17(1), 15-22.

7. Cynarski, W. J., & Niewczas, M. Attitude towards karate among the members of the Polish Cadet representation–diagnostic survey. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology 2019, 19(2), 29-35.

8. Al Halbusi, H.; Jimenez Estevez, P.; Eleen, T.; Ramayah, T.; Hossain Uzir, M.U. The Roles of the Physical Environment, Social Servicescape, Co-Created Value, and Customer Satisfaction in Determining Tourists’ Citizenship Behavior: Malaysian Cultural and Creative Industries. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3229.

 

Comment 4:

Section 4. Discussion is insufficiently developed. In this section you should discuss the results and explain how they can be interpreted in perspective of research objectives, initial assumptions and previous studies. In this section the findings and their implications should be discussed in the broadest context possible, however a deeper discussion would better outline your contribution in the already existing specialty literature.

 

Comment 5:

The paper “Eudemonic Servicescapes: Value co-creation in Karate Dojos” reached valuable conclusions, the research contributing to the topic regarding the analysis of the examine the process of behaviour change based on the interaction between participants and the environment, in a particular context (Martial Arts – Budo), as regards how actors (instructors and students) develop eudemonic well-being in this servicescape (Dojo).

Because of the particular content of the section 5. Conclusions, since any research paper should end with a well-constructed conclusion. I advise revising it. You should restate your aims and objectives, and summarize your main findings and evidence for the reader. Since the conclusion is the last part of the research that your reader will see, it is advisable to spend some time writing the conclusion so that you can end on a high note.

 

Comment 6 – Minor comments:

English language and style are fine/minor spell check required.

 

Comment 7 – Final comments:

In conclusion, the study, which is focused on a very interesting topic, presents a relatively convincing structure and is written fluently, the research methodology being robust.

However, I believe you could improve it by adding more bibliographic references in order to outline the intercorrelation between chosen concepts. As previously mentioned, the current state of the research field should be reviewed carefully, key publications cited, and controversial and diverging hypotheses highlighted.

 

Good-luck with your paper,

Reviewer.

 

Author Response

Comment 1 – General comment:

The manuscript “Eudemonic Servicescapes: Value co-creation in Karate Dojos” explores a theme of interest referring to the way in which eudemonic well-being can be created withn a dojo serviscape. Hence, in the context of Martial Arts (Budo), the authors looked at how instructors and students cultivate eudemonic well-being in the dojo serviscape. To analyze the process of behavior modification based on the interaction between participants and the environment, the authors used the DTPS as the theoretical framework in this situation. They also used TSR, which investigates positive change to enhance wellbeing, and SDL, which sees services as a value co-creation process among actors. 17 members were interviewed, and secondary data was examined. The findings showed that: (1) the training at the servicescape helped the participants learn value co-creation; (2) the servicescape helped the participants experience good mental transformation and encouraged their personal development.

I want to congratulate the authors for the work performed!

Thank you for your appropriate summary!

Comment 2:

Regarding the research methodology, I consider you adequately used and properly disclosed specific methods and instruments. Materials and methods that were used are described with sufficient detail so as to allow other researchers to replicate and build on published results.

Thank you very much for your comments.

Comment 3:

A more developed introduction and an enhanced literature review (comprising more references) – are needed, in order to better place the study in the broad context and highlight why it is relevant, as well as to outline the intercorrelation between the chosen concepts in the theoretical framework.

We revised literature review section by adding the papers you suggested.

According to a broad definition in the sociological and psychological literature (Rokeach 1973; Schwartz and Bilsky 1987), values are guiding principles that give behaviour meaning and direction. The majority of research has been devoted to categorizing value schemas and determining how these relate to human behaviour.

Hence, in order to strengthen and improve this study, I recommend adding a more comprehensive literature review on value co-creation theory, means-end theory, in connection, maybe, with Rokeach’s value system. The current state of research field should be reviewed carefully, key publications cited, and controversial and diverging hypotheses highlighted.

Henceforth, I suggest additional reading that will surely help increase the study’s general impact, taking into consideration the international perspective:

1. Rokeach, M. The Nature of Human Values; Free Press: London, UK, 1973.
2. Christie, A. M., Atkins, P. W., & Donald, J. N. The meaning and doing of mindfulness: The role of values in the link between mindfulness and well-being. Mindfulness 2017, 8(2), 368-378.
3. Braithwaite, V. A., & Law, H. G. Structure of human values: Testing the adequacy of the Rokeach Value Survey. Journal of personality and social psychology 1985, 49(1), 250.
4. Bardi, A., & Goodwin, R. The dual route to value change: Individual processes and cultural moderators. Journal of cross-cultural psychology 2011, 42(2), 271-287.
5. Farcane, N.; Deliu, D.; Bureană, E. A Corporate Case Study: The Application of Rokeach’s Value System to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Sustainability 2019, 11, 6612.
6. Kostorz, K., Gniezinska, A., & Nawrocka, M. The hierarchy of values vs. self-esteem of persons practising martial arts and combat sports. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology 2017, 17(1), 15-22.
7. Cynarski, W. J., & Niewczas, M. Attitude towards karate among the members of the Polish Cadet representation–diagnostic survey. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology 2019, 19(2), 29-35.
8. Al Halbusi, H.; Jimenez Estevez, P.; Eleen, T.; Ramayah, T.; Hossain Uzir, M.U. The Roles of the Physical Environment, Social Servicescape, Co-Created Value, and Customer Satisfaction in Determining Tourists’ Citizenship Behavior: Malaysian Cultural and Creative Industries. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3229.

Thank you for your suggestion. We have used that, thereby strengthening the logic.

Comment 4:

Section 4. Discussion is insufficiently developed. In this section you should discuss the results and explain how they can be interpreted in perspective of research objectives, initial assumptions and previous studies. In this section the findings and their implications should be discussed in the broadest context possible, however a deeper discussion would better outline your contribution in the already existing specialty literature.

We have revised the discussion part.

Comment 5:

The paper “Eudemonic Servicescapes: Value co-creation in Karate Dojos” reached valuable conclusions, the research contributing to the topic regarding the analysis of the examine the process of behaviour change based on the interaction between participants and the environment, in a particular context (Martial Arts – Budo), as regards how actors (instructors and students) develop eudemonic well-being in this servicescape (Dojo).

Because of the particular content of the section 5. Conclusions, since any research paper should end with a well-constructed conclusion. I advise revising it. You should restate your aims and objectives, and summarize your main findings and evidence for the reader. Since the conclusion is the last part of the research that your reader will see, it is advisable to spend some time writing the conclusion so that you can end on a high note.

We have revised the conclusions part.

Comment 6 – Minor comments:

English language and style are fine/minor spell check required.

 We have checked the whole of the manuscript.

Comment 7 – Final comments:

In conclusion, the study, which is focused on a very interesting topic, presents a relatively convincing structure and is written fluently, the research methodology being robust.

However, I believe you could improve it by adding more bibliographic references in order to outline the intercorrelation between chosen concepts. As previously mentioned, the current state of the research field should be reviewed carefully, key publications cited, and controversial and diverging hypotheses highlighted.

Thank you for your comments. We added literature in line with your recommendation, thereby adding literature in section 2 and other pages.