11.5.4 Servicescapes
Bitner (1992) has offered an integrative network that incorporates atmospherics and environmental psychology. The holistic service environment is called a servicescape . As against atmospherics and environmental psychology, the servicescape framework recognises the importance of physical surroundings on employees as well as customers.
The servicescape framework illustrates that the environment is made up of a combination of environmental dimensions including ambient conditions (temperature, music), space/function (layout, furnishings), and signs, symbols and artefacts (signage, style of decor). In this framework the behaviour of employees and customers is mediated by three responses ¾ cognitive, emotional and physiological. This means, in contrast to previous models, participants are seen as having voluntary responses as well as being active information processors.
Turn now to the next reading that provides a discussion on the strategic tole of physical evidence and how it should be managed.
Reading 11.5
Hoffman, K. D. and Bateson, J. E.G. 2002, Essentials of Services Marketing: Concepts, Strategies and Cases , 2 nd edn, Harcourt College Publishers, Fort Worth, Texas, pp. 221-230: 'The strategic role of physical evidence'.
Reading 11.6
Bitner, M. J. 1992, 'Servicescapes: The impact of physical surroundings on customers and employees', Journal of Marketing , 56 (April), 57-71.