• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.51-89
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• 2007

INTRODUCTION Due to the high broadband internet penetration rate and its group-oriented culture, various types of online communities operate in Korea. This study use 'Uses and Gratification Approach, and argue that members' usage-needs satisfaction with brand community is an important factor for promoting community commitment. Based on previous studies identifying the effect of brand image on consumers' responses to various marketing stimuli, this study hypothesizes that brand image can be a moderate variable affecting the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction with brand community and members' commitment to brand community. This study analyzes the influence of usage-needs satisfaction on brand community commitment and how apparel brand image affects the relationships between usage-needs satisfactions and community commitments. The hypotheses of this study are proposed as follows. H1-3: The usage-needs satisfaction of apparel brand community (interest, transaction, relationship needs) influences emotional (H1), continuous (H2), and normative (H3) commitments to apparel brand communities. H4-6: Apparel brand image has a moderating effect on the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and emotional (H4), continuous (H5), and normative (H6) commitments to apparel brand communities. METHODS Brand communities founded by non-company affiliates were excluded and emphasis was placed instead on communities created by apparel brand companies. Among casual apparel brands registered in 6 Korean portal sites in August 2003, a total of 9 casual apparel brand online communities were chosen, depending on the level of community activity and apparel brand image. Data from 317 community members were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, moderated regression analysis, ANOVA, and scheffe test. Among 317 respondents answered an online html-type questionnaire, 80.5% were between 16 to 25 years old. There were a total of 150 respondents from apparel brand communities(n=3) recording higher-than-average brand image scores (Mean > 3.75) and a total of 162 respondents from apparel brand communities(n=6) recording lower-than-average brand image scores(Mean < 3.75). In this study, brand community commitment was measured by a 5-point Likert scale: emotional, continuous and normative commitment. The degree of usage-needs satisfaction (interest, transaction, relationship needs) was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The level of brand image was measured by a 5-point Likert scale: strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand associations. RESULTS In the results of exploratory factor analysis, the three usage-needs satisfactions with brand community were classified as interest, transaction, and relationship needs. Brand community commitment was also divided into the multi-dimensional factors: emotional, continuous, and normative commitments. The regression analysis (using a stepwise method) was used to test the influence of 3 independent variables (interest-needs satisfaction, transaction-needs, and relationship-needs satisfactions) on the 3 dependent variables (emotional, continuous and normative commitments). The three types of usage-needs satisfactions are positively associated with the three types of commitments to apparel brand communities. Therefore, hypothesis 1, 2, and 3 were significantly supported. Moderating effects of apparel brand image on the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and brand community commitments were tested by moderated regression analysis. The statistics result showed that the influence of transaction-needs on emotional commitment was significantly moderated by apparel brand image. In addition, apparel brand image had moderating effects on the relationship between relationship-needs satisfaction and emotional, continuous and normative commitments to apparel brand communities. However, there were not significant moderate effects of apparel brand image on the relationships between interest-needs satisfaction and 3 types of commitments (emotional, continuous and normative commitments) to apparel brand communities. In addition, the influences of transaction-needs satisfaction on 2 types of commitments (continuous and normative commitments) were not significantly moderated by apparel brand image. Therefore, hypothesis 4, 5 and 6 were partially supported. To explain the moderating effects of apparel brand image, four cross-tabulated groups were made by averages of usage-needs satisfaction (interest-needs satisfaction avg. M=3.09, transaction-needs satisfaction avg. M=3.46, relationship-needs satisfaction M=1.62) and the average apparel brand image (M=3.75). The average scores of commitments in each classified group are presented in Tables and Figures. There were significant differences among four groups. As can be seen from the results of scheffe test on the tables, emotional commitment in community group with high brand image was higher than one in community group with low brand image when transaction-needs satisfaction was high. However, when transaction-needs satisfaction was low, there was not any difference between the community group with high brand image and community group with low brand image regarding emotional commitment to apparel brand communities. It means that emotional commitment didn't increase significantly without high satisfaction of transaction-needs, despite the high apparel brand image. In addition, when apparel brand image was low, increase in transaction-needs did not lead to the increase in emotional commitment. Therefore, the significant relationship between transaction-needs satisfaction and emotional commitment was found in only brand communities with high apparel brand image, and the moderating effect of apparel brand image on this relationship between two variables was found in the communities with high satisfaction of transaction-needs only. Statistics results showed that the level of emotional commitment is related to the satisfaction level of transaction-needs, while overall response is related to the level of apparel brand image. We also found that the role of apparel brand image as a moderating factor was limited by the level of transaction-needs satisfaction. In addition, relationship-needs satisfaction brought significant increase in emotional commitment in both community groups (high and low levels of brand image), and the effect of apparel brand image on emotional commitment was significant in both community groups (high and low levels of relationship-needs satisfaction). Especially, the effect of brand image was greater when the level of relationship-needs satisfaction was high. in contrast, increase in emotional commitment responding to increase in relationship-needs satisfaction was greater when apparel brand image is high. The significant influences of relationship-needs satisfaction on community commitments (continuous and normative commitments) were found regardless of apparel brand image(in both community groups with low and high brand image). However, the effects of apparel brand image on continuous and normative commitments were found in only community group with high satisfaction level of relationship-needs. In the case of communities with low satisfaction levels of relationship needs, apparel brand image marginally increases continuous and normative commitments. Therefore, we could not find the moderating effect of apparel brand image on the relationship between relationship-needs satisfaction and continuous and normative commitments in community groups with low satisfaction levels of relationship needs, CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS From the results of this study, we draw several conclusions; First, the increases in usage-needs satisfactions through apparel brand communities result in the increases in commitments to apparel brand communities, wheres the degrees of such relationship depends on the level of apparel brand image. That is, apparel brand image is a moderating factor strengthening the relationship between usage-needs satisfaction and commitment to apparel brand communities. In addition, the effect of apparel brand image differs, depending on the level and types of community usage-needs satisfactions. Therefore, marketers of apparel brand companies must determine the appropriate usage-needs, depending on the type of commitment they wish to increase and the level of their apparel brand image, to promote member's commitments to apparel brand communities. Especially, relationship-needs satisfaction was very important factor for increasing emotional, continuous and normative commitments to communities. However the level of relationship-needs satisfaction was lower than interest-needs and transaction-needs. satisfaction. According to previous study on apparel brand communities, relationship-need satisfaction was strongly related to member's intention of participation in their communities. Therefore, marketers need to develope various strategies in order to increase the relationship- needs as well as interest and transaction needs. In addition, despite continuous commitment was higher than emotional and normative commitments, all types of commitments to apparel brand communities had scores lower than 3.0 that was mid point in 5-point scale. A Korean study reported that the level of members' commitment to apparel brand community influenced customers' identification with a brand and brand purchasing behavior. Therefore, marketers should try to increase members' usage-needs satisfaction and apparel brand image as the necessary conditions for bringing about community commitments. Second, marketers should understand that they should keep in mind that increasing the level of community usage needs (transaction and relationship) is most effective in raising commitment when the level of apparel brand image is high, and that increasing usage needs (transaction needs) satisfaction in communities with low brand image might not be as effective as anticipated. Therefore, apparel companies with desirable brand image such as luxury designer goods firms need to create formal online brand communities (as opposed to informal communities with rudimentary online contents) to satisfy transaction and relationship needs systematically. It will create brand equity through consumers' increased emotional, continuous and normative commitments. Even though apparel brand is very famous, emotional commitment to apparel brand communities cannot be easily increased without transaction-needs satisfaction. Therefore famous fashion brand companies should focus on developing various marketing strategies to increase transaction-needs satisfaction.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.187-198
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• 2020

In this paper, We purpose an improvement plan for the settlement of smart contracts into legal norms through the recognition of the norms of blockchain-based smart contracts and the main influence factors on the norms of smart contracts. First, in terms of the normative necessity of smart contracts, legal protection against technical errors, government-level public relations education, and basic laws governing smart contract business are needed. Second, the contract norms will be accepted by the contract norms based on the blockchain designed to make the responsible material clear in terms of smart contract usability. Third, in terms of regulation of smart contracts, it can be seen that smart contracts are subsumed from existing laws or considering new legislation, but the norm of smart contracts cannot be prioritized over ease of use.

• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.59-68
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• 2000

An increase in senile dementia population has caused social concerns in Korea. The Korean-Boston Naming Test(K-BNT) has been used in assessing naming ability of patients with diffuse brain damage as well as senile dementia. This study was conducted to develop a short from of the K-BNT. to present normative data, and to demonstrate clinical utility of the shortform K-BNT. The participants were 142 healthy elderly adults, ages between 55 and 84, who were sampled in the Seoul-Kyungki area. Twenty patients with mild probable DAT participated in the study. We developed four norms based on education(0∼6 years and more than 6 years) and age(55∼64 and 65∼84 years). The study showed high internal consistency among the items. Further. DAT patients and normal controls showed significant difference in the K-BNT short form scores(F(1, 158) = 23,216, p < .0001). Normative data presented in this study will be useful in evaluating the naming ability of elderly patients in clinical setting.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.5-10
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• 1997

Background : The Current Perception Threshold (CPT) provides an objective, quantitative gauge of sensory nerve integrity which is obtainable from any cutaneous site. CPT measurement can confirm and quantify or rule out dysfunction of nerve through comparison with established normative values ($Neuval^{TM}$ CPT database). The aim of this study is to compare collected data from Korean adults with $Neuval^{TM}$ CPT database. Method : Normative data from 5 standard test site in face, hand, toe were obtained from 50 healthy adults. Three frequencies(5, 250, 2000 Hz) were stimulated with $Neuromoter^{(R)}$ CPT device. Results : The results of our data were statistically significantly different than Neuval data except in face, but within normal range. Sensory Threshold increased as the frequency of the stimulus changed from 5 Hz to 250 Hz to 2000 Hz., and from face to hand to toe. Conclusion : CPT testing is a valuable neurologic testing modality that is noninvasive and highly reliable for diagnosis and evaluation of sensory nerves where neuropathy is suspected.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.105-116
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to increase the long term care service quality. This study examines how leadership style and organizational commitment can effect service quality. The basic data has been made by 318 long-term care workers. Major findings are reported: transformational leadership effects affective commitment, normative commitment, continuance commitment and service quality. And transactional leadership effects continuance commitment, too. Espicially, the mediating effects of normative commitment in the relationship between transformational leadership and service quality were verified. These results have implications for the applications of transformational and transactional leadership and on human resource management and suggest on the support policy.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.96-101
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• 2015

Purpose: Thermal sensory test as an essential part of quantitative sensory testing (QST) has been recognized as a useful tool in the evaluation of the trigeminal nerve function. Normative data in the orofacial region have been reported but the data on differences in the test site, sex and ethnicity are still insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the normal range of orofacial thermal QST data in the healthy Korean women, and assess sex difference of thermal perception in the orofacial regions. Methods: Thermal QST was conducted on 20 healthy women participants (mean age, 26.4 years; range, 21 to 34 years). The thermal thresholds (cold detection threshold, CDT; warm detection threshold, WDT; cold pain threshold, CPT; and heat pain threshold, HPT) were measured bilaterally at the 5 trigeminal sites (the forehead, cheek, mentum, lower lip and tongue tip). The normative thermal thresholds of women in the orofacial region were evaluated using one-way ANOVA and compared with the previously reported data from age- and site-matched 30 healthy men (mean age, 26.1 years; range, 23 to 32 years) using two-way ANOVA. One experienced operator performed the tests of both sexes and all tests were done in the same condition except the time variability. Results: Women showed significant site differences for the CDT (p<0.001), WDT (p<0.001), and HPT (p=0.047) in the orofacial region. The CDT (p<0.001) and the CPT (p=0.007) presented significant sex difference unlike the WDT and the HPT. Conclusions: The thermal sensory evaluation in the orofacial region should be considered in the context of site and sex and the normative data in this study could be useful for assessment of the sensory abnormalities in the clinical setting.

• Journal of Family Resource Management and Policy Review
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.151-171
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• 2010

Multi-culturalization in our society may be the cause of many problems, but if appropriately dealt with, diversity brought on by multi-culturalization could resolve chronic abuses in education and create a new culture, thereby contributing greatly to national development. The purpose of this study was to examine the current research on multi-cultural education and to provide a normative orientation to multi-cultural education. The literature research was conducted between March 2008 and September 2009. The followings are the findings of this study. First, the results reveal that the appropriate target of a multi-cultural society should not be assimilation, but rather, multi-culturalism. Multi-culturalism has greater adaptability, and the key lies in its respect for human rights, its strengthening of multi-cultural capacity, and its consideration for the minority by moving toward corporate multi-culturalism that aims for equality in results. Second, the first form of multi-cultural education emphasizes neutrality and argues that it is the best way to respect different cultures. This form of multi-cultural education emphasizes neutrality toward "sameness." In this context, sameness means equality of the rights of human beings. The other form of multi-cultural education emphasizes diversity and argues that it is the best way to respect different cultures. It focuses on the recognition of particularity. But it reveals its shortcomings when it excludes interaction not only between an individual and the culture, but also between the insider and outsider of the culture and its social institutions. Thus, multi-cultural education for mutual understanding is suggested. Third, it has been found that pure homogeneous nationalism must be destroyed, but nationalism needs to transform itself rather than be abolished in a globalized and multi-cultural society. Moreover, on behalf of pursuing open nationalism, the self-transformation of nationalism is advisable, in order to for it to overcome its antagonistic and exclusive nature.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.438-444
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• 2016

Previous findings on Social Loafing indicated that Social Loafing explained the organizational commitment, that the lower level of Social Loafing they had, the higher performance they would have, and that it is a useful index for effectiveness of the organization. This study explored the Police Organizational culture & Organizational Commitment on Social Loafing. The Police officers' Police Officer's Organizational culture & Organizational Commitment and Social Loafing has been measured, and then how Organizational culture & Organizational Commitment affects Police Officer's Social Loafing has been examined. The study results may be used as a theoretical basis to assert the need of Organizational culture & Organizational Commitment to decrease the Police Officer's Social Loafing. Independent variable is Police Officer's Social Loafing and Dependent variable is comprises 2 categories; Police Organizational culture(The group culture, The hierarchical culture, The developmental culture, The rational culture), & the Organizational Commitment(Affective Commitment, Continuance Commitment, Normative Commitment). The result of analysis showed that The group culture & Normative Commitment influenced in Social Loafing(positive), and The Rational culture, Affective Commitment, & Continuance Commitment in Social Loafing(negative).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 2013

Background Measuring grip and pinch strength is an important part of hand injury evaluation. Currently, there are no standardized values of normal grip and pinch strength among the Korean population, and lack of such data prevents objective evaluation of post-surgical recovery in strength. This study was designed to establish the normal values of grip and pinch strength among the healthy Korean population and to identify any dependent variables affecting grip and pinch strength. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out. The inclusion criterion was being a healthy Korean person without a previous history of hand trauma. The grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Pulp and key pinch strength were measured with a hydraulic pinch gauge. Intra-individual and inter-individual variations in these variables were analyzed in a standardized statistical manner. Results There were a total of 336 healthy participants between 13 and 77 years of age. As would be expected in any given population, the mean grip and pinch strength was greater in the right hand than the left. Male participants (137) showed mean strengths greater than female participants (199) when adjusted for age. Among the male participants, anthropometric variables correlated positively with grip strength, but no such correlations were identifiable in female participants in a statistically significant way. Conclusions Objective measurements of hand strength are an important component of hand injury evaluation, and population-specific normative data are essential for clinical and research purposes. This study reports updated normative hand strengths of the South Korean population in the 21st century.

• Journal of Korea Society of Industrial Information Systems
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.163-174
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents of employee's organizational change commitment during organizational change. We propose that leader-member exchange (LMX) and trust in the organization could foster employee's commitment to change. A theoretical model linking the role of leader-member exchange and trust in the organization to affective commitment and normative commitment to organizational change through leadership have tested in a study of 303 respondents from 15 organizations reporting that their organizations were undergoing significant change due to the turmoil environment and M&A. We develop the hypotheses from the prior studies and empirically test them in the context of personnels who have survived from the drastic organizational changes. Based on the analyzed results, we discussed the theoretical implications and limitations.