Influence of Information Quality on Restaurant Purchase Behaviour

Abstract

The growing reliance on digital platforms has reshaped how consumers make dining decisions, with information quality emerging as a critical factor influencing restaurant purchase behaviour. This study examines the relationship between information quality, perceived usefulness, attitude, and purchase behaviour in the restaurant context. A quantitative correlational approach was adopted, employing an online survey targeting consumers aged 18 and above in Malaysia. From 400 responses, 327 valid samples were analysed using SmartPLS 4 to ensure rigorous statistical testing and reliable results, thereby strengthening the reliability and validity of the findings. The findings demonstrate that information quality significantly influences perceived usefulness (β = 0.589, p < 0.001),attitude (β = 0.582, p < 0.001), and directly impacts purchase behaviour (β = 0.282, p < 0.001). Moreover, perceived usefulness (β = 0.302, p < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.230, p < 0.001) exert positive effects on purchase behaviour, highlighting the mediating roles of consumer perceptions in the decision-making process and reinforcing the notion that consumer psychology plays a central role in shaping actual behaviour. The model explains 34.4% of the variance in perceived usefulness, 33.7% in attitude, and 49.2% in purchase behaviour, indicating substantial explanatory power and providing robust support for the proposed framework. These results emphasize the importance of providing accurate, reliable, and relevant information to foster favourable attitudes and enhance the perceived usefulness of digital content, ultimately leading to stronger purchase intentions among consumers in the restaurant industry. The study contributes to the hospitality literature by offering new insights into digital consumer behaviour and extends current understanding of how information quality drives restaurant purchase decisions through psychological mediators. Practical implications suggest that restaurant operators should prioritize high-quality online communication strategies to strengthen consumer trust, engagement, and competitive advantage in the digital era, while also supporting long-term customer loyalty and sustainable business performance in a highly competitive market environment.