Testing a hierarchical and integrated model of quality in the service sector: functional, relational, and tangible dimensions

Prior research has revealed limitations of the dominant SERVQUAL model of service quality. Some authors have pointed out the SERVQUAL model somewhat neglects the tangible and relational facets of quality in the service sector, and, therefore, there is a need to obtain a comprehensive and adaptable structure of quality for different types of services. Consequently, we propose and test a hierarchical and integrated model of service quality, hypothesising the existence of three second-order dimensions: functional quality (describing the efficiency with which the service core is provided); tangibles (the quality of physical service environment); and relational quality (relational or emotional b…