Three Essays on the Development, Validation and Confirmation of the Flow Construct to Investigate Navigational Web Site Experiences

Flow theory is regarded as a critical psychological state that epitomizes optimal experience during Internet navigation. Since the seminal work of Hoffman and Novak (1996), Flow theory has gained considerable attention in consumer research and in the computer mediated environment (CME). When reviewing the CME literature, one can inventory numerous attempts to develop a recognized and shared conceptualization of the Flow construct, but in vain. Thus, before we can make any significant progress in the evaluation of user Web experiences, there is an urgent need to clear up the muddle and revitalize this stream of research with a comprehensive and universal conceptualization of the state of Flow for CME.;This thesis comprises three essays. The first proposes a critical review of efforts to conceptualize Flow theory in CME, beginning with a description of the state of the knowledge landscape on Flow, its principal characteristics and the impact of Flow on individual outcomes. It is also sensitive to criticisms that have been formulated in the literature and has deciphered some of the opportunities and challenges reported, in an attempt to rally scholars around a solid and fertile base from which new thrusts for future developments in CME theory can be launched.;The second essay is dedicated to methodological aspects, more precisely issues concerning the investigation of Flow episodes in a computer mediated environment (CME). Given the numerous shortfalls displayed in the literature regarding challenges involved in the investigation of Flow states, we propose a comprehensive methodology that should help resolve some of these drawbacks. This new Internet research methodology is known as Electronic Experience Sampling Method or e-ESM Echo.;The third essay presents and validates a nomological network for Flow states by proposing a psychometrically valid scale for this phenomenon. We thus hope to open up new possibilities for future quantitative research based on Flow investigations, involving comparisons with other psychological states. This essay comprises a multi-method-approach that is used to study Flow episodes, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research tools. It responds to a once intuitive assumption that a time delay might impact on Flow state recollection, by suggesting a model that would reduce the impact of time delays on Flow state assessments.;This study makes several contributions to the academic and managerial fields. We believe that the nomological network presented is this thesis is sensitive to and coherent with Csikszentmihalyi's Flow theory. This study also confirms that Flow leads to an improved state of enjoyment. Web users reaching a state of Flow have reported more satisfaction with their Web site interaction. Indeed they state they would recommend the site to their friends, intend to revisit the site and are more inclined to purchase from the site again at a later time. Hoffman and Novak proposed that "flow is the 'glue' holding the consumer in the hypermedia computer mediated environment". If we could design Web interactions that facilitate this perception, the Web experience would improve significantly. Commercially, the concept of 'stickiness' is considered a crucial element of Web design. This is due to features such as regularly updated and pertinent content, fast downloads, efficient search engines, rich media and personalization capabilities, all of which assisting in increasing the frequency and duration of visits; two of the leading indicators of a successful Web site.