Online Search and Buying Behaviour: Malaysian Experience

This study examines online search pattern and buying behaviour in Malaysia. Malaysian consumers search moderately for product/service information with company websites being the most popular mode of searching. Books, airline tickets, and hotel room booking are the products and services commonly purchased to satisfy self-fulfillment and affiliation needs. Respondents who have online purchase experiences have a higher intention to make online purchase in the future. There is no gender difference in terms of the frequency of online search and purchase as well as the type of consumer needs being satisfied over the Internet. Implications of the research findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.