Consumer satisfaction is concerned not only with attribute values, but also with
broader value systems. For example, Sun (1995) identifies consumer involvement (i.e.
the importance of the choice to the individual at the time of purchase) as a significant
factor affecting restaurant customers’ satisfaction. Through values, consumer
satisfaction is also related to culture. Hsu et al. (1997) report that Korean college
students evaluated restaurants in the order fine dining>quick service>family style,
but their pattern of use showed the opposite order of preference. However, it is not
clear whether this demonstrates cultural preference for restaurant styles or a
culturally determined tendency to give the ‘‘right’’ response. Becker et al. (1999)
found that US and Hong Kong students had very different expectations of
restaurant service. The Asians valued respect, unobtrusive helpfulness and personal
cleanliness, while US students required eye contact, personalisation and product
knowledge. Goll (1994) discusses ways in which company values (i.e. corporate
culture) influence customer satisfaction.