This research implies that the provision of functional, safe and reliable bank web
sites is an insufficient means of satisfying customers. Consistent with previous
research (e.g. Al-Hawari and Ward, 2006), our findings confirm that some aspects of
service quality do not impact upon customer satisfaction. We speculate that an absence
of human interaction in online service provision may be the main driver for lower
customer satisfaction levels (Jabnoun and Al-Tamimi, 2003). This has implications for
prior approaches to rationalise branches and local staff, and may explain why some
Australian banks are now choosing to differentiate their brand through re-opening
outlets, extending operating hours and employing local staff to manage customer
interactions. Therefore, bank e-retailers need to be mindful of the role and importance of traditionally provided services in fostering long-term relationships with their
customers.