Delving into the behaviour of sharing economy consumers: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose

The impact of the sharing economy on traditional businesses has largely been analysed from both company and consumer perspectives. In the case of the latter, scholars have produced a rich field of research into different aspects of consumer behaviour and the way it is reshaped in these alternative consumption patterns. This study aims to provide a systematization of these studies and to develop a model for consumer behaviour in the sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a three-step approach, a systematic literature review has been performed to analyse and classify 108 scientific papers about consumer behaviour in the sharing economy.

Findings

Four main research topics came up from the analysis: sharing approach, consumption pattern, post-purchase behaviour and sustainability. Basing on these clusters, the double-loop model of consumer behaviour in the sharing economy is presented and discussed.

Originality/value

The research allows to provide scholars and practitioners with the state of the art on consumer behaviour in sharing economy and to draft future research avenues to orient research and practice in the field.