Dong Qian, Xuejing Wei, Guoqi Zhu, Xurong Ma, Beibei Hu and Xiaojun Pang
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of the influence of paradoxical thinking (PT), which characterizes the ability of college students to balance and integrate the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of the influence of paradoxical thinking (PT), which characterizes the ability of college students to balance and integrate the conflict between hedonic and normative goals, on their campus low-carbon behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model of “PT − Paradoxical salience (climate change concern, CCC) − Paradoxical acceptance (support for low-carbon behavioral norms, SN) − paradoxical resolution (campus low-carbon intentions and behaviors, CLCIs and CLCBs)” was developed. Then, it was tested by PLS-SEM using survey data obtained from 501 Chinese college students, and the relative importance of each factor of CLCBs was determined by the importance-performance map analysis method. Finally, a mechanistic difference analysis was conducted.
Findings
PT, CCC and SN have the potential to influence the CLCBs of college students, with each of the three factors showing approximately 40% room for improvement in their impact. There exists an influential pathway of “PT → CCC → SN → CLCIs → CLCBs.” Notably, PT exhibits a stronger direct influence on college students’ private-sphere CLCBs compared to the public-sphere CLCBs.
Practical implications
Colleges should integrate the development of PT into the foundational framework of the entire education for sustainable development curriculum, while emphasizing the provision of opportunities for training in PT through pedagogical methods, and PT training can be integrated across various social levels.
Originality/value
This study offers a paradox theoretical framework for comprehending and elucidating the decision-making process underlying personal low-carbon behaviors, and advances the quantitative research of microindividual paradox processing by effectively conceptualizing and measuring paradoxical salience and acceptance.
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Tara Stringer, Thilini Alahakoon, Frank Mathmann, Gary Mortimer and Alice Ruth Payne
This study investigates how actual donations towards social causes within fashion supply chains can be increased in the face of negative country-of-origin effects.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how actual donations towards social causes within fashion supply chains can be increased in the face of negative country-of-origin effects.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature reports a lack of sustained consumer support for social causes within fashion supply chains. Driven by perceived psychological distance between the manufacturer and the fashion consumer, negative country-of-origin effects have an impact on donation behaviour. Using two online experiments, this study shows that including a garment worker’s image in swing tags mitigates negative country-of-origin effects on actual donations.
Findings
Fashion consumers’ actual donations towards worker rights increased with the presence of a garment worker’s image. In the higher psychological distance condition, exposure to the image reduced negative country-of-origin effects, increasing actual donations. This increase in actual donations is driven by pleasure-seeking, thus indicating that consumer support for social causes within fashion supply chains is underlined by hedonism.
Originality/value
This study focuses on a visual cue-based mechanism of promoting actual donations towards social causes and the role of pleasure-seeking in this process – two previously under-explored areas in the fashion marketing literature. The use of an incentive-compatible measure that required participants to donate real money allows the demonstration of actual donation behaviour, providing robust evidence of the impact of visual cues and their potential to be applied in the real-world.
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Yongjin Hwang, Keshav Gupta and Deokkyung Ock
Esports game developers are incorporating interactive virtual shopping (IVS) experiences into their products to facilitate consumer–brand interactions. Despite the potential…
Abstract
Purpose
Esports game developers are incorporating interactive virtual shopping (IVS) experiences into their products to facilitate consumer–brand interactions. Despite the potential influence of IVS, existing research lacks an understanding of its impact on consumers’ overall affect– particularly game enjoyment, a critical factor in sustaining engagement with esports products – and on attitudinal change toward brands in the real world.
Design/methodology/approach
An experiment was designed to examine the impact of shopping in the virtually interactive esports marketplace on game enjoyment. Mediating effects of positive change in brand attitude, perceived realism and character attachment and the moderating effect of self-avatar gender congruity were investigated using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Additionally, the impact of brand popularity on the relationship between IVS and brand attitude was examined using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Findings
There was a positive impact of IVS on game enjoyment, mediated by a positive change in brand attitude, perceived realism and character attachment. Self-avatar gender congruity moderated the mediation effect of perceived realism. Notably, less popular brands exhibited a greater change in brand attitude compared to more popular brands.
Originality/value
The findings add to the body of literature on esports, particularly in investigating the role of IVS within the esports virtual world and advancing research on cognitive appraisal theory. This study informs practitioners in the esports industry about the value of creating interactive virtual marketplaces, as they serve to benefit sponsoring brands and enhance game enjoyment for players.
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Elyria Kemp, Xingyi Zhang, Millicent Njeri and Kim Williams
Music and sound have been used pervasively to enhance the tourism and hospitality experience. Incorporating music into a brand’s identity has the potential to influence consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
Music and sound have been used pervasively to enhance the tourism and hospitality experience. Incorporating music into a brand’s identity has the potential to influence consumer perceptions and decision-making. This study aims to identify how sonic branding influences consumer attitudes and engagement patterns with hotel brands by using feelings as information theory and applying the effects of music on neurochemical phenomena in the brain. It also explores how sonic branding differentially influences the decision-making of consumer segments.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental studies are used to examine how sonic brands influence consumer perceptions and engagement tendencies. Study 1 (n = 92) adopts a single-factor experimental design to investigate the main effects of sonic branding (presence vs absence) on customers’ responses. Study 2 (n = 204) uses a 2 (sonic branding: present vs. absent) × 2 (purpose of travel: leisure vs business) design to examine the interaction effects. Participants were recruited through Prolific.
Findings
Results indicate that the use of sonic branding increases engagement tendencies for a hotel brand. In addition, sonic branding interacted with the purpose of travel such that business travelers exhibited more favorable attitudes and higher engagement tendencies toward a hotel brand than leisure travelers when a sonic brand was used.
Originality/value
Given the proliferation of audio-centric environments, this research provides insight into how tourism and hospitality brands can engage and connect with customers by developing sonic brands that can be used throughout the customer journey.
研究目的
音乐和声音被广泛用于提升旅游和酒店体验。将音乐融入品牌的身份有可能影响消费者的感知和决策。本研究旨在通过使用感觉作为信息理论和应用音乐对大脑神经化学现象的影响, 识别声音品牌如何影响消费者对酒店品牌的态度和参与模式。它还探讨了声音品牌如何对不同消费者群体的决策产生差异化影响。
设计/方法/途径
采用实验研究来检验声音品牌如何影响消费者的感知和参与倾向。研究1(n = 92)采用单因素实验设计, 调查声音品牌(有 vs. 无)对客户反应的主要影响。研究2(n = 204)采用2(声音品牌:有 vs. 无)× 2(旅行目的:休闲 vs. 商务)设计, 检验交互效应。参与者通过Prolific平台招募。
研究结果
结果表明, 使用声音品牌会增加消费者对酒店品牌的参与倾向。此外, 声音品牌与旅行目的的交互作用表明, 当使用声音品牌时, 商务旅行者比休闲旅行者对酒店品牌表现出更有利的态度和更高的参与倾向。
原创性
鉴于音频中心环境的普及, 本研究提供了旅游和酒店品牌如何通过开发声音品牌在整个客户旅程中与客户互动和联系的见解。
Objetivo
La música y el sonido se han utilizado de forma generalizada para mejorar la experiencia del turismo y la hostelería. La incorporación de la música a la identidad de una marca tiene el potencial de influir en las percepciones y la toma de decisiones de los consumidores. Este estudio pretende identificar cómo influye la marca sonora (o audio branding) en las actitudes de los consumidores y en sus patrones de compromiso con las marcas hoteleras utilizando los sentimientos como teoría de la información y aplicando los efectos de la música en los fenómenos neuroquímicos del cerebro. También explora cómo influye diferencialmente la marca sonora en la toma de decisiones de los segmentos de consumidores.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Se emplean estudios experimentales para examinar cómo influyen las marcas sónicas en las percepciones y las tendencias de compromiso de los consumidores. El estudio 1 (N = 92) adopta un diseño experimental de factor único para investigar los efectos principales de la marca sonora (presencia frente a ausencia) en las respuestas de los clientes. El estudio 2 (N = 204) utiliza un diseño 2 (marca sonora: presente frente a ausente) × 2 (Objetivo del viaje: ocio frente a negocios) para examinar los efectos de interacción. Los participantes fueron reclutados a través de Prolific.
Resultados
Los resultados indican que el uso de la marca sonora aumenta las tendencias de compromiso con una marca hotelera. Además, la marca sonora interactuó con el objetivo del viaje de forma que los viajeros de negocios mostraron actitudes más favorables y mayores tendencias de compromiso hacia una marca hotelera que los viajeros de ocio cuando se utilizó una marca sonora.
Originalidad
Dada la proliferación de entornos audiocéntricos, esta investigación ofrece una visión de cómo las marcas turísticas y de hostelería pueden captar la atención de los clientes y conectar con ellos desarrollando marcas sonoras que puedan utilizarse a lo largo de todo el viaje del cliente.
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François Labelle, Annick Parent-Lamarche, Siba Théodore Koropogui and Rahma Chouchane
In many parts of the world, labor shortages are likely to affect the activities of SMEs. Consequently, SMEs needs to adopt attractive HRM practices. This study analyzes the impact…
Abstract
Purpose
In many parts of the world, labor shortages are likely to affect the activities of SMEs. Consequently, SMEs needs to adopt attractive HRM practices. This study analyzes the impact of one type of sustainable HRM (SD-HRM) on employees’ attraction and retention factors such as employees’ motivation, the quality of image and customer satisfaction in SMEs context. It also looks at the impact of SME managers’ value-intentions, calculative (egoist-strategic) and non-calculative (altruist-institutional) on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on part of a survey of 409 Quebec SME managers’ commitment to sustainability, a mediation model is used to consider the impact of the manager’s values-intentions on potential workforce attraction and retention factors.
Findings
The results show that the implementation of SD-HRM practices has a positive impact on the outcomes considered, as it was expected, but show the counterintuitive results that it is altruistic values (non-calculative), rather than egoistic values, that helps to maximize the desired effects.
Practical implications
SME managers could adopt SRHRM practices to attract and retain employees. To maximize positive impacts, they might strategically integrate this approach while remaining authentic to their altruistic values. Purely institutional intentions are insufficient. By being both personally committed and strategic, managers can improve both employee well-being and organizational performance.
Originality/value
The original aspect of this research is the integration of expectations of spin-offs (positive or neutral) in relation to SD-HRM, based on the values and intentions of SME managers. This allows to recognize the multiple profiles, justifications and objectives of SMEs, which do not form a monolithic whole and need to be understood and supported by considering their differences.
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Fernando Navarro-Lucena, Rafael Anaya-Sánchez and Sebastian Molinillo
The aim of this study is to understand how the dimensions of esports streaming viewers’ customer experience influence their intentions to buy brands produced by sponsors, both…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to understand how the dimensions of esports streaming viewers’ customer experience influence their intentions to buy brands produced by sponsors, both directly and through the mediating effect of their identification with players and teams.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online survey of 396 regular esports viewers in Spain, using convenience sampling. The proposed conceptual model was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results showed that the four dimensions of the viewer's customer experience (cognitive, affective, sensory and social) predicted his/her social identification with players/teams. In turn, social identification positively influenced purchase intentions for the sponsoring brand. The cognitive, affective and social dimensions of the experience indirectly influenced purchase intentions for the sponsoring brand, through social identification.
Originality/value
This study improves the understanding of esports viewers’ experiences and their impact on purchase intentions toward the sponsoring brand, and the key role of the viewer’s social identification with players/teams.
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Mohamed M. Elsotouhy, Mohamed A. Ghonim, Nada Khalifa and Mohamed A. Khashan
Despite the importance of emotional variables in shaping individuals' consumption behavior, nature-love still needs to be addressed concerning various aspects of sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the importance of emotional variables in shaping individuals' consumption behavior, nature-love still needs to be addressed concerning various aspects of sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Considering the dimensions of nature-love, this study aims to investigate the effect of passion-for-nature, intimacy-with-nature and commitment-to-nature on SCB. Furthermore, this study aims to incorporate the construal levels of psychological distance (PD) as a moderating variable between the tested variables to add a more in-depth understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from a sample of 311 individuals from Egypt using the snowball sampling method and the ten-time rule technique. The data was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The findings indicate that passion-for-nature and intimacy-with-nature have a significant positive effect on green purchasing, reusability and recycling. On the other hand, commitment-to-nature has a significant positive effect on both green purchasing and reusability. Additionally, a high PD acts as a moderator between the relationships tested. The findings have been discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to integrate PD as a moderator between the relationships tested. Additionally, this paper is the first empirical research investigating these relationships in developing economies.
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This study examines the ethical challenges faced by Jordanian enterprises in implementing sustainable business models (SBMs) aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the ethical challenges faced by Jordanian enterprises in implementing sustainable business models (SBMs) aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) – Responsible Consumption and Production. It focuses on how economic constraints, cultural influences and sustainability awareness shape these challenges in an emerging market context.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was used, involving a survey of 496 business leaders across various sectors in Jordan. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS to assess the relationships among economic constraints, cultural factors, sustainability awareness and ethical challenges in SBMs.
Findings
The findings indicate that significant ethical challenges arise from Jordan’s economic constraints, such as resource scarcity and limited access to finance, which complicate the alignment with SDG 12. Cultural values, particularly the emphasis on community and social cohesion, play a crucial role in ethical decision-making. However, the lack of sustainability education and awareness intensifies these challenges, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Practical implications
The study highlights the need for policymakers to provide financial support and incentives to promote sustainable practices. Business leaders are encouraged to integrate cultural values into ethical decision-making and to invest in sustainability education to mitigate these challenges.
Originality/value
This research provides new insights into the ethical dimensions of SBMs in emerging markets, offering practical recommendations for enhancing sustainability in resource-constrained environments like Jordan.
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Maali Kachouri and Rakia Riguen
The purpose of this paper is to argue the relationship between chief sustainability officer, sustainability performance and corporate governance. Specifically, this paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue the relationship between chief sustainability officer, sustainability performance and corporate governance. Specifically, this paper aims to empirically examine the mediation role of corporate governance on the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study sample includes 484 European companies that were listed on STOXX Europe 600 index between 2010 and 2022. There are 15 supersectors and 17 nations.
Findings
Results of this study show that the profile of chief sustainability officer has a positive impact on sustainability performance. In addition, the corporate governance mediates the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance.
Practical implications
The findings may be of interest to the academic researchers, investors and regulators. For academic researchers, the results would be interesting in discovering the dynamic relation between chief sustainability officer, sustainability performance and corporate governance. For investors, these show that the existence of chief sustainability officer provides sustainability performance from good corporate governance mechanisms. For regulators, these advise the worldwide policy maker to give the importance to chief sustainability officer roles to improve the engagement of firms in sustainability performance reporting.
Originality/value
This paper extends the existing literature by examining the mediation impact of corporate governance on the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance in the European context.
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Krupa Rai, Ranjan Chaudhuri, Sheshadri Chatterjee, Demetris Vrontis and Antonino Galati
The purpose of the research is to investigate customer shopping behaviour for Italian market, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) using the quick response (QR) code. The study uses…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the research is to investigate customer shopping behaviour for Italian market, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) using the quick response (QR) code. The study uses means-end chain (MEC) theory to explore the connections between product attributes, personal values and consumer preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
The theory of means-end chain helps to uncover the underlying reasons why consumers choose specific products by examining the links between tangibles. There is a conceptual model developed with the help of MEC. The conceptual framework comprises product information and marketing communication, which constitute the sensory and non-sensory aspects of consumption behaviour, and it is empirically tested by CB-SEM technique. QR code usefulness and loyalty are treated as mediators to evaluate shopping behaviour to purchase EVOO.
Findings
The study has used MEC theory and has extended this theory. This study found that there is a profound impact of technology (QR code) on the buying behaviour of EVOO for the Italian customers. This study has also found that product information and product communication play a critical role towards shopping behaviour of Italian consumers regarding EVOO related products.
Research limitations/implications
Innovation and technology adoption, especially the use of QR codes in understanding product features, has been an attractive area for research exploration. This could include details about the product’s origin, production methods and nutritional information. Such technology and innovation can change the business process management landscape of food-product distribution process. Not many studies are available which examine customers’ interest and shopping behaviour using QR codes, especially in the context of EVOO. Thus, this research study has a profound impact on the Italian and other European market.
Originality/value
In the Italian market, EVOO is more than just a product, it is a symbol of tradition, quality and cultural heritage. EVOO is not just a condiment, it is an essential ingredient that contributes to the overall flavour of dishes. This study explores the usage of QR code for EVOO related products. This is a unique study as there are a very few research studies available in this area of business process management and technology usage related to EVOO products. Moreover, this research study adds values to the body of literature of business process management, technology usage, innovation and food technology. Thus, this study is unique and adds value to the existing literature.