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1 – 6 of 6Rajagopal and Ananya Rajagopal
The principal purpose of this study is to analyze the consumer emotions on virtual merchandising in the context of social consumption ecosystem driven by value and lifestyle…
Abstract
Purpose
The principal purpose of this study is to analyze the consumer emotions on virtual merchandising in the context of social consumption ecosystem driven by value and lifestyle across the big middle consumer segment.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative information has been collected from 114 respondents selected through snowballing technique within the metropolitan area of Mexico City. A semi-structured research instrument was used to conduct the in-depth interviews online.
Findings
The results of the study indicate that technology-led virtual merchandising stimulates arousal and merriment among consumers, which converges the self-image congruence and appearance similarity. The subjects of the study have endorsed that visual stimulus leading to self-image and body image congruence develop consistent arousal and merriment, which lead to positive purchase intentions and buying decisions and inculcate the perception as seeing is experiencing.
Research limitations/implications
The samples drawn for this study may also limit the possibilities of generalization of the study results and map the consumer behavior in a predetermined pattern.
Practical implications
This study is founded on the theoretical maxims of theory of visual perceptions, cognitive theory of reasoning, theory of appearance and reality and Heider’s balance theory and contributes to these theories by explaining the relationship between the social self-concept and self-image congruence.
Social implications
Firms retailing online fashion apparel should also be engaged in developing user-generated contents through communications on social media encouraging experiential videos, slogans and reviews.
Originality/value
This paper significantly contributes to theoretical and practical implications on virtual shopping, emotions and beliefs and consumption culture.
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Rajagopal and Ananya Rajagopal
The principal objective of the study is to analyze the influence of ethnicity, culture and collective intelligence in entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and marketing of…
Abstract
Purpose
The principal objective of the study is to analyze the influence of ethnicity, culture and collective intelligence in entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and marketing of artisanal beer in Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative data have been gathered by conducting four workshops with twelve respondents in each workshop across four states of Mexico comprising Mexico City, Puebla, Queretaro and Guadalajara. These workshops were held for four hours during the pre-lunch period over the weekends, which was participated by a mix of entrepreneurs and consumers.
Findings
Artisanal entrepreneurship is driven by the culture, ethnicity, collective intelligence and frugal innovations. Ethnic products generate patriotic feeling and consumption for a social cause to encourage artisans at the grassroots with the local tags. Results also indicate that social media and crowd cognition play an important role in developing creative artisanal beer.
Research limitations/implications
This study is founded on the theoretical maxims of social learning theory (SCT), social cognitive theory and theory of creativity. The contextual interpretation of SCT explains the socialization of concepts by modelling emotions and behavior to derive structural experiences as observed in artisanal entrepreneurship.
Practical implications
Entrepreneurs can develop brand emotions, boost anthropomorphic feelings and inculcate the sense of nationalism among consumers to market ethnic brands and develop social consciousness towards consumption of “Made in Mexico” products.
Social implications
Artisanal beer face major challenge of customer outreach by enhancing the brand proximity and ethnic values. Ethnic products hold a strong image in niche market and need to be stimulated by the experience sharing through social media and community interactions.
Originality/value
This research study significantly contributes to the existing literature on ethnic entrepreneurship and creativity using innovative research approach.
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This paper aims to address a fundamental research question on behavioral branding, as how behavioral branding experience in reference to self-congruence, brand attributes and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address a fundamental research question on behavioral branding, as how behavioral branding experience in reference to self-congruence, brand attributes and vogue leads to a positive influence on behavioral branding.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the qualitative information gathered from 25 purposively selected respondents using semi-structured research interviews in the Mexico City. The respondents belonged to the young executive segment within the age group of 20-40, who had trendy knowledge of fashion accessory brands and exhibited behavior toward buying high profile consumer brands. The respondents were located in the northern (Roma Sur) and southern (Coyoacan) municipalities of Mexico City representing 28 per cent male and 72 per cent female sample population.
Findings
Brands following the vogue in the market engage consumers emotionally toward its use and public expressions. The effect of vogue in fashion accessories was found to be greater for women. This effect influences personality traits, and comparison of appearance and social status. Brand attributes reveal a set of characteristics that identify the physical character and personality traits of the brand, congruent with the consumer emotions through which consumers identify themselves. Brand personality traits include brand image, responsiveness and trust among consumers. Consumer brand knowledge during the survey was explored in reference to the behavioral branding by gathering answers to what consumers identified as their favorite fashion accessory brands. Consumer perception on brand image, perceived use value and societal recognition to the brand drive the brand attachment feeling among consumers. Consumers personify the brands at an accelerated pace, and they get associated to these brands.
Research limitations/implications
Like many other empirical studies, this study also has some limitations in reference to the research methodology, sampling, data collection and generalization of the findings. As this study is qualitative in nature, there are possibilities of subjectivity in the responses, which might not be compatible with the quantitative data, if researched with such methodology.
Practical implications
This study prompts specific managerial implications allowing managers with insights to better understand the consumer perceptions on fashion brands, vogue and the cognitive dimensions in adopting the behavioral brands of the fashion industry. The study demonstrates that the process of co-creation of fashion brands, and setting up vogue in the society is based on the social needs and consumer engagement in the vogue.
Originality/value
There is paucity of qualitative research literature on brand behavior in reference to hispanic consumers in general and in reference to Mexican consumer in particular. Hence, this paper contributes to the existing literature. There are not many empirical studies that have addressed these questions either in isolation, or considering the interrelationship of the above factors. The determinants of brand behavior analyzed in this study can be further explored broadly with the consumer value and lifestyle management.
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Rajagopal and Ananya Rajagopal
The paper aims to show how Latin American corporate executives are faced with a serious problem, low trust and peer confidence. The factors of criticism in the workplace…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to show how Latin American corporate executives are faced with a serious problem, low trust and peer confidence. The factors of criticism in the workplace, increased corporate controls, and growing expectations for improved performance and accountability, have accompanied this decline in trust. Traditional approaches to corporate governance, epitomized by organizational behavior theories, have focused on short‐term profits and organizational systems, which fail to achieve desired results. This paper presents the analysis of behavioral dimensions of cross‐cultural team performance in corporate environment in Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a literature review of previous research contributions focused on the managers of multinational companies operating in Latin American countries in a cross‐cultural environment. The success of the corporate ventures in Mexico has been evaluated from the perspectives of economic and relational attributes. The discussion in the study revealed that the degree of fit between a corporate parent and venture affects the success of the venture.
Findings
The paper finds that corporate venturing as a strategy for international business development has become significant in view of the process of globalization resulting in the free trade and business development opportunities for multinational companies. The success is associated with high levels of commitment, competitive skills and dynamics in functional management of the venture. In the study the variables of economic and relational dimensions of external and internal fit have shown greater association with venture success. It has also been found that ventures opt for greater autonomy and less economic dependency with their parent ventures for leading success and this finding makes intuitive sense.
Practical implications
The paper shows that the success in corporate venturing is associated with high levels of commitment, trust, group dynamics and skills in functional management of the venture. The discussions in the paper offer analytical insights for the managers to develop an operational balance in the team to achieve higher performance.
Originality/value
The thesis of the paper is developed around the issues of the cross‐cultural variables affecting workplace environment in reference to trust, team work and gender sensitivity required for achieving efficiency in a business ventures. The paper explores and maps the symbiosis between the cognitive drivers of team member personality and organizational work culture.
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Rajagopal and Ananya Rajagopal
The purpose of this paper is to present the managerial perspectives of building, nurturing and evaluating sales teams in Mexico. This study discusses the impact of sales team…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the managerial perspectives of building, nurturing and evaluating sales teams in Mexico. This study discusses the impact of sales team design in reference to the underlying rationale of management control and team coordination as indicators of performance and sales unit effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The major focus of the study is to discuss the impact of sales team design and task coordination as predictors of effectiveness of sales unit performance. A sample of 258 respondents has been covered under the study, categorizing them in equal proportion into three broad areas,: type of sales team, type of product market, and type of sales operations. Four industrial streams in sales were covered while selecting the sample respondents: consumer goods, consumer durables, industrial products, and consumer services.
Findings
The study reveals the balance between team designing and team coordination in performing sales. Work environment is largely governed by team coordination effects for the salespeople. Sales team‐building process has a substantial effect on sales organization effectiveness both directly and indirectly through its relationship with salespeople's behavioral performance.
Practical implications
The results of this study reveal that team performance largely depends on the effectiveness of team coordination, leadership and performance control through behavioral attributes. Sales managers may implement such controls effectively by establishing coordination, training, and feedback process rather than imposing command and control policy.
Originality/value
The thesis of the paper is developed around issues of the cross‐cultural variables and team management affecting workplace environment. The paper explores and maps the symbiosis between cognitive drivers of team members and team culture in performing the tasks.
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Rajagopal Shambavi and Sitalakshmi Ramanan
Marketing Communication.
Abstract
Subject area
Marketing Communication.
Study level/applicability
At the undergraduate level, this case can be used in marketing courses such as Marketing Fundamentals, Marketing Management, Marketing Communication and Consumer Behavior. This case may also be used for Master's level students for Quality when focusing on safety/security in offices and factories.
Case overview
This case is used to introduce the concept of B2B and B2C marketing and explore the possibilities of converting an industry that essentially uses B2B marketing communication to choose B2C options. This case is also important for creating awareness on safety and preventive measures in the face of a fire crisis.
Expected learning outcomes
Understanding the role of marketing communication. Differentiating between B2B and B2C markets. Exploring the application of B2C marketing communication in the fire suppression systems market in the Middle East.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
Details