Mohammed Shahid, Ronni Mol Joji, Archana Prabu Kumar, Amer Almarabheh, Kranthi Kosaraju, Ali Almahmeed and Abdel Halim Salem Deifalla
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on people's lives, air travel and tourism. The authors explored travelers' perceptions of COVID rapid antigen tests before boarding…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on people's lives, air travel and tourism. The authors explored travelers' perceptions of COVID rapid antigen tests before boarding aircraft, willingness to fly and the precautionary actions for safe air travel.
Design/methodology/approach
All the participants were asked to complete the survey while reflecting on their experiences of air travel during this COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information of the participants and air travel preferences during pandemic. The survey was conducted through Google Form in both English and Arabic language. The link was shared through emails and WhatsApp.
Findings
In this survey, majority had willingness to fly during pandemic. 45.2% preferred to undergo rapid test before boarding, while 41.9% refused owing to no added benefit (23.8%) and nasal discomfort (9.3%) among others. The best indicators to resume safe air travel were COVID-19 vaccination (80.4%), wearing face mask during flying hours (70.8%) and maintain social distancing with aircraft seating (49.6%).
Research limitations/implications
The findings of the current survey could help the organizations and the biosecurity authorities to act and support accordingly and thus reduce passenger anxiety about resuming the flights, thereby increasing willingness to fly and preparing oneself and the aviation industry for future pandemics.
Originality/value
The findings of the current survey could help the organizations and the biosecurity authorities to act and support accordingly and thus reduce passenger anxiety about resuming the flights, thereby increasing willingness to fly, and preparing oneself and the aviation industry for future pandemics.
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Archana Tiwari, Audhesh Kumar, Rishi Kant and Deepak Jaiswal
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of fashion influencer measures on consumers' purchase intentions and the mediation of attitudes to understand the phenomenon of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of fashion influencer measures on consumers' purchase intentions and the mediation of attitudes to understand the phenomenon of influencer marketing in the backdrop of the fashion industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employs a conceptual model based on extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with added perceived trust. Data were collected from 341 participants from different regions of the country and analysed using direct path analysis and mediation technique.
Findings
The study found that attitudes toward fashion influencers are positively influenced by perceived trust, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. However, perceived behavioural control is not directly related to purchasing intents in the research model. The results confirmed that attitudes have a positive association with purchase intentions both directly and indirectly (partially mediation).
Research limitations/implications
The study advocates market practitioners and advertisers to acknowledge the increasing importance of influencer marketing and the promotion of their fashion offerings in the setting of emerging fashion industry.
Originality/value
The present study adds crucial value to enhance the understanding of fashion influencer marketing in the Indian context. This research offers several insights into the continually growing knowledge domain of influencer marketing by predicting the direct relationships with purchase intents and the mediation of attitudes.
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Hyun‐Joo Lee, Archana Kumar and Youn‐Kyung Kim
The purpose of this study is to examine effects of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products on dimensions of brand equity for a US and local apparel…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine effects of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products on dimensions of brand equity for a US and local apparel brand in the Indian market.
Design/methodology/approach
Three dimensions of brand equity are evaluated based on the respondents' shopping experience related to the selected US and local apparel brands. Data are collected from a convenience sample of college students in India.
Findings
The empirical tests show that, for a US apparel brand, there are direct and indirect effects of Indian consumers' gender, need for uniqueness (NFU), and attitudes toward American products on three dimensions of brand equity: perceived quality, brand loyalty, and brand associations with brand awareness. For local apparel brands, these effects are found for only one brand equity dimension: perceived quality.
Research limitations/implications
The study uses only one US apparel brand, which may limit the generalization of the findings to all product categories and countries.
Practical implications
US marketers need to improve Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products through marketing and promotional campaigns. On the other hand, Indian marketers should overcome the negative relationship between Indian consumers' attitudes toward American products and their quality perception toward a local apparel brand.
Originality/value
Little attention has been given to individual differences in evaluating the three dimensions of brand equity. By assessing brand equity based on the individual characteristics of gender, need for uniqueness, and attitudes toward American products, results of the study can help marketers to obtain more specific knowledge of brand equity about a target consumer group and thus enable them to plan and implement well‐suited strategies for improving their brand equity.
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Rakesh Kumar and Archana Saxena
The globe faces a difficult job in maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. Sustainable development goal (SDG-2030) is an important agenda for United National Organization. By 2030…
Abstract
The globe faces a difficult job in maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. Sustainable development goal (SDG-2030) is an important agenda for United National Organization. By 2030, the United Nations aims to have eliminated hunger, poverty, social protection, environmental protection, social security and inequality as described in different goals of SDG-2030. This cannot be accomplished without diligent work from each member. This study focuses on the strategy to removal of poverty with go green concept. The study is based on secondary data which was collected from different websites and previous research papers. This is analyst-based research. The go green notion is stressed in this chapter as aim to achieved SDG-1. The go green idea and its supporting industries were stressed in this chapter as a means of achieving SDG-1. This chapter discussed the many forms of poverty and an examination of their causes, as listed in SDG-1. Environment degradation is crucial for the SDGs. This chapter links SDG-1, 2, 6 and 7, which are concerned with hunger, clean water and sustainability of energy sources. This study explores achieving SDG while protecting the environment. This chapter explains how green growth policies, technology, good healthcare equipment, a strong education sector and effective communication technologies can all work together to achieve SDG-1 in a sustainable manner. This study focused on the resources needed to eradicate poverty in various regions. It is a crucial component of sustainable endeavours that help preserve a healthy environment for coming generations. Human development was dependent on a healthy environment. This study emphasised green growth, eco-friendly transportation and clean energy concept while achieving SDG-1. The study analyses different parameters to remove poverty with go green concept.
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This study aims to investigate the effects of age on mobile service quality perceptions and its impact on perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty between two significant mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of age on mobile service quality perceptions and its impact on perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty between two significant mobile service user segments – Generation Y and baby boomers.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple group structural equation modeling approach is utilized to assess the proposed model.
Findings
The results identify the mobile service quality attributes that are important to Generation Y‐ers and baby boomers. The study also finds significant differences between the two groups in terms of the effect of perceived economic and emotional value on satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation lies in the measurement of service quality. Another limitation is different methods of data collection between two age groups. Future research is recommended to examine differences between other generations, between different ethnic groups, and other demographic variables.
Practical implications
This study strongly suggest the effect of age on mobile service perceptions and loyalty decisions. It is suggested that marketers appeal to the emotional value for Gen Y‐ers while placing an emphasis on economic value for baby boomers.
Originality/value
The proposed role of gender in loyalty decisions provides insights to marketers on how to promote their services for diverse consumer segments.
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Archana Kumar, Ann Fairhurst and Youn-Kyung Kim
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of personal cultural orientation variables as antecedents of ethnocentric tendencies of Indian consumers. The impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of personal cultural orientation variables as antecedents of ethnocentric tendencies of Indian consumers. The impact of ethnocentric tendencies on attitudes toward both foreign and domestic products and services is also investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected by means of a pen-and-paper survey from 800 Indian consumers using a geographical cluster sampling method. A structural equation modeling approach was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings suggest that Indian consumers with high ethnocentric tendencies prefer domestic product/service while those with low ethnocentric tendencies prefer foreign product/service. Ethnocentrism is influenced by personal cultural orientations of Indian consumers (i.e. collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance).
Practical implications
The results reveal that both domestic and foreign marketers need to pay attention to personal cultural orientation in order to understand their customer's ethnocentricity. This could lead to development of better strategies as ethnocentrism has a direct impact on attitudes toward their products/services.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the limited literature on the ethnocentric tendencies of Indian consumers.
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Sylvia Smith and Archana Kumar
This study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee organizational commitment (EOC) within the gaming industry. It was predicted that a company's…
Abstract
This study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee organizational commitment (EOC) within the gaming industry. It was predicted that a company's CSR would strengthen the relationship of EOC and thus improve employee loyalty to the organization. Gender, tenure, and position of employees within the company were considered as variables moderating the relationship between CSR and EOC. To investigate these relationships, this study analyzed data from a gaming organization using a proprietary employee survey and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results determined that as employee attitudes toward CSR becomes positive, employees will have a positive affective commitment (AC)and continuance commitment (CC) toward the company. Further, as employees' affective and CC toward the company becomes positive, it strengthens organizational loyalty (OL). Results of this study support that a gaming organization's efforts to develop CSR could have a positive effect on EOC, and thus loyalty to the organization.
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Archana Kumar, Youn‐Kyung Kim and Lou Pelton
The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effects of individuals' self‐concept, product‐oriented variables (i.e. consumer's need for uniqueness (NFU), and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effects of individuals' self‐concept, product‐oriented variables (i.e. consumer's need for uniqueness (NFU), and clothing interest), and brand‐specific variables (i.e. perceived quality and emotional value) on purchase intention toward a US retail brand versus a local brand that are available in the Indian market.
Design/methodology/approach
Data obtained from 405 college students in India were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study found that Indian consumers' self‐concept and NFU had indirect effects on purchase intention of the US brand and the local brand. Both self‐concept and NFU positively influenced clothing interest. Clothing interest positively influenced perceived quality and emotional value for the US brand, but not for the local brand. Emotional value was found to be an important factor influencing purchase intention toward the US brand and the local brand as well. However, perceived quality did not affect Indian consumers' purchase intention of the US and local brand. Implications for both US and Indian retailers are provided.
Originality/value
As India is witnessing multitude of US retailers in its market, this paper aids in the better understanding of the Indian consumers and their perceptions toward US and local clothing brands.
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Antoinette Pole and Archana Kumar
– The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to seek to segment CSA members based on their motivations to join a CSA.
Design/methodology/approach
Data obtained from an online survey of 565 members belonging to a New York state CSA were analyzed using a combined hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis.
Findings
Based on their motivations to join a CSA results reveal four distinct types of segments among CSA members: No-Frills Member, Foodie Member, Nonchalant Member, and Quintessential Member. Results show all four clusters differ statistically across demographic characteristics including gender, political affiliation, and household income. The clusters differed across psychographic characteristics such as attitudes toward the treatment of animals, treatment of farm workers, pesticide use, the environment, food miles, and limiting factory farm purchases. Quintessential Members emerge as most concerned with food purchasing decisions while No-Frills Members are least concerned.
Research limitations/implications
The study employs a non-random purposive sample of CSAs in New York state. Respondents were recruited indirectly to participate in an online survey. The length and complexity of the survey, absence of an email address for respondents, levels of digital fluency, and technical glitches may result in lower participation rates.
Practical implications
This paper offers recommendations to farmers for retaining and attracting different types of CSA members.
Originality/value
This is the first study that segments CSA members in the USA based on their motivations to subscribe to a CSA, and it differentiates CSA member clusters based on their demographics, psychographics, and food purchasing decisions.