A. Ben Oumlil and Joseph L. Balloun
This study aims to examine the ethical beliefs and moral philosophical typologies, the relative effect of religiosity on personal ethical beliefs and behavior of the collectivist…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the ethical beliefs and moral philosophical typologies, the relative effect of religiosity on personal ethical beliefs and behavior of the collectivist and individualistic business executives.
Design/methodology/approach
This research assesses the relative impact of significant cultural factors on the business ethical decision-making process in a Western and individualistic cultural context (the USA) in comparison to a non-Western and collective cultural context (Morocco). To understand how cultural variations influence business ethical practices, this study adopts Hofstede’s cultural framework for comparison of business executives’ ethical decisions within a cross-cultural context. Hypotheses are tested on survey data on 172 business executives.
Findings
Results show that most collective business executives are “Situationists”. The findings reveal a strong, positive relationship between business managers’ religiosity and their idealism degrees. This study also reveals mixed findings in examining the correlation of religiosity with various components of ethical intentions.
Research limitations/implications
The link between religiosity and ethical intentions needs to be viewed with caution. This calls for expanding the scope of this study into other cultures and religions.
Practical implications
Differences of the findings in ethical typologies between collective and individualistic business executives may lead to different negotiation styles on ethical business decisions and issues. Managers from a collective culture are not as likely to exhibit much change in their initial ethical orientation(s). There is a strong positive relationship between a business manager’s religiosity and his/her degree of idealism. Thus, the more religious business managers are, the more Absolutist they are when making ethical and moral judgments.
Originality/value
This research works to fill the gap by examining the impact of culture on the business/marketing ethical decision-making processes within the contexts of a Western cultural and developed nation and a non-Western cultural, and developing/Mediterranean/North African nation. The findings clarify the influence of culture on business ethical decisions. Such an understanding can assist corporate managers in developing and successfully implementing business ethical codes that lead to enhanced moral conduct in their organizations.
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A. Ben Oumlil and Joseph L. Balloun
Researchers emphasized that only a small effort has addressed the beliefs and attitudes of millennials toward advertising. The purpose of this study is also to respond to…
Abstract
Purpose
Researchers emphasized that only a small effort has addressed the beliefs and attitudes of millennials toward advertising. The purpose of this study is also to respond to researchers’ recognition of the dearth of cross-national advertising and globalization studies in emerging markets. To fill this theoretical gap in the literature, this study aims to assess attitudinal differences and similarities, as well as the underlying structures of the attitude toward advertising in general (AG), of millennial consumers from developed and emerging markets (USA, UK, France, Spain and Morocco).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from millennials through self-administered survey questionnaires. It drew from findings of previous research and theoretical development by Bauer and Greyser, Pollay and Mittal, Sandage and Leckenby, Muehling, Durvasula and Netemeyer, and Andrews, Lysonski and Durvasula. Various statistical analyses were used to explore differences and similarities in AG.
Findings
The paper concludes that the two-factor solution framework of AG is inadequate. Research results also indicated that millennials from each of the five different countries studied did not indicate overwhelmingly favorable or unfavorable AG. This study found eight factors/constructs (i.e. promote bad things as good, product information, social role and image, hedonism/pleasure, good for the economy, materialism, falsity and “not interpretable”) as descriptors of the millennials from the five nations’ AG.
Research limitations/implications
The differences in advertising beliefs and attitudes among samples in the five countries studied may be because of such factors as historical values, practices and regulations. Cultural values and dimension may influence millennials’ perceived AG and need to be taken into consideration.
Practical implications
Academicians and practitioners in the advertising field need to appreciate the country’s cultural peculiarities. In understanding the advertising preferences of millennial consumers in these five markets, marketing and advertising executives may have localized their advertising messages for each studied market, resulting in different responses from these millennial consumers.
Originality/value
Millennials need not be conceptualized as a single niche market. While the focus of most of research in the determinants of AG had been within the Western business/consumer construct, the goal is to include assessment of AG in a non-Western, emerging market. This paper addresses the dearth in determinants of AG research in North Africa and other emerging markets.
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Orhan Erdem, A. Ben Oumlil and Secil Tuncalp
Retailing business is greatly affected by the patronage behavioral orientations of shoppers. Understanding these orientations can assist retailers in developing appropriate…
Abstract
Retailing business is greatly affected by the patronage behavioral orientations of shoppers. Understanding these orientations can assist retailers in developing appropriate marketing strategies toward meeting the needs and wants of consumers. One important factor explaining consumer behavioral orientations is their values. Another important factor affecting consumer behavioral orientations is the store image, an image shaped by store attributes. This study examines the linkage between consumer values and the importance of some salient store attributes. Marketing management implications are also discussed.
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Alvin J Williams and Ben Oumlil
The reviewed literature emphasized that the student loan debt issues have a lot of connections to the economy. This conclusion is in support with broader evidence that high…
Abstract
Purpose
The reviewed literature emphasized that the student loan debt issues have a lot of connections to the economy. This conclusion is in support with broader evidence that high student debt levels are a drag on economic growth. Additionally, disadvantaged and other vulnerable groups, including students, are more likely to be excluded from the formal, regulated financial sector and not be able to take advantage of mainstream financial service providers (e.g. lack access to credit, insurance, and other formal financial services). Among the primary reasons cited for this financial exclusion has to do with a lack of understanding or familiarity with traditional financial services. The aim of this paper is to look at alternate approaches in promoting financial literacy to manage the huge private debt burden facing this important segment of the population. The purpose of this paper is to advance a model of college students’ financial capabilities enhancement to partially alleviate some of the problems related to deficits in financial knowledge among this population. The integrative model provides a framework to be operationalized by institutional decision-makers and policymakers at all levels. The model can be adapted to fit unique institutional circumstances and culture. Successful implementation of the model has the potential to enhance the quality of financial health among college students and young adults.
Design/methodology/approach
The manuscript’s aim is to advance a model of college students’ financial capabilities in an effort to prevent their financial exclusion. The proposed model provides a framework to be operationalized by institutional decision-making processes. The model offers six distinct, but inter-related components – antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measurement and assessment.
Findings
The underlying raison d’etre for the model is to offer a comprehensive, inclusive, across-the-board roadmap to guide universities, and other organizations in conceptualizing, planning, organizing, implementing, and assessing financial education-related systems and processes designed to enhance the long-term financial choices and behaviors of students. Through careful consideration of each of the phases of the model, decision-makers at all levels and all types of organizations should have a stronger grasp of the depth and breadth of actions required to effect the desired changes in students’ financial behavior.
Research limitations/implications
As with any paper there are limitations. The paper is conceptual and lacks data to test some of the linkages. Future research efforts should posit specific propositions to be tested based on the linkages offered in the model. Given the nature of the research theme, there is considerable benefit from taking a case-based approach to future research to offer more in-depth analyses of student financial literacy deficits across different situations and types, student markets, and educational institutions. The current research could also benefit from a stronger cross-cultural focus. While huge college student debt is probably more burdensome in the USA, it is helpful to get input from students in countries that lack a tradition of heavy borrowing to pay for college costs. Researching debt management trends across cultures should provide useful micro- and macro-economic data for policymakers and others.
Practical implications
The paper introduces a model of college students’ financial capabilities enhancement and financial exclusion’s prevention that offers one avenue to partially remedy the direct and indirect ills perpetrated and perpetuated by insufficient financial knowledge among young adults, especially the college segment (i.e. to promote financial inclusion and financial exclusion’s prevention). The model provides a comprehensive and integrative path for college administrators and others to consider when designing programs to enhance the overall financial knowledge acumen and savvy of college students. Specifically, the model discusses antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measure and evaluation options.
Social implications
There is considerable concern among students, parents, marketers, and public policymakers regarding deficiencies in financial knowledge and capabilities among the young adult population. Students have massive student loan debt, collectively, and there is a multifaceted clarion call to develop integrative solutions to this daunting scenario. The paper discusses the gravity and consequences of financial literacy deficits among college students and some associated solutions.
Originality/value
The model offers six distinct, but inter-related components – antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measurement and assessment. The model is posited as an “intervention strategy” capable of strengthening the capacity of young college adults to make informed financial decisions, thus impacting their quality of life over the long run. In particular the model offers a form of empowerment to this consumer segment. As stated, the underlying raison d’etre for the model is to offer a comprehensive, inclusive, across-the-board roadmap to guide universities and other organizations in conceptualizing, planning, organizing, implementing, and assessing financial education-related systems and processes designed to enhance the long-term financial choices and behaviors of students. Through careful consideration of each of the phases of the model, decision-makers at all levels and all types of organizations should have a stronger grasp of the depth and breadth of actions required to effect the desired changes in students’ financial behavior.
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A. Ben Oumlil and Alvin J. Williams
Highlights the role of consumer education in enhancing the capacity of mature consumers to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace. Consumer education programs can provide…
Abstract
Highlights the role of consumer education in enhancing the capacity of mature consumers to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace. Consumer education programs can provide significant benefits, including identification of market information, complaint and consumer redress procedures, and understanding a more technology‐based consumer environment. A conceptual model of the relationship between consumer education and mature consumers’ ability to manage marketplace dynamics is developed and discussed. Marketing management implications of consumer education for mature segments are posited and discussed.
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The purpose of this paper is to address what a sound warranty policy entails by identifying the key variables involved in the development of a warranty program.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address what a sound warranty policy entails by identifying the key variables involved in the development of a warranty program.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample population was composed of employees in the US division involved with high‐tech product warranties. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants.
Findings
The paper finds that the formality of the warranty policy should depend on its complexity. Differences exist between types of warranty based on the product knowledge of the buyer. Although a standardized warranty is easy to administer, as the product line diversifies, it becomes more challenging to standardize.
Research limitations/implications
This study can be expanded by examining how companies balance the cost/quality/warranty ability of the product, the techniques used to allocate warranty costs, and to evaluate multiple companies/industries, perhaps with a longitudinal focus.
Practical implications
The formality can be used to communicate the product warranty throughout the organization. Each department has a responsibility to the customer, so team members from service, product development, and marketing should plan and develop the warranty. A standardized warranty can send a clearer message to a customer about a firm's products. Simplifying front and back‐end processing and streamlining support structures can reduce costs.
Originality/value
In this paper, the identified key variable is brought out in warranty management framework. The development of this framework will satisfy a current, critical need to provide guidelines with all the steps needed to develop a warranty policy.
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This case study aims to develop and empirically test a general framework for the implementation and evaluation of a warranty policy (i.e. implementation, support structure, and…
Abstract
Purpose
This case study aims to develop and empirically test a general framework for the implementation and evaluation of a warranty policy (i.e. implementation, support structure, and evaluation stages) within the context of a high‐tech global firm.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of the employees of an anonymous US‐based global high tech firm.
Findings
The findings for the implementation stage report that the cost and profit centers should have their costs allocated on the basis of activity. For the support structure, there is a negative response to outsourcing as an option for implementing the warranty policy. For the evaluation, findings report that US firms should reevaluate their pricing, quality, and warranty strategy for domestic and international markets.
Research limitations/implications
This case study can be expanded by examining how companies balance the cost/quality/warranty ability of the product, the techniques used to allocate warranty costs, and to evaluate multiple companies/industries, perhaps with a longitudinal focus.
Practical implications
Findings report that the budgeted costs should be allocated depending on the type of incident. The majority of outsourcing opponents consisted of service personnel while those in favor were from product marketing departments. Also, the US firms need to provide written warranty information to their customers.
Originality/value
The proposed framework will satisfy a current, critical need to provide guidelines for the steps needed to implement and evaluate a warranty policy within a context of a high tech global company. Additionally, this case research study's key contribution lies in its attempt to address warranty management processes within a multitude of a firm's departments. Furthermore, the anonymous high tech company used in this study was chosen as a sample because the company offered a wide range of products, warranties, and service options. The company also utilized a vast reseller base to sell and service its products. This method offered the potential to gain better insight with regards to the role of resellers in a warranty program. It also marketed products and services to six specific industries: financial, retail, transportation, manufacturing, communications, and the public. This broad industrial perspective gave the study added cross‐industries' insight in reference to implementation and evaluation of a good warranty policy since the anonymous high tech company considers these industries to be sustainable industries in the USA and abroad.
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The purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of consumer education in the context of responsible gambling in Macao and to suggest ways in which Macao could enhance its…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of consumer education in the context of responsible gambling in Macao and to suggest ways in which Macao could enhance its consumer education efforts to meet its challenges with regard to responsible gambling.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploratory and interpretative approaches have been adopted to suggest why and how Macao should strengthen responsible gambling education. The methodology involved extensive review of relevant academic research, government documents and reports related to Macao's responsible gambling initiatives.
Findings
Effective long-term responsible gambling education is needed in Macao to further people's understanding of gambling and gambler's fallacy. The government should take leadership in influencing all stakeholders toward effective initiatives and behaviors related to responsible gambling education.
Originality/value
Although research on responsible gambling education is still in its infancy, its importance in reducing common misconceptions about gambling has already been established. This study contributes to strengthen Macao's responsible gambling practices by proposing several changes needed to provide desired outcomes through consumer education.