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Discusses how behavioural scientists have produced a multitude of data on complexities of consumer motivation – but states the sheer diversity of approach is making it difficult for decision‐makers to draw meaningful conclusions. Submits that the correct line of advance lies with a systems perspective. Examines Newton's Law of Motion to demonstrate how physics may be used to draw generalisation about activity in consumer systems. Purports that the important point here is that physics is not being applied to social systems, but rather it is parallel principles of cause and effect, which may be utilised, to facilitate the comprehension of these forces affecting behaviour in social systems. Concludes that what is needed to analyse available knowledge applicable to consumer motivation is a conceptual scheme which can serve as a frame of reference for marketing decision makers.

Offers the personal interpretations of authors as participant‐observers together with a data‐based analysis of the evolution of the services marketing literature. Bibliographic analysis of more than 1,000 English language, general services marketing publications, spanning four decades, provides an additional resource. Using an evolutionary metaphor as the framework, traces the literature through three stages: Crawling Out (1953‐79): Scurrying About (1980‐85); and Walking Erect (1986‐present). Shows how the literature has evolved from the early services‐marketing‐is‐different debate to the maturation of specific topics (e.g. service quality, service encounters) and the legitimization of the services marketing literature by major journals. Presents a classification and summary of publications and authors. Closes with discussion and speculation on the future of the services marketing literature.

Defines the term “comparative marketing” as a type of analysis which describes and interprets the differences and similarities between varying marketing practices and systems in two or more different countries or societies. Looks at the growth of international marketing and then goes on to examine various models of marketing. Provides a framework for comparative analysis, suggesting that effective comparative marketing analysis extends our knowledge of the interaction between social and business values and this helps to provide a more relevant marketing concept.

The purpose of this paper is to present memories of Don Dixon in Australia and of his outstanding contribution.

The paper is based on recollections and personal diaries.

Don Dixon made a significant contribution to the development of marketing as social discipline in Australia and to the evolution of the concept of a marketing system.

The paper contributes to a reassessment of the role of Don Dixon as an outstanding scholar in the discipline of marketing.

To familiarize readers with the nature, scope and history of macromarketing and, more specifically, with the European contribution to macromarketing.

The paper is based on a selective literature review and personal observation with a focus on the past, the present and the likely future of macromarketing.

The paper reports both on the limited degree of emphasis placed on macromarketing by marketing scholars and the reasons why macromarketing has not received more attention.

This paper provides a heretofore missing overview of the nature and scope of an important subdiscipline within academic marketing. The European contribution to macromarketing is discussed in considerable detail. Some personal views on the likely future development of this area are also offered.

States that knowledge drawn from relevant dimensions of reality answers questions about the ultimate end of the world. Marketing technologies are appropriate means for achieving four states that reduce probabilities of an apocalyptic doomsday: population stabilization, health maintenance, conflict resolution and ecosystem renewal. Marketing knowledge can answer eschatological questions by organizing information feedback of market response, co‐operative efforts in trading networks, executing mutually beneficial market exchanges and social learning that diffuses new products and ideas. By imposing penalties and rewards that can direct all market participants towards a sustainable society, marketing technologies have the potential to encourage sustainable development rather than apocalypse.

The proliferation of various interpretations of the marketing concept suggests a lack of unanimity as to its meaning. This article outlines five definitional “schools” of the marketing concept.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospection on the importance, origins and development of the research programs in the author’s career.

The study uses an autobiographical approach.

Most of the articles, research monographs and books that constitute this research and publishing efforts can be categorized into seven distinct, but related, research programs: channels of distribution; marketing theory; marketing’s philosophy debates; macromarketing and ethics; relationship marketing; resource-advantage theory; and marketing management and strategy. The value system that has guided these research programs has been shaped by specific events that took place in the author’s formative years. This essay chronicles these events and the origins and development of the seven research programs.

Chronicling the importance, origins and development of the seven research programs will hopefully motivate and assist other scholars in developing their own research programs.