Hiroko Oe and Yasuyuki Yamaoka
This study aims to present a communication model for promoting value co-creation between citizens and policymakers and to draw out proposals on the rationale in implementing nudge…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a communication model for promoting value co-creation between citizens and policymakers and to draw out proposals on the rationale in implementing nudge effect as well as key policy implications. The paper also revisits the close relationship between information senders and receivers (citizens) from the perspective of “citizen behaviour change” and focuses on the nudge effect, which strengthens the communication skills of policymakers (information senders) and accelerates the behaviour change of citizens (i.e. the recipients of information). Based on the study, the authors propose a conceptual framework to explain the spontaneous incentive structure of citizens.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a conceptual discussion based on a literature review. It examines the nudge effect on citizen behaviour based on information and communications models and theories. From critical discussions of literature, it proposes an analytical model that focuses on the nudge effect put forward in behavioural economics and takes into account the importance of measures to increase the sensitivity and empathy of the recipients of information.
Findings
The authors revisited the relationship between information senders and receivers from the perspective of citizen behavioural change and focus on the nudge effect, which strengthens the communication power of policymakers and accelerates the behavioural change of citizens (i.e. the recipients of information). According to the study, the authors propose a conceptual framework to explain citizens' spontaneous incentive structure. The dual perspective of policymakers and citizens should be central to the collaboration between citizens and policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of social policies, where the scope and type of value generated and the perspective of social value are essential.
Research limitations/implications
This paper bridges the interdisciplinary research fields of behavioural economics and social policy. It is hoped that the model proposed in this paper will be an effective discussion framework for relevant researchers and practitioners when considering human resource training and system building related to information dissemination. In addition, it is hoped the model will be an effective tool for deepening discussions on topics that help to facilitate information transfer and communication within organisations.
Practical implications
The realisation of policy intentions within the core elements of the social policy process, such as the definition of key objectives, policy mechanisms and legislation, are central elements of policy formation and are said to be highly similar across countries. The framework proposed in this study is a valid resource that can be applied in other countries and can be expected to act an effective guidepost for policy makers and other stakeholders engaged in social policy.
Originality/value
Up to this point, in examinations of encouraging behavioural change in information recipients, attention has been focussed on the aspect of increasing the sender's ability to transmit information. Interventions, such as increasing the energy of the delivery, increasing the frequency and diversifying the media to make a strong impression on the receiver's consciousness, have been considered and implemented. However, this study suggests that, in addition to such efforts on the part of the sender, it is important to increase the sensitivity and affinity of the receiver to the message as preliminary preparation to receiving it.
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Hiroko Oe, Pornchnit Sunpakit, Yasuyuki Yamaoka and Yan Liang
This paper aims to examine consumer perceptions of conspicuousness of purchasing of luxury goods in Thailand.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine consumer perceptions of conspicuousness of purchasing of luxury goods in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a quantitative approach, based on a survey data collected on the internet. The data set was analyzed with structural equation modeling focusing on three latent factors: “Social”, “Personal” and “Conspicuous” value perceptions.
Findings
The result indicates that “Conspicuous” value does not have a significant impact on their purchasing intentions, which is a contradiction to the previous understanding that Asian consumers are inclined to behave conspicuously from the collectivist cultural context. This finding casts an implication for marketers in the relevant industry and the field of study for inconspicuous consumer behavior.
Research limitations/implications
This research outcome should be expanded to develop more robust implications for the relevant marketers and researchers. In doing so, another investigation based on a bigger data set with more samples would be required.
Originality/value
This study indicates that Thai consumers do not behave from the conspicuous perceptions, which has been believed in the Asian context of consumer behavior. This finding suggests a new paradigm for discussion is required to understand Asian consumer attitudes in more depth especially their perceptions of conspicuous and inconspicuous views.
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Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to offer a conceptual model that demonstrates Chinese consumers’ value perceptions towards luxury products based on the recent literature reviews and the findings from focus groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus group discussion is used to explore how Chinese consumers construct their value perceptions towards luxury products.
Findings
This research has integrate different perspective values into one multidimensional model to explain directly why Chinese consumers choose to buy luxury products, and what are these variables that influence their luxury value perceptions. It also provides a broader perspective in exploring the Chinese customer‘s self- and societal perceptions for purchasing luxury products.
Research limitations/implications
The primary data were only collected from three cities; thus, the findings may not be generalisable across all Chinese consumers. Moreover, this qualitative study was based on a relatively small sample size; thus, a future study is planned by designing a measurement instrument based on the proposed conceptual model and also testing the proposed theoretical model that scholars can apply in related empirical work in the future.
Originality/value
This study has offered a wide range of understanding about how Chinese luxury consumers’ luxury value perception reflect their purchasing behaviours and habits; it has also provided a new theoretical insight into the phenomenon of luxury consumption and contributed to the relatively limited literature on the concept of luxury in the context of Chinese market. It could also provide good implications for the effective marketing strategy actions in the context of Chinese luxury market.
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The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature that explores the relationships between store image and store patronage behaviour, thereby providing the practical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature that explores the relationships between store image and store patronage behaviour, thereby providing the practical analytical framework with measurements that aids marketers to build strategical marketing plans to attract loyal customers to their retail shops.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review method was applied to this study which analysed the literature of peer-reviewed articles in English-language journals and specific online databases. In total, 863 peer-reviewed articles which were published between 1950 and 2017 were examined to provide the practical framework with measurements for further discussion.
Findings
It was found that within the eight identified dimensions of store image – merchandise, service, convenience, promotion, client, physical facilities, atmosphere and institutions, there are corresponding sub-sections that must be recognised, e.g. merchandise is made up of quality, assortment, price, fashion and guarantee. These dimensions have been analysed and discussed in the context of their impact on store patronage. However, because of the lack of clarity in predictors of store patronage, there has been confusion in academic discussions. Therefore, it is proposed that store patronage should be investigated with two parameters, customer and manager store image alignment and past purchase experiences.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to providing a useful discussion platform with an analytical framework and measurements. Due to the selected term-based search method, even with the authors’ maximum effort, the number of selected publications is limited.
Practical implications
This study introduces a practical conceptual framework for the measurements that need to be utilised by the marketers while building marketing strategies for attracting consumers to enhance their patronage behaviours. Retail services need to create a reinvented discussion platform with respect to store image and patronage. Consumers may perceive store image as being embedded in the store environment as a trigger for their patronage behaviour and, using the proposed analytical framework, the retailers can analyse and refine their marketing plans effectively.
Originality/value
This study presents the overall reappraisals of the initial literature with regard to the holistic development, implications and impact of store image on store patronage. Moreover, the paper seeks to provide a robust discussion paradigm for developing perspectives for improving patronage behaviours, thereby bridging the gap between store image and store patronage by attempting to use the relevant literature to contribute to constructive future discussions and useful dimensions while building marketing strategies.
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Aidin Salamzadeh and Hiroko Kawamorita Kesim
Startups play a significant role in improving societies. This paper concentrates on the concept of “startups” and attempts to present a more comprehensive view of this phenomenon…
Abstract
Purpose
Startups play a significant role in improving societies. This paper concentrates on the concept of “startups” and attempts to present a more comprehensive view of this phenomenon. Also, the focus of this paper is on investigating enterprising communities and the startup ecosystem in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
The existing literature is carefully reviewed, definition and views are explored and the story of this phenomenon is told from the formation to the exit stage. The author elaborates the existing stages and challenges of startups in Iran. To do so, 65 tech startup founders are interviewed. Semi-structured interviews (SI) were based on previous studies mentioning the lifecycle of the startups, and were fully recorded. Moreover, secondary sources of data (SS) were used to support the findings.
Findings
The paper classifies the extant theories of startups in two levels, i.e. macro level, and micro and meso levels. Also, it defines some steps for the formation of startups and studies the Iranian startup ecosystem. Last but not the least the paper contributes to the startup ecosystem of Iran which is changing disruptively, especially in the last couple of years.
Research limitations/implications
Findings of this research shed light on the existing ecosystem of startups in Iran, which is rarely studied in previous research. Lack of enough evidence in the existing literature of startup ecosystem in Iran was the most significant limitation of the research which increased the need for more investigation and elaboration.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to understanding the startup ecosystem in Iran, and the challenges.
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This paper aims to focus on citizen participation as a crucial place management factor in Tokyo’s shrinking suburbs as a way to facilitate the goal of retaining and attracting…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on citizen participation as a crucial place management factor in Tokyo’s shrinking suburbs as a way to facilitate the goal of retaining and attracting population and improving townscape quality. This research qualitatively examines participatory practices in place management and place branding strategies in one case study.
Design/methodology/approach
A historical overview of participatory place management in Japan introduces the case study of Kunitachi City, in the western periphery of Tokyo, chosen because of its peculiar development tied to bottom-up practices, high-quality built environment and strong identity. Analysis was carried out by means of literature review in Japanese and English, interviews and extensive fieldwork between 2015 and 2017.
Findings
A certain degree of conflict between progressive and reactionary participatory practices can be beneficial to place management, and local governments should seek ways to actively support and grant legal status to civic involvement. Moreover, high-quality unique built space, achieved through participatory actions, is a prime tool to brand peripheral areas and foster the pride of residents.
Originality/value
In a context where municipalities need to devolve more and more responsibilities to their inhabitants, Kunitachi has emerged as a best practice thanks to a high degree of civic capital. While there is no ready-made recipe to be replicated, other areas should closely examine the efforts by this municipality to sustain bottom-up involvement, yielding the benefits of an attractive city image created by its own residents.