Jason Wallin, Jeffrey Podoshen and Vivek Venkatesh
The second wave (true Norwegian) black metal music scene has garnered attention for its ostensible negative impact upon contemporary consumption. Producers and consumers of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The second wave (true Norwegian) black metal music scene has garnered attention for its ostensible negative impact upon contemporary consumption. Producers and consumers of the scene, as potential heretics, have been associated with acts of church burning, Satanism, murder, and violence. Such actions have circulated under the signifier of evil, and have been associated with anti-Christian semiotics and pagan practices. Contemporary media has positioned such acts of evil beyond rational comprehension via the deployment of a rhetoric of evil. This enframement has evaded the psychoanalytic question of evil and the significant role of negative ethics in theorizing the allure and potential impact of black metal music. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evil in the music scene, its relation to ID evil, and its consumption and production practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon Zizek’s (2006) development of evil through Lacan’s three registers, this paper examines evil production and consumption through a detailed analysis of true Norwegian black metal. The authors rehabilitate the complex corridors of evil against its conceptual collapse as merely the ontological absence of good. Via Zizek, the authors offer a reconsideration of the anti-establishment violent activities enacted by some proponents of black metal ideology. Herein, the authors deploy a reading of ideological evil in order to interrogate the role of enjoyment and desire at work in the black metal scene.
Findings
After extensive immersion in the true Norwegian black metal scene, the authors elucidate on the key issues surrounding good, evil and Satanism, and their relationships to production and consumption. What many might term as “evil” is far more complex than what appears on the surface-level aesthetics.
Originality/value
While there have been examinations of the black metal scene, there has been scant literature that delves deep into the symbolism of the Satanic and the evil beyond the surface. This paper sheds light on the value of exploring evil in a scene as something that is much more than the mere absence of what is considered good.
Details
Keywords
Jessica Keech, Maureen Morrin and Jeffrey Steven Podoshen
The increasing desire of consumers for socially responsible luxury products combined with fluctuating supplies in consumer markets are leading various industries to seek…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing desire of consumers for socially responsible luxury products combined with fluctuating supplies in consumer markets are leading various industries to seek alternative sources to be able to meet the needs of its customers. One possible solution that may meet the demands of the future is lab-grown products. Because these products confer multiple benefits, this study aims to investigate the most effective ways to appeal to consumers by aligning the benefits of the products with their values as marketers seek to find effective promotion for these items.
Design/methodology/approach
We examine the effectiveness of an ethical positioning strategy for two types of luxury lab-grown (synthetic) products among high versus low materialism consumers in three experiments.
Findings
Findings suggest that a positioning strategy stressing product ethicality is more effective for low materialism consumers, whereas the strategy is less effective, and may even backfire, for high materialism consumers. The impact on social status consumers perceive from a lab-grown product explains why this effect occurs among low materialism consumers. Therefore, marketers should take caution and use specific appeals for different segments based on values such as consumers’ materialism levels.
Originality/value
If lab-grown products represent the wave of the future, it is important to understand how consumers will respond to this emerging technology and how promotion strategies may enhance their evaluation.
Details
Keywords
The intent of this article is to explore whether there is a difference between African Americans and non African‐Americans in the use of word‐of‐mouth and brand loyalty in…
Abstract
Purpose
The intent of this article is to explore whether there is a difference between African Americans and non African‐Americans in the use of word‐of‐mouth and brand loyalty in response to the purchase of durable goods (automobiles). Additionally, this article looks to explore preference for “black‐owned” goods and services and feelings about purchasing goods from firms that once had ties to slavery.
Design/methodology/approach
This article utilizes survey data obtained from over 800 respondents with analysis performed using regression analysis.
Findings
This study shows no significant difference in brand loyalty and word‐of‐mouth between African Americans and non African‐Americans and no significant preference for black owned goods and services. Additionally it was found that while a majority of African American consumers believe that most American firms have ties to slavery, this does not act as a factor in the purchase decision.
Practical implications
This article can help firms plan their marketing strategy in terms of how they will utilize word of mouth where African American consumers comprise a significant part of their target market. Additionally, this research can help firms to understand the context of brand loyalty in terms of looking at different ethnic groups within the USA.
Originality/value
The majority of literature regarding African American consumption patterns is extremely outdated, with most written over 20 years ago. The socio‐economic status of many African Americans has improved considerably, thereby making a fresh look at this group a necessity. This article redresses this deficit
Details
Keywords
Understanding the role of ethnicity is key for marketers in multicultural nations such as the USA. Many ethnic groups retain a great deal of collective memories and experiences…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding the role of ethnicity is key for marketers in multicultural nations such as the USA. Many ethnic groups retain a great deal of collective memories and experiences based on events in the past. Some of these experiences were stress‐inducing, if not horrific. This paper aims to look at the buying process of US Jewish consumers in relation to the purchase of German products, more specifically automobiles. Going beyond animosity, this research seeks to look at the variables of acculturation and closeness to the Holocaust as possible factors in the purchase decision.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper utilizes survey data obtained from over 400 respondents with analysis performed using regression, chi‐squared analysis, ANOVA and MANOVA.
Findings
The study shows that non‐Jewish Americans are more likely to purchase German automobiles than Jewish Americans. Acculturation and familial closeness to the Holocaust play a role in the purchase decision among Jewish Americans, while income does not.
Practical implications
The paper helps firms plan marketing strategy where they may have a history involved in war or similar actions.
Originality/value
Even though they have significant spending power, very little research has been done on American Jewish consumers. Additionally, as ethnically oriented violence still plagues the world, understanding the role distressing events play in the purchases of future generations is of paramount importance for global firms.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Details
Keywords
The intent of this article is to explore if there is a difference between American Jewish consumers and American non‐Jewish consumers in the use of word of mouth and brand loyalty…
Abstract
Purpose
The intent of this article is to explore if there is a difference between American Jewish consumers and American non‐Jewish consumers in the use of word of mouth and brand loyalty in response to the purchase of durable goods (automobiles). Additionally, this article aims to explore if there is a difference in the use of word of mouth and brand loyalty among American Jews with differing levels of acculturation.
Design/methodology/approach
This article utilizes survey data obtained from over 400 respondents with analysis performed using regression and chi‐squared analysis.
Findings
This study shows no significant difference in brand loyalty and word of mouth between all American Jews and American non‐Jews, however, a significant difference between highly acculturated American Jews and low‐acculturated American Jews was found.
Practical implications
The article helps firms plan their marketing strategy in terms of how they will utilize word of mouth where American Jewish consumers comprise a significant part of the target market. Additionally, this research helps firms understand the context of brand loyalty in terms of looking at ethnic groups.
Originality/value
Little research on Jewish consumer acculturation has been published in the last 25 years. The spending power of the American Jewish consumer is significantly larger than that of the rest of the American population, which makes the study of this group particularly valuable.
Details
Keywords
Suzanne C. Makarem, Susan M. Mudambi and Jeffrey S. Podoshen
This paper aims to determine the importance of the human touch in customer service interactions.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine the importance of the human touch in customer service interactions.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on two original studies using tech‐savvy respondents, utilizing a survey and scenario‐based research.
Findings
The paper finds that, even for tech‐savvy customers, human touch is an important factor in both customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to US respondents and telephone‐based service encounters.
Practical implications
This paper shows the importance of keeping some aspects of the human touch in customer encounters with the firm. Firms cannot rely on self‐service technology for all services.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills a gap in the existing services literature, with a specific focus on valuing human interaction in technology‐enabled service encounters.
Details
Keywords
Shahid Rasool, Habib Tariq, Muslim Amin, Muhammad Mubushar and Cihan Cobanoglu
This study uses bibliometric visualization techniques to comprehensively review the intertwined concepts of dark tourism, thana tourism and ghost tourism from 2000 to 2023. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study uses bibliometric visualization techniques to comprehensively review the intertwined concepts of dark tourism, thana tourism and ghost tourism from 2000 to 2023. The research seeks to clarify the ambiguity and inconsistencies arising from the interchangeable use of these terms and sets forth a roadmap for future research endeavors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study meticulously extracts research keywords from 634 scholarly papers in the Scopus database. It undertakes a thorough bibliometric analysis utilizing the visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer and RStudio to map the interconnectedness of these tourism phenomena.
Findings
The study identifies and explores contemporary theories such as self-categorization theory, stimulus-organism-response theory, embodiment theory, self-determination theory, socio-cognitive theory, risk perception theory, services theory, dark tourism theory, social and cultural theory, push-pull theory, performance theory, and wound culture theory. The research reveals four primary clusters through keyword co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling analyses: dark tourism insights, dynamics of dark tourism, dark tourism review and dark tourism experiences, illustrating their interrelationships and robustness.
Practical implications
Dark tourism insights can guide ethical practices, ensuring respectful site management and accurate historical representation. Integrating dark tourism into broader destination strategies can diversify offerings, attract niche markets and contribute to preserving historical memory through reflective experiences.
Originality/value
This study's outcomes significantly contribute to tourism literature by enhancing our understanding of the overlapping terminologies associated with dark, thana and ghost tourism. This improved comprehension sheds light on the importance of the research agenda surrounding the concept of dark, thana and ghost tourism.
Details
Keywords
Tourism often conjures notions of relaxation, joy, and pleasure. The tourism industry caters to providing leisure experiences to people, whose preferences have evolved…
Abstract
Tourism often conjures notions of relaxation, joy, and pleasure. The tourism industry caters to providing leisure experiences to people, whose preferences have evolved significantly over time. With a shift toward alternative tourism rather than traditional mass travel, the emergence of Niche Tourism becomes pivotal. While India has made strides in niche tourism, one particular facet remains unexplored: Dark Tourism. This form of tourism has gained immense popularity globally in the 21st century. As tourist preferences evolve and the concept of special interest tourism takes root, policymakers in the tourism sector worldwide are compelled to include this segment in their strategies. Several nations, previously impacted by conflict or lacking in tourism infrastructure, have embraced dark tourism to gain a competitive edge in attracting visitors. India's tourism industry has yet to delve into offering dark tourism as a product. A successful product hinges on customers' perceptions of its ability to meet their expectations. Without awareness among potential customers, even the most exceptional product can falter. This chapter aims to explore the potential of dark tourism in India by gauging the public perception of this form of tourism. It will also address potential challenges in developing dark tourism in India and propose recommendations to foster the growth of this tourism segment.