Elsa Kassardjian, Joanna Gamble, Anne Gunson and Sara R. Jaeger
The goal of this research was to try a new methodology to elicit consumers' willingness to pay for genetically modified (GM) food.
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this research was to try a new methodology to elicit consumers' willingness to pay for genetically modified (GM) food.
Design/methodology/approach
Even though experimental auctions have been used for several years, they do not provide qualitative information on consumers' reasoning behind their purchase behaviours. To provide further illumination in this regard, a thought‐listing technique and a questionnaire were added.
Findings
A majority of the consumers involved in this study were ready to pay for the GM food offered. The benefit provided by the GM product did not seem to be the major purchase criterion and sensory assessment appeared to be important. The use of different methodologies on the same sample of participants revealed that there was a gap between purchasing intentions and behaviours, and that a key to efficiently assessing public perception and purchase behaviours is the precision of the context.
Research limitations implications
The absence of discrimination between the different benefits offered, might come from the limited size of the samples or from the nature of the benefits offered. Future research should consider larger samples and more diversified products.
Practical implications
This study has concrete methodology applications. If one would like to conduct a market study, for instance, on a specific GM product, a general survey on biotechnology will not provide relevant answers.
Originality/value
The implementation of experimental auctions with psychometric tools, created an original and suitable protocol for accessing consumers' willingness to pay as well as their justifications.
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Joanna Clare Gamble, Christina Maree Bava and Mark Wohlers
The purpose of this paper is to understand stress triggers frequently experienced by relatively affluent working mothers of young children, to explore the situational context…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand stress triggers frequently experienced by relatively affluent working mothers of young children, to explore the situational context surrounding the various coping strategies used and to assess the value of foods specifically targeted at affecting stress (i.e. “mood foods”). Women with young children were selected as the focus because the greater dependency of young children creates the potential for significant work-family conflicts.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-staged study explored the stressors that mothers with young children encounter and identified their means of coping. Four fruit-based products (atomiser, pill, chocolate, drink) were then presented and the mothers ' receptivity to them assessed.
Findings
Some common coping strategies were viewed positively as behaviours the women wished to retain, but other strategies such as crying, yelling/shouting or drinking alcohol involved behaviours with which they were less happy. Time restraints limited the choice of coping strategy. Over three-quarters of the women in the study were interested in a fruit-based product with naturally occurring stress-relief properties that could either replace these behaviours or be used in tandem with acceptable behaviours, preference depending on the situation.
Research limitations/implications
Once beyond a conceptual stage, further research using techniques such as non-hypothetical markets should be conducted with a broader section of the public in order to determine the true value of such products.
Originality/value
The research demonstrates that the range of stress-relief strategies, and their use by women with young children are highly dependent on the situation. In addition, it confirms the willingness to try a novel fruit-based product that could assist in stress relief.
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Joanna Gray and Elspeth Fennell
This article argues that a more broadly based understanding of the processes of the enforcement of regulation and compliance needs to be developed. It highlights aspects of two…
Abstract
This article argues that a more broadly based understanding of the processes of the enforcement of regulation and compliance needs to be developed. It highlights aspects of two recent newsworthy cases of non‐compliance with financial regulation. It concludes that future practice needs to be informed by research from a wider range of theoretical disciplines than have been employed in the study of financial regulation hitherto.
Lisa Marzano, Karen Ciclitira and Joanna R. Adler
The purpose of this paper is to understand the needs and motivations of incarcerated men who self-harm with no apparent suicidal intent. These have received little attention in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the needs and motivations of incarcerated men who self-harm with no apparent suicidal intent. These have received little attention in research and policy, despite men accounting for a high and increasing proportion of self-harm in prisons.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adult male prisoners with a recent history or thoughts of non-suicidal self-harm. The interviews were analysed drawing on principles of thematic analysis and discourse analysis.
Findings
Against a backdrop of early traumatic experiences and more recent adverse events (including prison-related ones), self-harm was described by many as a desperate – but meaningful – coping strategy; both a means of releasing tension, sadness and frustration, and of being heard in an unresponsive system.
Originality/value
These findings echo those of research conducted with women (including women prisoners) who self-harm, but challenge some of the more negative ways in which non-suicidal male prisoner self-harm has been portrayed in the (scant) previous literature. As well as pointing to the need for greater awareness of the complex needs of men in prisons, they underscore the importance of (also) exploring – and perhaps addressing – the issue of self-harm separately from suicide, and of striving to make prisons, as well as prisoners, “healthier” and better able to cope with pressure.
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This paper argues for the following sensitizing proposition. At its core, much of consumer behavior that involves brand meanings is an attempt to influence, or symbolically mark…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper argues for the following sensitizing proposition. At its core, much of consumer behavior that involves brand meanings is an attempt to influence, or symbolically mark, interpersonal relationships.
Methodology/approach
This paper presents a conceptual argument based on a literature review.
Findings
First, I argue that our pervasive concern with other people is a basic genetic component of human beings, and discuss some possible evolutionary pressures that may have led to this result. Then I discuss how this pervasive concern influences consumer behavior related to brand meanings. This discussion is structured around two aspects of social relationships: interpersonal closeness and social status. Relationship closeness is discussed with regard to brand communities, gifts, special possessions and brand love, and the often hidden ways that social relationships permeate everyday consumer behavior. Social status is discussed with reference to materialism. Materialism is sometimes misunderstood as an obsession with physical object, or as occurring when people care more about products than they do about people. In contrast, I argue that materialism is better understood as a style of relating to people.
Originality/value
This paper integrates a range of disparate findings in support of a broadly applicable generalization that nothing matters more to people than other people. This generalization can function as a sensitizing proposition that managers and researchers can bear in mind as they seek to interpret and understand how brand meaning influences consumer behavior.
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Relying on Social Identity Theory (SIT), Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT) and System Justification Theory (SJT), this study aims at examining identity enhancement strategies of…
Abstract
Relying on Social Identity Theory (SIT), Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT) and System Justification Theory (SJT), this study aims at examining identity enhancement strategies of blue-collar workers who might be described as members of low-status groups having negative social identity. In the scope of this study, individual and collective strategies for identity enhancement of blue-collar workers have been proposed with the support of above mentioned theories. First of all, factors determining identity enhancement strategies have been described. Then, individual mobility conditions were explained and informal workplace learning was suggested as an individual mobility strategy for blue-collar workers to enhance social identity. In addition, it was argued that high self-monitoring blue collars are more likely than low self-monitoring blue collars to use individual mobility strategy. It was also emphasized that through union membership, high identifier blue collars will adopt a collective identity enhancement strategy. Finally, acceptance of low-status strategy was proposed for blue-collar workers in case they perceive their group’s low status as stable and legitimate.
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Joanna F. Norman, Leah Aiken and Tomika W. Greer
The purpose of this research was to empirically examine the career transitions of mid-career African American women leaving traditional careers for entrepreneurship. The authors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to empirically examine the career transitions of mid-career African American women leaving traditional careers for entrepreneurship. The authors illustrate how transition theory and effectuation principles ameliorate an African American woman's transition to entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with nine African American woman entrepreneurs. The data collected were evaluated through the lens of transition theory and effectuation theory.
Findings
The study results show that despite being the chief officer, many African American women still face inequalities when negotiating business deals, interacting with partners and when seeking capital for their business. Effectuation theory partially supports an African American woman's career transition to entrepreneurship, but the theory does not fully address the unique experiences of this demographic.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study reveal that effectuation principles do not fully explain the entrepreneurial career transition experiences of African American women. Theory development and extensions of existing theories should consider the potential discriminatory practices that limit financial resources and strategic partnerships for African American women entrepreneurs. The authors also advocate for consideration of identities, particularly related to gender and race, as factors that contribute to entrepreneurial experiences.
Practical implications
The study findings support the notion that each woman's situation will be different and unique, requiring aspiring African American woman entrepreneurs to assess their individual situation. Consistent access to minority-specific programs can help aspiring African American women entrepreneurs visualize her new identity and provide the support needed to enhance her career transition. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so each woman will need to craft her own individualized plan.
Social implications
Findings from this study solidify the role of African American women entrepreneurs as business leaders with influence and direct impact on the US economy. Their success enables African American women to contribute to more inclusive societies through their service to diverse members of society. In addition, their attainment of success serves as a testimony to aspiring African American women that entrepreneurial success is achievable, encouraging more diversity in entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
Few entrepreneurial studies exist on both women and racial minorities, resulting in a paucity of strategies to support African American women throughout their entrepreneurial journey. The results of this study revealed barriers which require specific strategies to address discriminatory lending practices and acceptance when forging new business relationships.
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Joanna Strycharz, Guda van Noort, Natali Helberger and Edith Smit
The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into personalisation from a practitioner’s perspective to bridge the practitioner-academia gap and steer the research agenda. A…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into personalisation from a practitioner’s perspective to bridge the practitioner-academia gap and steer the research agenda. A wide scope of research has investigated personalisation from a consumer perspective. The current study aims at bridging the consumer and practitioner perspective by entering into a dialogue about the practical application of personalisation. It takes the personalisation process model by Vesanen and Raulas (2006) as the starting point.
Design/methodology/approach
Lead by the exploratory character of the study, semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with marketers, market researchers and online privacy specialists.
Findings
The results showcase how practitioners view the issues present in consumer research. First, they are overly positive about personalisation. Second, they are aware of constraining factors; findings showcase best practices to mitigate them. Finally, practitioners are aware of controversies surrounding personalisation and thus engage in ethical discussions on personalisation.
Research limitations/implications
This study shows that practitioners have somewhat different believes about the utility and appreciation of personalised marketing practices than consumers. It also shows awareness of some of the key concerns of consumers, and that such awareness translates into organisational and technological solutions that can even go beyond what is currently mandated by law. Six insights into personalised marketing as well as expectations for the future of the phenomenon are discussed to steer the research agenda.
Practical implications
Insights into the practice of personalisation contribute to a shared understanding of this phenomenon between involved actors, such as marketers, advertisers, and consumer representatives. In addition, implications for lawmakers are discussed, suggesting that the implementation of privacy laws needs more clarity and that actions aiming at improving consumer knowledge are needed.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the literature first, by drafting a descriptive map of personalisation from a practitioners’ perspective and contrasting it with the perspective stemming from consumer research and, second, by offering insights into the current developments and direct implications for practice and future research.
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Joanna Sieńczyło‐Chlabicz and Wojciech Filipkowski
Since the beginning of the 1990s Poland has been developing a system of counteracting and fighting the money laundering phenomenon. Such actions were started because of the need…
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 1990s Poland has been developing a system of counteracting and fighting the money laundering phenomenon. Such actions were started because of the need to protect the Polish legal system and the Polish economy against the threat coming from organised criminal groups wanting to invest in Poland the proceeds derived from illicit activities. Poland is an attractive country to them as far as investing is concerned because of the great demand for capital needed to conduct the necessary transformations in the economic and social system.