Marta Massi, Michel Rod and Daniela Corsaro
This paper aims to deal with the concepts of “institutions” and “institutional logics” in the context of business-to-business (B2B) marketing systems and uses institutional theory…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to deal with the concepts of “institutions” and “institutional logics” in the context of business-to-business (B2B) marketing systems and uses institutional theory as a framework to look at value co-creation.
Design/methodology/approach
By integrating the literature on value co-creation, institutional theory and institutional entrepreneurship, the paper argues that the boundaries of B2B marketing systems are continuously reshaped through legitimation processes occurring through actors’ institutional work, thus making co-created value the only legitimate value.
Findings
The paper proposes a conceptual framework and furthers the conceptual development of value co-creation and augments the literature on service-dominant logic and the notion of co-created value by assuming a legitimacy-based B2B market systems perspective.
Practical implications
This paper presents a number of propositions that serve to illustrate several managerial implications. These arise from organizations co-creating value by conforming to the various institutional logics that maximize their legitimacy.
Originality/value
The paper makes a contribution by developing a critical theoretical framework based on the application of institutional theoretical constructs/concepts (e.g. ceremonial conformity, decoupling, considerations of face, confidence and good faith).
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José I. Rojas-Méndez, Marta Massi and Elena Gallito
This study introduces and investigates the concept of consumer pandemic animosity to (1) develop and validate a scale (i.e. CPAS) to measure consumer animosity in the context of a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study introduces and investigates the concept of consumer pandemic animosity to (1) develop and validate a scale (i.e. CPAS) to measure consumer animosity in the context of a health pandemic; and (2) identify the effects of pandemic animosity on consumer purchase intentions in the field of general consumption and tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
The CPAS factor structure was initially tested on a sample of 201 American consumers based on participant interviews and expert evaluations. This exploratory phase identified two factors, namely CPAS emotions and beliefs, which were subsequently supported in the confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement and configural invariance of CPAS and discriminant and nomological validity were confirmed in an independent sample of 303 American consumers. A new sample of 203 Canadian consumers was used to test the external validity of CPAS by controlling for other types of consumer animosity dimensions. Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of CPAS on consumer purchase intentions in general product consumption and tourism.
Findings
This study contributes to expanding on the conceptualization of the consumer animosity construct that has been dealt with in economics, politics, culture and religion but never of a pandemic health crisis to date. Results indicate the psychometric soundness of the CPAS and the multifaceted nature of this construct by clearly identifying two levels of animosity (i.e. beliefs and emotions). Moreover, the structural model shows a significant and unique impact of pandemic animosity on consumer purchase intentions and travel intentions.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study proposing a new scale to measure the consumer disposition of animosity developed due to a pandemic affecting the world. It also offers a new dimension to the typology of animosity proposed by Jung et al. (2002): intentionality (intention-driven vs non-intention-driven). This paper presents a number of propositions that serve to identify testable hypotheses amenable both to validation and usefulness.
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Ginevra Addis, Serena Nasino, Marta Massi and Mark Anthony Camilleri
Art hotels are increasingly providing an opportunity for creative artists to exhibit their artworks and collections within their premises. This research investigates how some…
Abstract
Art hotels are increasingly providing an opportunity for creative artists to exhibit their artworks and collections within their premises. This research investigates how some hotels are transforming themselves into important cultural tourism centers. Specifically, its objectives are: (i) to better understand the extent to which travelers are aware about the existence of art hotels and to evaluate their level of interest in art-oriented initiatives; (ii) to determine which attributes and features of art hotels are appreciated by travelers; and (iii) to identify the type of travelers who are willing to stay in art hotels. The findings from a descriptive survey suggest that the incorporation of art into the hospitality industry can attract a diverse customer base and could result in a sustainable competitive advantage for hotels. This study identifies four types of travelers including: Art-Infused Travelers, Art-Seeking Travelers, Art-Indifferent Travelers, and Art-Blind Travelers. These prospective tourists were categorized according to their level of awareness and interest in art hotels and art-related experiences. In conclusion, this contribution implies that artification processes within the hospitality industry can add value to the cultural tourism market. Hence, it also advances future research avenues to academia.
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Lorenzo Mizzau, Fabrizio Montanari and Marta Massi
This chapter explores the potential of social media in the context of festivals and shows how web platforms can better inform event managers’ understanding of how a festival’s…
Abstract
This chapter explores the potential of social media in the context of festivals and shows how web platforms can better inform event managers’ understanding of how a festival’s social atmosphere (i.e. the socialscape) can be extended online and beyond the actual periods of the staging of a festival. This is possible as social media can help to build an online environment that favours social identification and user engagement. To illustrate such a mechanism, the chapter presents a multi-method analysis of Fotografia Europea, a photography festival held in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Results show the potential of a coordinated web and social media strategy for enhancing the festival’s atmosphere in terms of social identification and engagement.
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Marta Massi and Alessandro De Nisco
Originally conceptualised as an innovative strategy for environmental conservation, ecotourism is now considered as one of the fastest growing segments of tourism. Although many…
Abstract
Originally conceptualised as an innovative strategy for environmental conservation, ecotourism is now considered as one of the fastest growing segments of tourism. Although many definitions of ecotourism have been provided over the years, the application of the concept is still inconsistent, shifting its focus from purely nature-based towards more sustainable and conservative activities. Research on ecotourism reveals that ecotourism marketing initiatives are mainly driven by the supply-side or government/environmentalist organisations’ perspective, without taking into account the demand side, i.e., individuals’ motivations for ecotourism. This chapter will provide recognition of the different definitions of the ecotourism concept in order to distinguish it from other similar forms of tourism, e.g., nature-based tourism, and will review the research to build an understanding of the various motivations pushing individuals to choose ecotourism offerings. It will also function as the basis for the development of an appropriate protocol to investigate a sample of ecotourism providers and the congruency of their marketing initiatives with established consumer motivations.
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Michael Volgger and Dieter Pfister
This introduction to the volume Atmospheric Turn in Culture and Tourism: Place, Design and Process Impacts on Customer Behaviour, Marketing and Branding (Emerald) positions the…
Abstract
This introduction to the volume Atmospheric Turn in Culture and Tourism: Place, Design and Process Impacts on Customer Behaviour, Marketing and Branding (Emerald) positions the atmospheric turn in the context of recent paradigmatic turns such as the linguistic turn, iconic turn, cultural turn, spatial turn, mobility turn and design turn. The specific contribution of the atmospheric turn is its profoundly holistic interest in overarching connections which are perceived with all senses and include both matter and idea. With its 22 chapters, this volume sets out to sharpen the atmospheric gaze and perception in research and beyond.
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Marta Campos-Valenzuela, Julio Diéguez-Soto and Daniel Ruiz-Palomo
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of human capital investment (HCI) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in SMEs. Analysing a sample of 1,136 firms…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of human capital investment (HCI) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in SMEs. Analysing a sample of 1,136 firms (729 FBs and 407 NFBs) and using a PLS-PM methodology, our results support that HCI has a favourable impact on CSR practices in SMEs and that family business (FB) status plays a moderating role on these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
We estimate the proposed model using partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM), a variance-based structural equation (SEM) method, using SmartPLS 3.3 software. PLS simultaneously evaluates the reliability and validity of the variables (external model) and the estimation of the trajectories between these constructs (internal model). The PLS-PM technique is appropriate in this research because: 1. the model makes use of type A composites; 2. the proposed research model has some complexity since we pay attention to the existence of moderating effects; and 3. no specific distribution is required in PLS indicators.
Findings
The main findings of this study are: (1) HCI increases CSR practices in the SME context and (2) FB status exerts a positive influence on the relationship between HCI and CSR practices.
Research limitations/implications
This study, grounded in RBV theory and the concept of “familiness,” uses employees' education and training to measure HCI in FBs. While other research focuses on employee competence and attitude to define HCI, future studies should explore all these elements to better understand their impact on CSR practices in SMEs. Additionally, factors like regulation, organisational culture and personal traits may influence the relationship between HCI and CSR practices, suggesting the need for further research. Future studies could also examine family SMEs by considering aspects such as family management or governance as moderating variables, contributing to the discussion on FB heterogeneity. Causes of heterogeneity in FBs include goals, governance structures and resources, supporting recent calls for a deeper understanding of these variations, particularly in how HCI affects CSR practices.
Practical implications
This study also highlights several practical contributions. Today’s complex business environment requires organisations to focus on a wide range of stakeholders to remain sustainable. Organisations must understand how HCI influences CSR practices, specifically how education and training for both employees and managers lead to greater sustainable practices. Therefore, awareness and training for family employees, CEOs and external staff are essential for the proper development of CSR practices. Increased education or training programs by public and private institutions or incentive schemes could help promote these practices within firms. Our results further suggest that governments and other organisations interested in business development should not assume that HCI is universally beneficial for CSR practices in all firms. Specifically, the study shows that HCI has a positive effect on different dimensions of CSR in SMEs, and this influence is even more pronounced in family SMEs. Therefore, government agencies and employers' associations should consider the impact of these factors—HCI and FB status—when designing and implementing more effective policies.
Social implications
This study makes several theoretical contributions. It explores the influence of HCI on multiple dimensions of CSR, focusing on individual-level drivers like education and training for managers and employees. The findings reveal that HCI positively affects environmental, labour and social CSR practices, especially in SMEs. The study also highlights the unique role of FBs, showing that FB status strengthens the relationship between HCI and CSR due to their focus on long-term goals and community well-being. This research addresses gaps in understanding the heterogeneity of CSR practices between FBs and non-family businesses (NFBs).
Originality/value
This article is original, unpublished and all sources and contributions have been properly acknowledged.