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1 – 10 of 10Faisal Al Reshaid, Petek Tosun and Merve Yanar Gürce
Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly attractive as alternatives to traditional currencies. Although many retailers accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment in online…
Abstract
Purpose
Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly attractive as alternatives to traditional currencies. Although many retailers accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment in online shopping, consumers’ cryptocurrency adoption intention in online shopping (CCAI) is still low. This study aims to investigate the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, consumer trust, financial literacy and fear of missing out (FOMO) on CCAI.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was followed using a consumer survey. Hypothesized relationships were tested through regression and mediation analyses.
Findings
The results revealed that consumers could accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment in online shopping. Attitudes, subjective norms, consumer trust and financial literacy directly and positively influence CCAI, while they indirectly affect CCAI through the mediating impact of FOMO.
Practical implications
Marketing managers should improve consumers’ knowledge about cryptocurrencies and trust in online shopping to increase CCAI. Social media marketing can be appropriate, while the advertising content can address keeping up with others and staying connected.
Originality/value
This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by empirically examining the antecedents of CCAI within an original conceptual model based on the theoretical framework provided by the theory of planned behavior. Attitudes, subjective norms, trust and financial literacy influence CCAI, where FOMO plays a significant role as a mediator.
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This study examines the impact of servitization in the form of repair and maintenance services on consumers' quality perceptions, purchase intentions and recommendation intentions…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the impact of servitization in the form of repair and maintenance services on consumers' quality perceptions, purchase intentions and recommendation intentions while considering consumer frugality as a moderator in the retail ready-to-wear sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach based on consumer research was pursued. Study 1 tested the research model using a fictitious ready-to-wear brand within an experimental design. To increase the generalizability of results, Study 2 retested the model with a well-known ready-to-wear brand. For both studies, regression, mediation and moderation analyses were conducted in SPSS.
Findings
Both studies showed that servitization positively influences perceived quality. Servitization positively affects purchase intentions and recommendation intentions indirectly via the mediating role of perceived quality. Frugality moderates the relationship between servitization and perceived quality for the fictitious brand (Study 1), whereas it is not significant for a well-known ready-to-wear brand (Study 2). Servitization positively influences perceived quality regardless of consumers' frugality levels for a stronger brand.
Originality/value
This study suggests and tests an original conceptual model that relies on signaling theory. It is among the first studies to examine the impact of servitization on retail fashion consumers' quality perceptions and consequent purchase and recommendation intentions. This study also contributes to the literature by presenting empirical findings based on consumer research on servitization while considering frugality as a moderator.
Practical implications
Bundling products with additional services can contribute to quality perceptions and consequently to purchase and recommendation intentions for ready-to-wear brands.
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This study examines the effect of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer happiness and brand admiration as a consequence of consumer happiness. It suggests an…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effect of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer happiness and brand admiration as a consequence of consumer happiness. It suggests an original conceptual model that investigates perceived CSR, ethical consumption and hope as antecedents of consumer happiness.
Design/methodology/approach
The study followed a quantitative approach. A face-to-face survey was conducted to examine the conceptual model. Data were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Hope and perceived CSR significantly influence consumer happiness. Consumer happiness is a significant antecedent of brand admiration. Although consumers' ethical position (idealism and relativism) is linked to ethical consumption, ethical consumption does not influence consumer happiness. Idealism and relativism are insignificant in moderating the perceived CSR–consumer happiness relationship.
Practical implications
Brands' CSR actions create a positive atmosphere and contribute to consumer happiness and brand admiration. Managers can emphasize happiness and hope in CSR programs to build stronger consumer relationships. CSR activities can be engaging for consumers regardless of their ethical consumption levels.
Originality/value
Although CSR, consumer happiness and their impacts on consumer–brand relationships are crucial, previous studies mainly focused on the organizational perspective and employee emotions regarding CSR. This study focused on consumer happiness in the CSR context and tested a conceptual model that revealed the significant relationships between hope, perceived CSR, consumer happiness and brand admiration. It extended previous findings by showing the direct positive impact of perceived CSR on consumer happiness.
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Petek Tosun and A. Selçuk Köylüoğlu
Consumers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) expectations have increased in the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while many financial institutions have supported society…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) expectations have increased in the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while many financial institutions have supported society with their health-related CSR actions. This study examines the impact of CSR actions and brand origin on consumer attitudes, CSR perceptions, customer-based brand equity (CBBE) and supportive communication intent in retail banking during the crisis from signaling and stakeholder theory perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2 (foreign vs. local brand) x 2 (COVID-19-related vs. another CSR action) between-subjects factorial design was used to analyze consumer data.
Findings
CSR actions of local brands created more positive attitudes, CSR perceptions and greater CBBE and supportive communication intent than foreign banks. However, CSR action (COVID-19-related vs. another) did not significantly influence consumer attitudes, CSR perceptions, CBBE and supportive communication intent.
Originality/value
This research has shown the significant impact of brand origin on consumer perceptions in response to CSR actions during the pandemic. It has suggested an original conceptual framework and presented timely empirical findings for retail banking in the pandemic period, which can exemplify a crisis period shaped by uncertainty. Besides, it extended the previous literature by focusing on the interaction between brand origin and CSR actions in shaping consumers’ CSR and brand perceptions. It is among the first studies examining brand origin’s impact on supportive communication intent.
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Coffee is among the primary products that attract the public attention to the social and environmental responsibilities of companies. Coffee shops have a big carbon footprint…
Abstract
Purpose
Coffee is among the primary products that attract the public attention to the social and environmental responsibilities of companies. Coffee shops have a big carbon footprint because of their daily operations. With the rising consciousness about sustainability in developing countries, online disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important for not only multinational but also local coffee chains. The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent to which coffee chains include CSR on their websites.
Design/methodology/approach
Turkey, which is a large emerging economy with an expanding coffee chain market, is selected as the research context. The CSR disclosure on the websites of coffee chains is examined by content analysis according to CSR dimensions. A sample of 27 coffee chains with more than ten stores is included in the analysis.
Findings
Foreign coffee chains disclose more information on the environment and fair trade than local coffee chains. On the other hand, CSR content in websites of foreign and local coffee chains does not differ significantly in human resources and community dimensions. Foreign coffee chains have comparatively longer brand history, more rooted brands and larger networks than local coffee chains.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first that used a content analysis about CSR on the websites of coffee chains in Turkey. Findings contribute to the understanding of CSR disclosure in the coffee chain industry and can be beneficial for researchers and managers in other emerging markets.
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The voluntary simplification (VS) movement has stemmed from Western societies and gained momentum in the 1980s, but the trend has failed to become a primary perspective for most…
Abstract
Purpose
The voluntary simplification (VS) movement has stemmed from Western societies and gained momentum in the 1980s, but the trend has failed to become a primary perspective for most consumers. The accompanying concepts of conscious consumption, minimalism and accepting that sometimes “less is more” are still vivid in the digital era. The purpose of this study is to provide a deep and recent understanding of the consumer comments about minimalism in Turkey and examine their associations with the prominent themes in the VS literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Consumer comments posted on online platforms were analyzed by content analysis and word frequency analysis.
Findings
Consumer comments were in parallel to the themes in the VS literature and were classified under personal growth, material simplicity, sustainability, proper technology usage and self-sufficiency categories. Personal growth, material simplicity and sustainability were the first three dimensions mentioned. The prominent sub-themes that emerge from data were psychological well-being, inner peace, freedom, meaningful experiences and getting rid of belongings. A word frequency analysis pointed out that “life” and “owning” were the evident words in the personal growth category, “purchasing things” were mostly mentioned in the material simplicity category and “plastic litter” and “excessive consumption” were the prominent concerns in the sustainability category.
Originality/value
VS required further research in different national contexts. Besides, an analysis of the dimensions of VS was needed. This study contributes by providing recent and rich findings from a developing country, connecting them with the VS themes in the literature and suggesting a conceptual framework enriched by sub-themes that emerged from data.
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This study examines the salesperson-driven unethical behavior toward consumers in the retail banking context.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the salesperson-driven unethical behavior toward consumers in the retail banking context.
Design/methodology/approach
Consumer posts on an online social platform were analyzed using content analysis. Cluster analysis and word association analyses were conducted to analyze the posts across ethics dimensions, customer intentions and banking services.
Findings
Complaints about salesperson-driven unethical behavior were classified into three clusters: disrespect, fee deception and other deception. Four themes of consumer intentions emerged from data: expecting an action regarding the staff, fixing the problem, exiting the bank, or just expressing the problem on the social platform. There was a significant difference among clusters in terms of intentions. The deception clusters had a stronger association with fixing the problem, while the disrespect cluster had a stronger association with consumers’ willingness to express their complaints and requests regarding corrective actions for the salespeople.
Practical implications
Banks must differentiate their service recovery approach depending on the problem. While a refund can be more appropriate for recovering deception, a corrective action regarding misbehaving sales staff is expected by the customers for the disrespect problem.
Originality/value
This study contributed to the need for current research on personal selling practices and salesperson ethics in banking services. The unethical sales practices were linked to customer intentions, and several associations were found. An unethical sales behavior framework that can be used in future research was represented.
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Petek Tosun and Merve Yanar Gürce
Controversies about meat consumption mainly stem from health and environmental concerns, and as a result a substantial number of consumers avoid consuming meat. Meat…
Abstract
Purpose
Controversies about meat consumption mainly stem from health and environmental concerns, and as a result a substantial number of consumers avoid consuming meat. Meat anti-consumption is a central topic in nutrition, and a relevant issue for consumer studies. The purpose of this paper is to understand why and how consumers avoid meat consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
A content analysis of web forums was conducted.
Findings
Meat avoiders think that meat is unhealthy and expensive. Other reasons for meat anti-consumption include concerns associated with lifestyle and sustainability, but the prevalence of these factors is considerably lower than health and economic concerns.
Research limitations/implications
Attitudes toward all kinds of meat were evaluated in the forum data. Further studies can be conducted on separate preferences for red or white meat. Since these data were collected from web forums in Turkey, research can also be extended to other countries.
Practical implications
Regarding health and sustainability concerns, consumer trust in producers and consumer consciousness about the environment may be improved by social marketing. To address lifestyle concerns, marketers can provide meatless offerings in convenient servings.
Originality/value
This study provides a coherent four-dimensional conceptual framework about the motives for meat anti-consumption, focusing on sustainability, personal health, economic concerns and lifestyle.
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Nishit Kumar Sinha, Pankaj Kumar and Pushpendra Priyadarshi
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and financial well-being (FWB) and the mediating role of materialism on this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and financial well-being (FWB) and the mediating role of materialism on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework is provided to support the research hypotheses. A survey with 311 working professionals from India allowed the hypothesized relationship to be tested through regression-based models.
Findings
The findings reveal that the three dimensions of FWB – financial anxiety, current money management stress and perceived financial security – are predicted by mindfulness and materialism even after controlling for several demographic variables. Materialism mediates the relationship between mindfulness and FWB.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are subject to the usual cautions associated with self-reported cross-sectional data. Future research may incorporate mindfulness interventions to establish causal relationships.
Practical implications
The study provides theoretical guidance to the policymakers and the financial institutions, including banks, which may focus on malleable factors beyond merely income to enhance FWB. Mindfulness is not only a trait but also could be cultivated by various physical and online-based mindfulness practices. Banks may integrate tools promoting mindfulness within their interactive web framework in order to stimulate customers' control over their daily spending through enhancing mindful awareness of present financial actions and their impact on the financial future. Thus, organizations may institutionalize such programs within their framework to help their employees cultivate greater FWB. Mindfulness promotes less anxiety related to financial decisions, which may develop customers' value as well as business opportunities for banks.
Originality/value
Unlike other FWB dispositional antecedents, which become relatively stable at the formative stage, mindfulness levels can be enhanced in different age-groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically establish that mindfulness exerts its beneficial effects on FWB directly, and, through reducing materialistic motives.
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