The internationalisation of social marketing research
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the internationalisation of social marketing research. Since the social marketing concept was introduced, it has captured increased research attention of scholars. This is evidenced by a growing number of peer-reviewed publications and participation in academic conferences. Although the reasons behind the development of social marketing research have been suggested, its nature, significance and diffusion as a concept has not been examined from an international perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the social marketing and related literature was conducted to identify the patterns, drivers and actors of the internationalisation of social marketing research.
Findings
Different levels and dimensions of internationalisation were identified but the overall level of diffusion was relatively low. Growth is concentrated in developed countries. There appears to be a substantial gap with respect to the adoption of the concept by researchers based in the less developed countries.
Originality/value
This is arguably the first paper to explore the nature and significance of the degree of internationalisation of social marketing research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the three anonymous reviewers for their useful comments and suggestions. Professor Rundle-Thiele’s support during the review process is also gracefully appreciated.
Citation
Truong, V.D., Dang, N.V.H., Hall, C.M. and Dong, X.D. (2015), "The internationalisation of social marketing research", Journal of Social Marketing, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 357-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSOCM-04-2014-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited