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Article
Publication date: 26 October 2012

Anna Kuikka and Tommi Laukkanen

The objective of this paper is to explore the antecedents of brand loyalty in the chocolate market.

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to explore the antecedents of brand loyalty in the chocolate market.

Design/methodology/approach

A large sample of 808 effective responses was collected through an online questionnaire that was posted on the Facebook wall of a Finnish confectionery company. A model of four antecedents (brand satisfaction, brand equity, brand value, brand trust) leading to two aspects of brand loyalty (behavioral loyalty, attitudinal loyalty) was constructed. The moderating effect of consumers' hedonic value in the model was tested. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the constructs and multigroup structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that brand satisfaction is the most significant factor for brand loyalty within the chocolate market, followed by brand value and brand equity. The findings suggest that brand trust is the least significant factor for brand loyalty since it was only marginally related to attitudinal brand loyalty and no effect for behavioral brand loyalty was found. The moderator effect of hedonic value shows that the effect of brand satisfaction on attitudinal loyalty is significantly stronger among consumers with high hedonic value compared to consumers with low hedonic value. No other moderating effects were found.

Originality/value

The findings provide more insight into consumer brand loyalty and the role of hedonic value research among hedonic consumable goods.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 21 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1987

The manufacture by two GKN companies of outer race bells for transmission shafts has recently benefitted from the application of robots. Report by Anna Kochan

Abstract

The manufacture by two GKN companies of outer race bells for transmission shafts has recently benefitted from the application of robots. Report by Anna Kochan

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 October 2023

Hannele Roponen, Elina Fonsén, Tuulikki Ukkonen-Mikkola and Raisa Ahtiainen

This study examines the social organizational structure of one early childhood education (ECE) center in Finland and the relationship between this structure and the roles and the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the social organizational structure of one early childhood education (ECE) center in Finland and the relationship between this structure and the roles and the responsibilities of the members of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is a qualitative case study with ethnographic features. Its variables for content analysis are based on Henry Mintzberg's theory of organizational design.

Findings

The study's results show that the organizational structure of the ECE center follows the organizational configuration of a Professional bureaucracy and that the multiprofessional teams follow the configuration of a Simple structure. The structures for centralization and decentralization are suitable for a professional bureaucracy, but the roles of the members of the organization and the processes for shared decision-making lack clarification. The shortage of qualified ECE teachers disrupts the function of the organization and the work of ECE leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The educational background of subjects may have affected the findings.

Originality/value

The study uses Henry Mintzberg's organizational structure theory to evaluate how and why power is distributed and activities are coordinated at the ECE center. The results also show what parts of the organization pose challenges that most commonly disrupt the organization's operations. With these findings, it is possible to expand the understanding of roles and responsibilities in the currently reforming ECE environment and what ECE centers need to function effectively. The study is part of a larger research project and will be continued to examine the leadership culture of the ECE center.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

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