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1 – 10 of 36Antonio Marín-García, Irene Gil-Saura and M. Eugenia Ruíz-Molina
In the current dynamic and competitive environment in which retail companies operate, store equity is a differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research found regarding the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the current dynamic and competitive environment in which retail companies operate, store equity is a differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research found regarding the links between the variables traditionally related to brand equity (store awareness, store image, store perceived quality and store loyalty) and innovation, sustainability and the global retail equity, this study aims to examine these links in depth.
Design/methodology/approach
For a sample of 510 customers of grocery retail establishments and with the help of a structured questionnaire, the relationships between the variables defined in this research were examined using a structural equations model.
Findings
The authors find evidence in favor of the positive influence of innovation and sustainability on the variables related to brand equity. Likewise, store loyalty to the establishment, influenced by store image and perceived quality, emerges as a key variable in the construction of global brand equity.
Research limitations/implications
This study shows that innovation and sustainability have a significant impact on the variables traditionally linked with brand equity.
Practical implications
This research shows that new business models should be created through more innovative and sustainable businesses. In this sense, the managers of retail stores should direct their efforts toward actions aimed at implementing innovation, as well as provide evidence of the sustainability of the store’s activities, with the purpose of improving the perception that consumers have of the store.
Originality/value
The results of this research support the role of store loyalty as key element of brand equity. Also, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that addresses the relationship that innovation and sustainability have with the variables linked to store equity.
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Israel Javier Juma Michilena, Maria Eugenia Ruiz Molina and Irene Gil-Saura
The purpose of this study is to identify groups of employees based on their motivations, detecting the main barriers that may influence their willingness to participate in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify groups of employees based on their motivations, detecting the main barriers that may influence their willingness to participate in the pro-environmental initiatives proposed by their employer.
Design/methodology/approach
To identify the different groups of employees, an online survey was conducted, and the Chi-square automatic interaction detection algorithm segmentation technique was used with a sample of 483 employees from 9 Latin American universities.
Findings
The results allowed us to identify various segments, in which the main obstacle linked to intrinsic motivation is the university culture and, to a lesser extent, the lack of equipment, while for extrinsic motivation, the lack of infrastructure is the most determining factor. Likewise, the results reflect that, compared to the less motivated employees, those who show greater motivation (both intrinsic and extrinsic) are the ones who encounter the greatest barriers, so that the perceptions of the most motivated, as expert observers, help to identify the main obstacles that organisations must remove to promote pro-environmental behaviours among staff members.
Practical implications
The results obtained help to guide the representatives or organisational leaders on the actions that generate the greatest impact in the mitigation of climate change from a motivational approach of behavioural prediction.
Social implications
This study contributes to a more sustainable society by developing an understanding of how employees react to issues related to climate change. Knowing the perceptions of employees can be a turning point so that other members of society can get involved in pro-environmental behaviours.
Originality/value
Many studies have analysed the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of employees to engage in pro-environmental behaviours; however, as far as the authors are aware, this has not been analysed from the perspective of barriers to motivation.
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Irene Sánchez-González, Irene Gil-Saura and Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina
The present research aims to analyse the retailer's commitment to sustainable development (RCSD) perceived by the consumers and how it contributes to store equity creation through…
Abstract
Purpose
The present research aims to analyse the retailer's commitment to sustainable development (RCSD) perceived by the consumers and how it contributes to store equity creation through image, perceived quality and loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
A primary research was conducted through a structured questionnaire to analyse the relationships between the variables included in the proposed model. The fieldwork was conducted in 2019, obtaining responses from 617 retail consumers from four cities in Ecuador – Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Machala – obtained. A structural equation model is estimated with the partial least squares technique.
Findings
There is evidence in favour of the contribution of sustainability to store equity. The positive influence of RCSD on perceived quality and the impact of the latter, together with store image, contribute to loyalty, which emerges as a critical construct in building store equity.
Research limitations/implications
Some limitations of the present study – geographic scope limited to Ecuador, analyses restricted to food retailers and pre-COVID-19 data collection – may open new research opportunities replicating the study in other regions for other retail activities and in the post pandemic context.
Practical implications
The retailer's actions demonstrate a commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability. As a result of this, the establishment's perceived quality improves, which is of interest to academics and retail management professionals.
Originality/value
The present research provides evidence on the chain of effects that explains the positive contribution of RCSD to store equity creation in grocery retailing.
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Irene Gil-Saura, Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina, Antonio Marín-García and Géraldine Michel
Innovation and sustainability are two key factors for retailers seeking a competitive advantage. However, the way in which the joint effect of both of these variables impacts…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation and sustainability are two key factors for retailers seeking a competitive advantage. However, the way in which the joint effect of both of these variables impacts consumer satisfaction is still unknown. To address this gap, based on the concept of sustainability-oriented service innovation (SOSI), the authors introduce a new construct named sustainability-oriented commerce innovation (SOCI) in the context of the retail sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The relationships between the variables defined in this research were examined using a structural equations model for 510 customers of grocery retail establishments.
Findings
The authors find support for a direct positive impact of SOCI on customer satisfaction and an indirect impact through store equity. These chained effects are modified according to the client participation in the development of sustainable and innovative initiatives.
Originality/value
This research analyses the joint effect of innovation and sustainability in the retail context by introducing a new concept – SOCI – and a scale for its measurement whose psychometric properties are validated.
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Antonio Marín-García, Irene Gil-Saura, Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Maria Fuentes-Blasco
The study of sustainability in retail has experienced an exponential interest in recent years as a result of greater awareness on the part of consumers of the negative effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study of sustainability in retail has experienced an exponential interest in recent years as a result of greater awareness on the part of consumers of the negative effects of the current way of producing and consuming on society and the environment. This work examines the heterogeneous evaluation based on behavioural variables in retail trade and how consumer perceptions towards sustainable practices implemented in stores can influence the overall store equity.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a theoretical model based on the literature, tested through a mixed regression model in a sample of 510 customers of food retail establishments.
Findings
The dimensions of sustainability are postulated as driving forces of brand equity towards the retail establishment. Specifically, social sustainability shows a greater impact on consumer perception, being the main factor in the development of the store's brand equity. Furthermore, the analysis of unobserved heterogeneity identifies three latent classes in which the effects of perceptions on sustainable retail activities vary across consumer segments.
Originality/value
The study analyses in a single model the effect of sustainability dimensions on store equity from the consumer's perspective, analysing the differences between these relationships as a consequence of the unobserved heterogeneity of consumers.
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Antonio Marín-García, Irene Gil-Saura, María Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Gloria Berenguer-Contrí
The food sector is currently undergoing a process of transition as a result of the increased level of consumers' awareness towards issues related to sustainability. This work aims…
Abstract
Purpose
The food sector is currently undergoing a process of transition as a result of the increased level of consumers' awareness towards issues related to sustainability. This work aims at analyzing the existence of links between technological innovation and sustainability and its consequences on variables of paramount importance in the retail sector such as store image and loyalty towards the establishment. Moreover, we examine if the strength of these relations differs across store formats.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the objective of this work, a theoretical model based on the literature is proposed, contrasted through an empirical study carried out in a sample of 510 customers from three food retail formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores.
Findings
The results indicate that technological innovation strengthens sustainability. In addition, sustainability is postulated as a dynamic element of the store's image and loyalty. The intensity of these relationships may vary depending on the commercial format.
Practical implications
The implementation of innovative and sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption, the use of recycled materials to manufacture products, and the participation of retail companies in collective social actions is considered to be of primary importance.
Originality/value
The study sheds light on the knowledge of the relations between customers' perceptions of technological innovation and sustainability in retailing, confirming their influence on store image and customer loyalty. Moreover, the findings reveal the importance of sustainability and innovation for the main types of retail food store format, although with some peculiarities that allow to draw relevant managerial implications for practitioners.
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Irene Gil-Saura, M. Eugenia Ruiz Molina and Gloria Berenguer-Contri
In the current competitive environment in which retailers operate, store equity is seen as a key differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research on the dimensionality and…
Abstract
Purpose
In the current competitive environment in which retailers operate, store equity is seen as a key differentiating factor. In view of the scarce research on the dimensionality and correlates of brand equity related to the retailer, this paper aims to analyze the relationship between store equity and behavioral intentions and the influence of information and communication technology on this relation.
Design/methodology/approach
From a sample of 820 customers of store chains, a multigroup structural equation model is estimated considering the level of technological development of the retailer as a moderating variable.
Findings
The authors find evidence in favor of the positive influence of store equity on consumer behavioral intentions toward the retailer and the role of technology as a moderator in this relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides evidence about the multidimensionality of store equity and its positive influence on behavioral intentions towards the retailer. Furthermore, the authors find support for the notion that information and communication technology (ICT) solutions implemented by the retailer contributes to reinforce the positive impact of store equity on behavioral intentions.
Practical implications
Technology may be used to differentiate the retail chain from competitors. The retailer should concentrate its investments in ICT solutions that contribute to enhance the customer experience in the store.
Originality/value
Research on the brand equity concept in the context of retailing is still scarce. The results of this research provide support to the role of loyalty, service quality, product quality and perceived value as the dimensions of store equity. In addition to this, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that addresses the role of technology in the relationship between store equity and behavioral intentions.
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Antonio Marín-García, Irene Gil-Saura and Maria-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina
The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, to examine the relationship between the retailer’s innovativeness and sustainability from the customer standpoint. Second, to assess…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, to examine the relationship between the retailer’s innovativeness and sustainability from the customer standpoint. Second, to assess the impact of the retailer’s innovativeness and commitment toward sustainability as perceived by the consumer on store image and store equity.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this objective, a theoretical model is proposed based on the literature that is tested through an empirical study conducted on a sample of 510 customers of three grocery retail formats – i.e. hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores.
Findings
The results obtained confirm the hypotheses proposed and, consequently, both innovation and sustainability emerge as key elements in the development of store equity through store image.
Originality/value
This study allows to draw a set of managerial recommendations for food retailers based on the benefits of investing in innovative processes, that boosted by the implementation of innovative solutions, assist in the development of sustainable practices, thus allowing improvements in store image and store brand equity.
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Enrico Colla, Maria Eugenia Ruiz-Molina, Catherine Chastenet De Gery, Maryline Schultz, Martine Deparis and Laurence Lemmet
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of participative franchising on performance from the franchisee perspective. In particular, the paper analyses the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of participative franchising on performance from the franchisee perspective. In particular, the paper analyses the impact of the franchisee autonomy – in human resource management and marketing decisions – affective commitment to the network and network innovativeness on the franchisee relative performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey answered by 226 franchisees in France allowed to estimate a structural equations model through partial least squares regression analysis to test the hypothesised relations between autonomy, affective commitment, innovativeness and performance.
Findings
According to the authors’ findings, franchisee’s autonomy in commercial policies, mediated by to franchisor’s ability to innovate and acknowledge innovations stemming from the franchisees, and the affective commitment to the network, emerge as strong determinants of the franchisee’s performance.
Research limitations/implications
The results confirm the conclusions of other research, but extend and integrate them, providing evidence that the role of participative franchising should not be neglected.
Practical implications
The results obtained provide evidence about the importance of bidirectional communication instruments in the relations between franchisor and franchisee, and participation tools for the identification, recognition and support to the innovative successful practices developed by franchisees to be quickly implemented by other franchisees in the network.
Originality/value
This paper looks at franchisee autonomy, affective commitment and innovativeness as potential determinants of franchisee’s performance, being the latter an underexplored topic.
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María Gabriela Montesdeoca Calderon, Irene Gil-Saura, María-Eugenia Ruiz-Molina and Carlos Martin-Rios
This paper aims to analyze the relationship between sustainability practices and the degree of innovation in the service provided by restaurants. The study identifies relevant…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the relationship between sustainability practices and the degree of innovation in the service provided by restaurants. The study identifies relevant restaurant segments in relation to sustainable practice-based service innovation so that effective actions to raise awareness and train managers and staff may be developed. Segmentation has been identified as a key tool when designing strategies and proposing actions. Yet, the use of segmentation techniques is still scarce regarding service innovation and sustainability in restaurants.
Design/methodology/approach
A segmentation analysis was carried out applying the CHAID algorithm from 300 valid questionnaires completed by restaurant owners or managers from coastal Ecuador, where tourism and gastronomy may be drivers of service innovation.
Findings
A typology of restaurants based on the sustainability-service innovation interrelation suggests three final segments: sustainable innovators focused on the value chain, moderate innovators focused on saving resources and restaurants with a low innovative profile.
Practical implications
The three segments derived from the analysis present differences in terms of the degree of implementation of sustainability practices, as well as in terms of the demographic profile of the restaurant manager. These segments are measurable, substantial, accessible and actionable, so that tailored initiatives to raise awareness and boost sustainability-oriented innovativeness among restaurant owners/managers may be targeted to each group of establishments.
Originality/value
The present research provides evidence of the positive relationship between sustainability practices and service innovation in foodservices. The segments of restaurants identified enable the design and implementation of actions that facilitate the transition of less sustainability-oriented restaurants towards more innovative and sustainable business models.
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