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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2023

Romain Franck and Maud Damperat

Based on a relationship marketing approach, this paper aims to study the influence of social media use on salesperson performance and its underlying mechanisms from the…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on a relationship marketing approach, this paper aims to study the influence of social media use on salesperson performance and its underlying mechanisms from the perspective of salespeople in B2B settings.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, the authors used structural equation modeling with a sample of 196 French B2B salespeople. Moreover, to explore the moderating effect of emotional management between social media use and relationship quality, the authors used the Hayes macro PROCESS for SPSS and the Johnson–Newman’s floodlight method.

Findings

The authors confirm the direct role of social media use on salesperson performance, and its indirect role through the parallel mediation of social proximity and relationship quality. The empirical study provides evidence for the moderating effect of emotional management on the relationship between social media use and relationship quality.

Practical implications

Companies should promote the use of social media to increase both the sales and creative performance of salespeople. Moreover, salespeople with low to moderate abilities to manage other people’s emotions benefit strongly from the use of social media, as this directly increases their relationship with their customers.

Originality/value

The research complements the conceptualization of salesperson performance as a combination of sales performance and sales creativity and shows that emotional management is an asset for social media users to develop valuable business relationships.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2022

Graciela Corral de Zubielqui and Janice Jones

Despite its potential as a new source of competitive advantage, the performance implications of social media (SM) marketing (SMM) are not well understood. This study aims to…

1374

Abstract

Purpose

Despite its potential as a new source of competitive advantage, the performance implications of social media (SM) marketing (SMM) are not well understood. This study aims to investigate how and when SMM matters to firm performance, analysing the mediating role of product innovation (PI) and moderating the role of marketing innovation (MI) in business to business (B2B) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used structural equation modelling analysis in STATA, using the Australian bureau of statistics data set of 4,956 SMEs which operate in the B2B environment.

Findings

The results reveal differential moderating effects of MI on the direct SMM–performance relationship. MI positively moderates internal SMM and SM use for promotion and branding on firm performance. MI also negatively moderates SM use for customer communication on firm performance, underscoring SMM constituting a double-edged sword. The indirect effects of internal SM use and SM use for promotion and branding, and customer involvement in new product development on performance via PI are significant when MI is absent.

Practical implications

Hence, B2B SMEs benefit from PI and existing SMM but do not benefit from dual PI and new MI.

Originality/value

By disaggregating SMM and explicating the mediating mechanism and moderating effects of MI, this study reveals how and under what conditions SMM matters to firm performance in B2B SMEs.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2023

Ashish Kalra, Omar S. Itani and Amin Rostami

Although research analyzing the consequences of salesperson social media use in driving sales behaviors and performance outcomes has proliferated in the recent past, there are…

1539

Abstract

Purpose

Although research analyzing the consequences of salesperson social media use in driving sales behaviors and performance outcomes has proliferated in the recent past, there are significant research gaps in the domain. Grounded in task-technology fit theory, this paper aims to propose a conceptual framework that integrates between previously disjointed areas of research and analyzes the relationships between salesperson social media use, brand awareness, creativity, manager empowerment and company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses were collected from a multi-industry sample of 158 business-to-business salespeople. Structural relationships were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis shows that salesperson social media use positively affects brand awareness. The relationship between social media and brand awareness is magnified with the increase in salesperson creativity. Findings also show that manager empowerment increases salesperson creativity. Finally, brand awareness positively affects company performance.

Practical implications

Sales organizations should focus on developing digital strategies, especially focusing on salesperson social media use to enhance company’s brand awareness, which in turn increases company performance. Moreover, sales managers should also follow empowering leader behaviors to enhance creativity.

Originality/value

The authors amalgamate salesperson social media use literature and branding literature by proposing salesperson social media use’s positive effects on brand awareness. This study also expands the knowledge by exploring the moderating effect of individual-level variables such as salesperson creativity on driving the effects of salesperson social media use.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2023

Henrik Bathke, Hendrik Birkel, Heiko A. von der Gracht and Stefanie Kisgen

In the era of digital disruption and customer loyalty loss, it has become even more important to shape the experience journey of a firm’s stakeholders. The benefits of experience…

Abstract

Purpose

In the era of digital disruption and customer loyalty loss, it has become even more important to shape the experience journey of a firm’s stakeholders. The benefits of experience data (XD) analysis for a competitive advantage and firm performance are well proven in the business-to-customer context. Therefore, this study aims to explore the limited exploitation of XD in the business-to-business (B2B) context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 338 B2B firms is generated through computer-assisted telephone interviewing using a structured interview guideline. A Mann–Whitney U test and binary linear regression are applied to test hypotheses derived from literature.

Findings

The results suggest that XD non-collectors see XD increase efficiency, whereas XD collectors view XD strategically beyond customer data. Additionally, the successful application of XD in firms can be fostered by connecting XD with operational data through digitalised processes, strategic usage and data collection at certain defined points of time.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of XD perception between collectors and non-collectors and develops determinants for the successful application of XD management. Based on the results, B2B marketing executives from academics and practice can foster the implementation of XD management to improve all firm’s stakeholders’ experiences. In this way, this study contributes to the understanding of managing not only customers’ but other stakeholders’ experiences.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2023

Yanni Ping, Alexander Buoye and Ahmad Vakil

The purpose of this study is to present a methodology for enhancing the quality and usefulness of online reviews for prospective customers to investigate how this contemporary…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a methodology for enhancing the quality and usefulness of online reviews for prospective customers to investigate how this contemporary form of instrumental support can be facilitated to strengthen customer-to-customer support.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops an analytics framework with applications of machine learning models using customer review data from Amazon.com. Linear regression is commonly used for review helpfulness and sales prediction. In this study, Random Forest model is applied because of its strong performance and reliability. To advance the methodology, a custom script in Python is created to generate Partial Dependence Plots for intensive exploration of the dependency interpretations of review helpfulness and sales. The authors also apply K-Means to cluster reviewers and use the results to generate reviewer qualification scores and collective reviewer scores, which are incorporated into the review facilitation process.

Findings

The authors find the average helpfulness ratio of the reviewer as the most important determinant of reviewer qualification. The collective reviewer qualification for a product created based on reviewers’ characteristics is found important to customers’ purchase intentions and can be used as a metric for product comparison.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that service improvement efforts can be performed by developing software applications to monitor reviewer qualifications dynamically, bestowing a badge to top quality reviewers, redesigning review sorting interfaces and displaying the consumer rating distribution on the product page, resulting in improved information reliability and consumer trust.

Originality/value

This study adds to the research on customer-to-customer support in the service literature. As customer reviews perform as a contemporary form of instrumental support, the authors validate the determinants of review helpfulness and perform an intensive exploration of its dependency interpretation. Reviewer qualification and the collective reviewer qualification scores are generated as new predictors and incorporated into the helpfulness-based review facilitation services.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Ilkka Tapani Ojansivu

This study aims to focus on a specific project marketing concept, i.e. “discontinuity,” and analyzes how this concept emerged in project marketing, becoming its key scholarly…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on a specific project marketing concept, i.e. “discontinuity,” and analyzes how this concept emerged in project marketing, becoming its key scholarly embodiment, how it became decoupled from the increasingly service-intensive project business practice and what the relevance of discontinuity is for project marketers moving forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is built on a systematic literature review of 31 years (1993–2023) of publishing data from major marketing and management journals.

Findings

This study provides three findings. First, the author reveals the risks related to marketing scholars and practitioners losing sight of each other as business practices evolve much faster than scholarly research can keep up. Second, the author highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing conceptual innovations. Finally, the research elucidates the need for broader metatheoretical reflection to keep this research tradition on an upward trajectory.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of this study is not to criticize project marketing, as many strands of business-to-business (B2B) marketing face the same challenge, but to elucidate a need for conceptual innovations, collaboration with practitioners and other disciplines and broader metatheoretical reflection to keep this research tradition on an upward trajectory.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the project marketing research tradition. First, it reviews the emergence and dissipation of the concept of discontinuity, drawing on semantical, etymological and epistemological insights. It also reflects on recent disruptions in the marketplace and envisions future research trajectories for this elusive concept. In addition, the author develops a conceptual framework that combines project types with exchange elements in project and service businesses. This conceptual framework helps elucidate what part of the exchange is continuing and what is discontinuing in the resulting business relationships. Furthermore, the research contributes to B2B marketing more broadly by highlighting the fleeting correspondence between theory and the real world. It underscores the need for constant updates to maintain relevance.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Anil Bilgihan and Peter Ricci

This paper aims to explore the impact of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality, voice search, artificial intelligence, robotics and the Metaverse on hotel sales…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality, voice search, artificial intelligence, robotics and the Metaverse on hotel sales, marketing and revenue optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a combination of articles published in Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology and industry case studies to examine the integration of innovative technologies in hotel sales, marketing and revenue optimization strategies, plus the role of fundamental practices in ensuring long-term success.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that innovative technologies can significantly enhance customer engagement, streamline booking processes and unlock new revenue streams. However, this paper also highlights the importance of fundamental marketing practices, such as user-friendly websites, fast and reliable/mobile-friendly websites, search engine optimization, social media engagement, content marketing and data-driven revenue management, in maintaining a hotel’s competitive advantage in the dynamic world of hospitality.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that hoteliers need to strike a balance between embracing emerging technologies and maintaining traditional marketing fundamentals to remain competitive and drive revenue growth. This integrated approach ensures long-term success in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

Originality/value

This paper bridges the gap between academia and industry practitioners by providing practical insights and implications that can be applied directly to hotels’ marketing and operational practices. The paper highlights the importance of balancing innovation with fundamental marketing strategies, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to ensure long-term success in the ever-evolving world of hotel sales, marketing and revenue optimization – as well as those same tools in a plethora of hospitality and tourism venues working alongside the accommodations sector.

研究目的

探讨新兴技术(如虚拟现实、语音搜索、人工智能、机器人技术和元宇宙)对酒店销售、营销和收入优化的影响。

研究方法

本文结合发表在《酒店旅游科技杂志》(JHTT)的文章和行业案例, 研究了创新技术在酒店销售、营销和收入优化策略中的整合, 以及基础实践在确保长期成功方面的作用。

研究发现

分析表明, 创新技术可以显著增强客户参与度, 简化预订流程, 并开拓新的收入来源。此外, 文章强调了基本营销实践, 如用户友好的网站、快速可靠/移动友好的网站、搜索引擎优化、社交媒体参与、内容营销和数据驱动的收入管理, 在保证酒店在充满变化的行业竞争中维持优势的重要性。

实际应用

研究结果表明, 酒店经营者需要在使用新兴技术和保持传统营销基本原则之间取得平衡, 以保持竞争力并推动收入增长。这种综合方法确保在不断发展的酒店销售、营销和收入优化领域取得长期成功。

研究创新

本文通过提供可直接应用于酒店营销和运营实践的实际见解和影响, 弥合了学术界与行业从业者之间的鸿沟。文章强调了创新与基本营销策略的平衡的重要性, 强调了综合方法的必要性, 以确保在不断发展的酒店销售、营销和收入优化领域取得长期成功, 以及这些工具在众多酒店和旅游场所与住宿部门一起工作的多样性领域中的应用。

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Torben Juul Andersen and Søren Bering

The aim of this study is to gain important insights on integration oriented servitization identifying essential dimensions of effective structures, coordination approaches and…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to gain important insights on integration oriented servitization identifying essential dimensions of effective structures, coordination approaches and management controls adopted by manufacturing firms that integrate forward towards distribution, sales and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a theory-guided qualitative abductive methodology to conduct a comparative case-study of two manufacturing firms in the same industry integrating forward to enhance servitization but with significantly different performance outcomes. The findings are uncovered from a broad spectrum of primary and secondary data spanning two decades.

Findings

The consistently high-performing firm puts equal emphasis on production and downstream distribution, sales and services and motivate individuals to engage in entrepreneurial efforts to develop combined product-services offerings that are valued by customers. The underperforming firm prioritizes operating efficiency driven by engineering prowess and managed through planning, standardization, authority and central controls.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on two representative firms operating in a specific industry context, which has ramifications for the generalizability of results and calls for replication studies to substantiate and extend findings.

Practical implications

Forward integration from manufacturing into distribution, sales and services represents a specific servitization strategy that needs structure and particular coordination approaches to be effective in complex dynamic product-markets. The characteristics of the outperforming case company provide useful insights on effective integrated servitization efforts.

Social implications

Forward integration is a commonly adopted strategy among manufacturing firms that constitute the backbone of modern economies and effective governance of these integration oriented servitization efforts has important implications for societal value creation.

Originality/value

This study builds on rationales from management science including economic theory, corporate strategy and different micro-foundational lenses and thereby hone recent calls for broader theoretical foundations to enlighten studies of the servitization puzzle.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 October 2023

Javier Peña Capobianco

The objective of this chapter is to identify the key characteristics of Global Services businesses that will thrive and achieve success in the future. These factors are integrated…

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to identify the key characteristics of Global Services businesses that will thrive and achieve success in the future. These factors are integrated into three main pillars, which we refer to as the Triple-Win. The first and most obvious pillar is technology as a tool. The second pillar is the design and sustainability of the business model, without which the previous factor would be merely a cost and not an investment. And last but not the least, there is the purpose which gives meaning to the proposal, focusing on the human being and their environment. The DIDPAGA business model sits at the intersection of these three elements.

Details

The New Era of Global Services: A Framework for Successful Enterprises in Business Services and IT
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-627-6

Keywords

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