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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 February 2024

Thomas Koerber and Holger Schiele

This study aims to examine decision factors for global sourcing, differentiated into transcontinental and continental sourcing to obtain insight into locational aspects of…

1348

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine decision factors for global sourcing, differentiated into transcontinental and continental sourcing to obtain insight into locational aspects of sourcing decisions and global trends. This study analyzed various country perceptions to reveal their influence on sourcing decisions. The country of origin (COO) theory explains why certain country perceptions and images influence purchasing experts in their selection of suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a two-study approach. In Study 1, the authors conducted discrete choice card experiments with 71 purchasing experts located in Europe and the USA to examine the importance of essential decision factors for global sourcing. Given the clear evidence that location is a factor in sourcing decisions, in Study 2 the authors investigated purchasers’ perceptions and images of countries, adding country ranking experiments on various perceived characteristics such as quality, price and technology.

Findings

Study 1 provides evidence that the purchasers’ personal relationship with the supplier plays a decisive role in the supplier selection process. While product quality and location impact sourcing decisions, the attraction of the buying company and cultural barriers are less significant. Interestingly, however, these factors seem as important as price to respondents. This implies that a strong relationship with suppliers and good quality products are essential aspects of a reliable and robust supply chain in the post-COVID-19 era. Examining the locational aspect in detail, Study 2 linked the choice card experiments with country ranking experiments. In this study, the authors found that purchasing experts consider that transcontinental countries such as Japan and China offer significant advantages in terms of price and technology. China has enhanced its quality, which is recognizable in the country ranking experiments. Therefore, decisions on global sourcing are not just based on such high-impact factors as price and availability; country perceptions are also influential. Additionally, the significance of the locational aspect could be linked to certain country images of transcontinental suppliers, as the COO theory describes.

Originality/value

The new approach divides global sourcing into transcontinental and European sourcing to evaluate special decision factors and link these factors to the locational aspect of sourcing decisions. To deepen the clear evidence for the locational aspect and investigate the possible influence of country perceptions, the authors applied the COO theory. This approach enabled authors to show the strong influence of country perception on purchasing departments, which is represented by the locational effect. Hence, the success of transcontinental countries relies not only on factors such as their availability but also on the purchasers’ positive perceptions of these countries in terms of technology and price.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 39 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2023

Janhavi Abhang and V.V. Ravi Kumar

This study aims to develop a database of existing academic information in house purchase decision (HPD) using systematic literature review (SLR), to facilitate worldwide…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a database of existing academic information in house purchase decision (HPD) using systematic literature review (SLR), to facilitate worldwide advancement of research under HPD domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examined papers from two reputable databases – Scopus and Google Scholar – from 1992 to 2022 using a scoping review technique (Arksey and O’Malley, 2005) and a theme analysis method. Out of 374, 181 articles fit the inclusion parameters and were evaluated using the theme analysis approach.

Findings

Data from 181 articles was evaluated thematically to create a thematic map of HPD research. Five main themes and their sub-themes were identified: consumer behaviour, housing attributes, factors influencing purchasing decisions, investment analysis and demographics, which proved essential in understanding HPD and customer preferences for house purchase.

Practical implications

Data from 181 articles were evaluated thematically to create a thematic map of HPD research. This SLR intends to provide useful new insights on consumer concerns about home purchases in the rapidly developing residential real estate market and the issues that marketers, housing sector stakeholders, real estate industry and existing and future researchers should prioritize.

Originality/value

This research is unique such that it is the only 30-year-long SLR on the subject matter of HPD. This paper makes a significant contribution to residential real estate domain signifying the present state of research in HPD.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Ritika Bhatia, Anil K. Bhat and Jyoti Tikoria

This study aims to understand the lapse behavior of life insurance policyholders. Despite being accessible for nearly two centuries, only a small fraction of individuals purchase…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the lapse behavior of life insurance policyholders. Despite being accessible for nearly two centuries, only a small fraction of individuals purchase such policies and many of those who do let them lapse. The belief hypothesis model (BHM) is introduced to elucidate the correlation between policyholders' beliefs and their decisions regarding life insurance lapses.

Design/methodology/approach

BHM establishes a comprehensive linkage between core beliefs, external data and the lapse behavior exhibited by policyholders. To derive policyholders’ core beliefs about life insurance lapses, the authors conducted a semistructured, in-depth interview with 42 policyholders and 11 insurance advisors, using a grounded theory approach with zero-order, first-order and second-order coding.

Findings

The study's findings reveal that policy lapsation is influenced by various factors such as policyholders' beliefs about life insurance, process-related attitudes, trust in insurers and advisors and personal financial viewpoints. Policyholders who consider life insurance unnecessary or misunderstand its purpose are likelier to lapse their policies. Cumbersome documentation processes and technical issues also contribute to policy lapsation, emphasizing the significance of simplified procedures. Trust in insurers and advisors, personal financial literacy and payment preferences influence policy lapsation.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can be practically applied by companies to improve customer retention and by regulatory bodies to encourage policyholders to honor their insurance commitments.

Originality/value

Distinguishing itself from conventional hypotheses-driven and factor-centric models, BHM integrates consumer beliefs, thus enriching comprehension and decision-making insights.

Details

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4179

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Ezgi Akar

This research delves into consumer online shopping behaviour during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Behavioural…

Abstract

Purpose

This research delves into consumer online shopping behaviour during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Behavioural Inhibition System.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique and comprehensive repeated cross-sectional methodology was meticulously employed, capturing the nuances of consumer online shopping behaviour across three distinct phases of the pandemic: the initial phase following the outbreak of COVID-19, the transition phase marked by the relaxation of restrictions, and the adaptation phase as society moved towards a new normal. The study involved a sample of 1,155 participants. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the effects of behavioural attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and the moderating role of pandemic-induced consumer anxiety on online purchase intention.

Findings

The impact of behavioural attitudes on online purchase intentions increased continuously from the initial phase to the adaptation phase. In contrast, the influence of subjective norms on online shopping intentions gradually declined over the same period. During the early stages of the pandemic, consumer anxiety amplified the influence of personal attitudes towards online shopping while diminishing the impact of social pressures on the same behaviour.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its nuanced analysis of how online purchase intentions evolved across different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating insights from both the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Behavioural Inhibition System. The study offers a comprehensive understanding of the shifts in consumer behaviour over time. It enables more strategic and proactive marketing tactics in a changing environment.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Oleksandra Hanchukova, Natalia Velikova and Bonhak Koo

Extending the Attitudes-Behavior-Context (ABC) theoretical framework by incorporating consumer expertise as an antecedent, the study investigates the intricate relationship…

Abstract

Purpose

Extending the Attitudes-Behavior-Context (ABC) theoretical framework by incorporating consumer expertise as an antecedent, the study investigates the intricate relationship between consumer attitudes toward locally produced goods (wine) and purchasing behavior, examined within the context of consumer ethnocentrism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an online survey of Texas wine consumers (N = 895). To investigate consumer attitudes towards local wine, the data were first subjected to descriptive analyses, namely means comparison and chi-square tests. Subsequently, path analysis was employed to explore the hypothesized relationships within the proposed model.

Findings

While consumers with higher wine knowledge are less likely to choose local wines for various consumption occasions, consumers who are highly involved with wine tend to exhibit more favorable perceptions. Taste emerged as the strongest driver of purchase intent. Consumer ethnocentrism plays a critical role, boosting purchase intent for those with positive general attitudes and considering local wines for various occasions. However, this effect disappears when perceptions of the taste of regional wines are unfavorable, highlighting once again the critical role of taste in purchase decisions, even for ethnocentric consumers.

Originality/value

This study expands the ABC framework by incorporating consumer expertise with a product as a new antecedent, thereby broadening its applicability to consumer behavior research within an ethnocentric context.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Chhavi Luthra, Pankaj Deshwal, Shiksha Kushwah and Samir Gokarn

This paper aims to study the intellectual landscape of green purchase (GP) literature, visualize and analyse the temporal evolution, thematic mapping of emerging and future…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the intellectual landscape of green purchase (GP) literature, visualize and analyse the temporal evolution, thematic mapping of emerging and future research themes using a systematic and quantitative literature review approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a bibliometric analysis and examines the bibliometric metadata consisting of 440 studies extracted from the Scopus database for the years 1990–2022 within the GP field.

Findings

The findings based on performance analysis and visualization networks reveal the productivity trend of GP by years, authors, academic relationships, international collaborations, top cited publications, most occurring keywords, existing and emerging themes and temporal theme evolution.

Research limitations/implications

It provides a broader/macro view of the topic and lacks specificity and deeper analysis, which can be addressed in future bibliometric studies.

Practical implications

The integration of topics contributes to the development of the intellectual landscape of the GP research field and suggests thrust areas for future research. The study offers important implications for the academic community to gain a comprehensive and global understanding of green purchasing.

Originality/value

This research is unique as previous studies have not quantitatively compiled and extensively analysed work of these characteristics on the area under study using bibliometrics.

Details

IIMT Journal of Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-7261

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Iza Gigauri, Maria Palazzo, Simona Andreea Apostu and Alfonso Siano

The purpose of this study is to explore the awareness, perception and attitude of consumers from Georgia toward smart, active and intelligent packaging of food products.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the awareness, perception and attitude of consumers from Georgia toward smart, active and intelligent packaging of food products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a quantitative research method using a survey questionnaire tool to gather data from consumers in Georgia.

Findings

The scope of the sample is restricted to only one developing country. Yet, the research results are still significant in creating knowledge about innovative food packaging from different country contexts and to understanding the acceptance of intelligent active packaging by consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Intelligent packaging facilitates companies with their sustainability efforts by reducing waste and environmental impact. It increases the desirability of products as responds to customer demands and leads to consumer satisfaction. Intelligent packaging can increase trust in bioproducts; for example, it is possible to track and check or monitor the origin of a product and prove that the product producer has really manufactured a bioproduct.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the discussion of the applicability and use of packaging with enhanced features in the food industry. In this respect, the performed pilot study fills the gap in the packaging literature by investigating consumers’ perspectives on intelligent packaging in Georgia – a non-EU, post-soviet, developing country.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Richard Reed

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2024

Subhash Chander Arora and Vinod Kumar Singh

The study aims to fulfil two objectives, namely, to explore what dimensions comes into play in the current consumer EV purchase behaviour based on relevant literature identified…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to fulfil two objectives, namely, to explore what dimensions comes into play in the current consumer EV purchase behaviour based on relevant literature identified in the past and to find out whether there are other reasons that are peculiar to the Indian automobile market which influenced consumers to adopt this eco-friendly technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed method approach for collecting the primary data was used. The study was conducted in five cities across India, through a questionnaire administered to 266 existing EV owners using judgemental sampling, that included dimensions as to what made them purchase EVs (any variant whether hybrid or battery) and encouraged their green behaviour. Moreover, the survey also took care of gathering other motivational constructs that may have played a significant role in the Indian EV market. To take care of this, use of single open-ended question was done. Statistical techniques like exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) version 4.0 were performed to gain meaningful insights from this investigation.

Findings

Based on our analysis, EV purchase behaviour in the Indian market could be explained by six configurational paths identified in conceptual framework of this study. The data analysed revealed long-term operational benefits or relative advantages, trialability or prior driving experience and positive attitude towards EVs playing an important role towards EV purchase decision followed by environmental concern, social norms and personal values of Indian consumers. Besides, several other factors were identified in open comments like favourable government policies, brand consciousness, compatibility and functional benefits in terms of comfortable and noiseless driving which tend to drive the decision of Indian consumers towards buying EVs. The identification of these motivations can help policymakers in targeting the customer market accordingly.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is restricted by its scope of sampling criteria, yet is distinct in its methodological approach and thereby adds value to existing literature on marketing and diffusion of EVs. The study explores the untapped gap in the current literature by helping identify reasons on the basis of which consumers made their choices of different EVs. Instead of analysing the potential antecedents of EV uptake, the study brings to light the actual reasons of EV purchase behaviour in the context of an emerging economy like India. That is to say, the horizon of EV motivations spans across technological, individual and regulatory attributes in the Indian automobile market.

Practical implications

This study is relevant and fulfils the underlying gap in the existing literature related to actual motivations that consumers look for before buying a high involvement product such as EVs. The results can be beneficial for marketers to design effective marketing strategies from the perspective of consumers. Promotional strategies addressing ease of using EVs and how battery technology is better than before needs to be clearly communicated by the marketers. Consumer education is necessary, in this regard, to make people aware of the rising air pollution levels. They have to be made understood the real advantages of owning EVs and how these non-conventional vehicles are far better when compared to traditional cars. In a nutshell, the study underscored potential determinants or reasons that made Indian consumers to go for EVs, based on statistically significant evidences which can be crucial for stakeholders operating in the Indian EV industry.

Social implications

The study has important implications for members of the community. By sacrificing their egoistic tendencies or individual preferences for energy intensive products such as ICE based vehicles, people can imbibe altruistic orientation and can contribute to the collective benefit of all by shifting towards energy rich vehicles powered by electricity. This is necessary to achieve the broader goals of sustainable development and to curtail the rising climate change phenomenon.

Originality/value

The study applied both quantitative (deductive) and qualitative (inductive) approach to study into the reasons for consumers’ purchase motivations towards electric cars. Taking a distinct methodological approach, the study enhances the knowledge on EVs by asking consumers to comment in their own words as to why they purchased EVs. This was necessary so as to better explore the needs of the Indian automobile market and which factors govern the purchase of EVs in domestic market. Past literature majorly focused on purchase intention towards EVs but this study in unexampled and analysed the purchase behaviour towards EVs. It should be noted that our investigation reveals the complexity of EV purchase reasons than those identified in past literature and it adds to the current pool of literature on EVs by explaining factors with unrivalled illustrative power.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Ming Xu, Qiang Xu, Sheng Wei, Xufei Gu and Furong Liu

The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and…

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.

Findings

The results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.

Originality/value

Few studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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