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1 – 10 of 242Hemant Patwardhan and Siva K. Balasubramanian
This research aims to explain consumer attraction to brands when stimulation needs are paramount using the perspective of the Self‐Expansion Model. In doing so, it seeks to…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to explain consumer attraction to brands when stimulation needs are paramount using the perspective of the Self‐Expansion Model. In doing so, it seeks to identiy brand romance – a more proximal construct to brand loyalty and aims to offer a complementary perspective to understand emotional attachment to brands.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of four studies developed and validated a three‐factor, 12‐item measurement scale for brand romance using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability, convergent, criterion, discriminant and nomological validities were established.
Findings
Brand romance is a reliable, valid, and a more proximal construct that explains loyalty significantly better than attitudes.
Research limitations/implications
Student subjects constitute the sample and the findings are cautiously generalizable to adult populations. Future research should focus on teasing out product category effects, extending generalizability to other product categories and integrating the Attachment Theory perspective with the study's findings to offer a more comprehensive explanation for loyalty.
Practical implications
Consumers are likely to remain loyal to brands to which they are attracted. The brand romance construct captures this attraction. Marketers need to infuse their brands with novel perspectives, resources and identities on a continuous basis to satisfy stimulation needs and keep the attraction strong. This involves creating new brand associations that help the brand to stay relevant.
Originality/value
To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to apply the Self‐expansion Model to brand relationships. The research contributes a unique perspective in explaining emotional attachment to brands brought on by stimulation needs. It fills a gap in the emotional attachment literature and provides marketers with a tool to monitor consumers' attraction to brands.
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Anthony R. Wheeler, M. Ronald Buckley, Jonathon R.B. Halbesleben, Robyn L. Brouer and Gerald R. Ferris
“Fit” as a human resources decision criterion has emerged as an active body of research in recent years, but its “elusiveness” as a scientific construct, noted more than a decade…
Abstract
“Fit” as a human resources decision criterion has emerged as an active body of research in recent years, but its “elusiveness” as a scientific construct, noted more than a decade ago by Judge and Ferris, still remains. To best address this issue, this chapter proposes an integrative theory of multidimensional fit that encompasses five relevant (and distinct) streams of current fit research: Person-Organization Fit, Person-Vocation Fit, Person-Job Fit, Person-Preferences for Culture Fit, and Person-Team Fit. It is proposed that these five dimensions of fit relate to an individual's self-concept; moreover, an individual assesses multidimensional fit utilizing a social cognitive decision-making process called prototype matching. By assessing fit across multiple dimensions, an individual can both gain a social identity and expand the self-concept, which explains the motive to fit. Testable propositions are formulated, and implications for multidimensional fit across the employment lifecycle are discussed. Furthermore, directions for future fit research are provided.
This study explores the brand management and marketing of Creative Cities of Gastronomy. A framework based on brand experience was constructed to investigate its relationship with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the brand management and marketing of Creative Cities of Gastronomy. A framework based on brand experience was constructed to investigate its relationship with tourists' brand attachment and brand identification. Two factors that enable tourists to have a stronger brand experience from the self-concept perspective – self-congruity and self-expansion – were also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted a quantitative research design and collected data from participants who had visited Creative Cities of Gastronomy. A total of 515 valid questionnaires were collected online and offline. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis and hypothesis testing.
Findings
The results showed that brand experience positively affects brand identification and attachment. The brand experience of tourists who considered themselves to be “foodies” was enhanced in the Creative Cities of Gastronomy through self-congruity. The results also confirmed that the relationship between self-congruity and brand experience is mediated by self-expansion.
Originality/value
Studies on the Creative Cities of Gastronomy are limited. The few that have explored these cities are dominated by qualitative approaches. This study applied empirical data to examine the brand experience in Creative Cities of Gastronomy. The authors successfully verified that brand experience is effective for building positive relationships with brand attachment and identification. The study also confirmed that self-congruity and self-expansion are important antecedents of brand experience in Creative Cities of Gastronomy. This study enriches the literature by providing empirical evidence and insights into the marketing and branding of these cities.
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Paulo Rita, Celeste Vong, Flávio Pinheiro and João Mimoso
With the growing popularity of social media, it has become common practice for consumers to write online reviews to share their opinion and experience as well as consider others'…
Abstract
Purpose
With the growing popularity of social media, it has become common practice for consumers to write online reviews to share their opinion and experience as well as consider others' reviews to inform purchase decision-making. This study investigated how online review sentiments towards four key aspects (food, service, ambience and price) change after a restaurant is awarded a Michelin Star to shed light on how the award of a Michelin Star affects online reviews as well as what factors contribute to positive online restaurant reviews.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a sentiment analysis of online restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor. A total of 8,871 English-written reviews from 87 restaurants located in Europe were extracted using a web crawler developed by Beautiful Soup, and data were then processed using Semantria.
Findings
The study findings revealed that overall sentiments decreased after restaurants were awarded a Michelin Star, in which service sentiment was the most affected aspect, followed by food and ambience. Yet, price sentiment showed a prominent increase. This provides valuable insights for Michelin-starred restaurant operators and owners to create a unique and compelling gastronomic experience that triggers positive online reviews.
Practical implications
The results of this study argue that consumers tend to hold higher expectations for this type of upscale restaurants given its recognition and quality assurance, so they are more likely to have negative feelings when their expectations are disconfirmed. Therefore, restaurants should continuously improve their food and service while paying attention to small details such as ambience, through creativity and innovation. Also, high-end restaurants, especially Michelin-starred restaurants, usually have the edge in premium pricing, yet competitive pricing may backfire considering its perceived luxurious values.
Originality/value
This study analyzed changes in customer sentiments when a restaurant is awarded a Michelin Star through text analytics. Through the lens of online restaurant reviews, the study findings contribute to identifying aspects that are most or least affected by the award of a Michelin Star as well as highlight the role of ambience in customer satisfaction which might have been overlooked in previous studies.
研究目的
隨著社交媒體日趨普及,消費者出現一種常見的做法,就是在網上書寫評論,分享他們的意見和體驗,他們也會參考其他消費者的評論,以在購物時能作出知情決定。本研究擬探討當餐館獲得米其林星級時,消費者對它們在四個主要方面 (即食物、服務、情調和價格) 的網上評價會如何改變。我們藉此能更容易了解、餐館獲得米其林星級會如何影響其網上評論,以及是哪些因素、會為這些餐館帶來正面的網上評價。
研究設計/方法/理念
我們對貓途鷹平台上的網上餐館評論進行情感分析。透過BeautifulSoup 研發的網絡爬蟲,我們取出位於歐洲87間餐館、共8,871個以英文書寫的評論,並把這些數據以Semantria加以處理。
研究結果
研究結果顯示、當餐館獲得米其林星級時,顧客的整體情緒會下降,而其中最受影響的是服務情懷,其次是食物和情調; 但價格情緒卻有明顯的上升。這研究結果給獲得米其林星級餐館的經營者及其東主提供寶貴的啟示,讓他們了解如何為顧客創造一個可帶來正面網上評價的獨特而難忘的美食體驗。
研究的原創性/價值
本研究透過文本挖掘、去分析當餐館獲得米其林星級時,顧客情緒會如何改變; 透過網上餐館評論這面透視鏡子,本研究得到的結果、幫助我們確定米其林星級的聲譽所影響最大和最小的是哪些方面,以及讓我們更深入了解餐館的情調在顧客滿意程度上所扮演的角色,而這個角色在過去的研究中似被忽視。
管理上的啟示
本研究的結果提供了論據、證明由於消費者對擁有相關的認可和品質保證的這類高檔餐館一般予以較高的期望,故當他們發現期望與現實不符時,他們更容易產生負面的情緒; 因此,餐館在關注如情調方面的細節的同時,也應透過創造力和新觀念、去不斷改善他們提供的食物素質和服務水平; 而且,高檔餐館,尤其是獲得米其林星級的餐館,通常在溢價定價方面享有優勢,但當考慮到感知的奢華價值時,具競爭力的價格或會為餐館帶來反效果。
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This paper uses systems theory to clarify the crucial point that there is a basic, inborn, bodily motivation, and that a social theory of the self cannot simply be a theory of…
Abstract
This paper uses systems theory to clarify the crucial point that there is a basic, inborn, bodily motivation, and that a social theory of the self cannot simply be a theory of process. By bridging across current neuroscience, cognitive science, and systems theory, I propose a self that is fundamentally emotional energy seeking. There are other bodily needs (food, drink, etc), but these satiate quickly, and although they can override everything else at moments when they are low, they are not the central switching mechanism, the top of the hierarchy in the subsumption architecture of the self. Basing the formation and ongoing processes of the self in the motive to maximize emotional energy can explain the seeming conflict between tendencies towards self-consistency and the potential for creativity and change. It also allows us to detail the mechanisms that underlie the process of individuals drawing on culture as a resource and in turn diffusing new symbols and meanings into the larger culture.
Jerika C. Norona and Spencer B. Olmstead
Romantic dissolution is a common experience throughout the life course, particularly during emerging adulthood (ages 18–29). The purpose of this review was to summarize and…
Abstract
Romantic dissolution is a common experience throughout the life course, particularly during emerging adulthood (ages 18–29). The purpose of this review was to summarize and critique theoretical approaches and empirical findings of the aftermath of dating relationship dissolution.
Article searches were conducted within PsycINFO. We utilized terms related to romantic relationship dissolution (i.e., breakup, romantic breakup, relationship termination, relationship dissolution, romantic dissolution, romantic termination, post-dissolution) in a search for key words. We narrowed the results further by limiting the search to include participants between the ages of 18 and 29.
Experiencing romantic dissolution can result in both positive and negative emotional reactions and behaviors, including personal growth and self-expansion as well as experiencing physical and emotional abuse from ex-partners. Furthermore, former romantic partners commonly form other types of friendships and casual sexual relationships after the termination of committed romantic relationships. Many theoretical frameworks are used to guide these investigations, and some articles lack a theoretical framework.
Developmental Systems Theory might be a theoretical framework that best shapes our investigations of romantic dissolution in dating relationships that occur in emerging adulthood.
Relationship education programs would be enhanced by discussing the developmental needs that are important for young people and the ways in which their romantic experiences can or cannot meet those needs. In addition to learning about how to have healthy romantic relationships, young people can also benefit from learning how to identify when romantic relationships should end, and how to end them successfully.
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Yu-An Huang, Chad Lin, Hung-Jen Su and Mei-Lien Tung
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of parental and peer norms on idol worship as well as the effect of idol worship on the intention to purchase and obtain the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of parental and peer norms on idol worship as well as the effect of idol worship on the intention to purchase and obtain the idol’s music products legally and illegally.
Design/methodology/approach
A stratified, two-stage, cluster sampling procedure was applied to a list of high schools obtained from the Ministry of Education in Taiwan. A return rate of 80 per cent yielded 723 usable questionnaires, the data from which were analysed by the LISREL structural equation modelling software.
Findings
The results suggest that both social worship and personal worship have a significant and positive impact on the intention to purchase music. However, personal worship has a negative impact on the intention to pirate music while social worship appears to strengthen it.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that idol worship is more complex than previously understood. The constructs chosen in this research should be seen only as a snapshot but other variables such as vanity trait, autonomy, romanticism or involvement are not taken into account. Future studies would benefit from inclusion of these variables and a wider geographical scope.
Practical implications
The findings contain many implications to help marketing executives and planners better revise their existing marketing and communication strategies to increase their revenue.
Originality/value
Existing research has tended to examine the impact of idol worship as a whole on the reduction of music piracy, but overlook the two-dimensional aspects of idol worship, hence ignoring the fact that many music firms have not properly utilised idol worship to deal with the challenges associated with music piracy. The findings broaden existing understanding about the causes of two different dimensions of idol worship and their different impacts on the intention to music piracy.
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Lujun Su, Jin Cheng and Scott Swanson
In an adventure tourism context (i.e. sky diving, bungee jumping) the effect of the absence or presence of a travel companion; companion relative ability (i.e. perception of a…
Abstract
Purpose
In an adventure tourism context (i.e. sky diving, bungee jumping) the effect of the absence or presence of a travel companion; companion relative ability (i.e. perception of a companion’s possessed resources useful for the achievement of travel goals); and tourist gender on the impact of companion relative ability on tourists’ satisfaction and subjective well-being is examined. This paper aims to investigate the mediating role of satisfaction that combines companion relative ability, tourist gender, tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses three situational experiments. A one-factor between-subjects experimental design was used for Study 1. Studies 2 and 3 used a one-factor between-subjects and a 2 × 3 factorial between-subjects design. Participants included tourists visiting a national park in China assigned to scenarios using an anonymous intercept approach and an online survey.
Findings
Having a companion with greater/comparable relative ability produces a greater effect on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being than having a companion with lower relative ability. Furthermore, the perceived relative ability of a travel companion results in a stronger positive effect on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being for female tourists. Meanwhile, satisfaction fully mediates the impact of the interaction between companion relative ability and tourist gender on subjective well-being.
Originality/value
The current research validates the companion effect on adventure tourists’ satisfaction and subjective well-being. An additional contribution is an investigation into the effect of companion relative ability. The study is the only one the authors are aware of that examines the moderating role of tourist gender on the effect of companion relative ability on tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being and identifies the mechanism that combines companion relative ability, tourist gender, tourist satisfaction and subjective well-being.
同伴效应对冒险旅游者满意度与主观幸福感的影响:性别的调节作用
目标
本研究探讨了在冒险旅游情境下, 有旅游同伴和感知同伴相对能力对旅游者满意度和主观幸福感的影响。
方法
研究1采用了单因子组间设计。研究2采用了一个单因子组间设计和一个2×3双因子组间设计。
结果
与拥有一个相对能力较低的同伴相比, 拥有一个相对能力较高/相等的同伴对旅游满意度和主观幸福感的影响更大。此外, 旅游同伴相对能力感知对女性旅游者的满意度和主观幸福感有较强的正向影响。同时, 满意度完全中介同伴相对能力与旅游者性别之间的交互效应对主观幸福感的影响。
创新性
本研究验证了同伴效应对冒险旅游者满意度和主观幸福感的影响。另一个贡献是对同伴相对能力影响的研究。本研究是我们唯一所知:1)检验旅游者性别在同伴相对能力对旅游者满意度和主观幸福感影响中的调节作用; 2)考察联结了同伴相对能力、旅游者性别、旅游者满意度和主观幸福感的机制。
El efecto Peer de la satisfacción y el bienestar subjetivo de los turistas de aventura: el efecto moderador del género
Propósito
Este estudio investigó la influencia de la capacidad relativa de los pares y la percepción de los pares en la satisfacción de los turistas y el bienestar subjetivo en el contexto del Turismo de aventura.
Diseño / metodología / metodología
En el estudio 1 se utilizó un diseño experimental de un solo factor entre sujetos.El estudio 2 utilizó un diseño factorial único entre sujetos y 2 □ 3 entre sujetos.
Conclusiones
En comparación con los pares con menor capacidad relativa, los pares con mayor capacidad relativa tienen un mayor impacto en la satisfacción de los turistas y el bienestar subjetivo.Además, la capacidad relativa percibida de las mujeres turistas hacia sus pares tiene un fuerte efecto positivo en la satisfacción de los turistas y el bienestar subjetivo.Al mismo tiempo, la satisfacción mediaba plenamente la influencia de la interacción entre la capacidad relativa de los pares y el género de los turistas en el bienestar subjetivo.
Originalidad
Este estudio verificó la influencia del efecto Peer en la satisfacción y el bienestar subjetivo de los turistas de aventura.Otra contribución es el estudio de los efectos de la competencia relativa entre pares.Este estudio es el único que conocemos: 1) investigar el efecto moderador del género de los turistas en la capacidad relativa de los pares sobre la satisfacción de los turistas y el bienestar subjetivo; 2) determinar el mecanismo de combinación de la capacidad relativa de los pares, el género de los turistas, la satisfacción de los turistas y El bienestar subjetivo.
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Raquel Castaño and Maria Eugenia Perez
This paper aims to explore brand personality relationships in the context of original versus counterfeit products. Specifically, it investigates consumers’ perception of both…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore brand personality relationships in the context of original versus counterfeit products. Specifically, it investigates consumers’ perception of both original brands and their counterfeits.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present four studies conducted with 657 Mexican consumers who own or have owned an original luxury-brand product as well as a counterfeit of the same brand. Data were analyzed through regression analyses, t-tests, correlation coefficients and one-way ANOVA.
Findings
Results show that consumers who voluntarily acquire both original luxury brands and their counterfeits transfer the symbolic personality traits of the original brand to the counterfeit, experience significantly higher coincidence between their personality traits and those of the original brand and also experience a stronger overlap between their overall self-concept and the original brand’s concept than with the counterfeit’s concept, and feel higher levels of love towards the original brands than towards their counterfeits.
Research limitations/implications
This study plays a relevant role in understanding how consumers form relationships with original and counterfeit brand products. Managers of original brands are advised to build their efforts around the idea of consumers’ love for the original brand, emphasizing issues of authenticity and congruence between consumers and their purchase decisions.
Practical implications
Managers of original brands are advised to build their efforts around the idea of consumers’ love for the original brand, emphasizing the trust element of a love relationship in order to encourage consumers to be “faithful” to the original brands.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the relationships consumers form with brands and their counterfeits. This is novel because, so far, most of the studies on counterfeits have mainly sought to explain why and how consumers choose counterfeits instead of original brands.
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As Generation Y is considered to be a lucrative segment for emerging devices, this study investigates the effect of emotional brand attachment, from the brand romance perspective…
Abstract
Purpose
As Generation Y is considered to be a lucrative segment for emerging devices, this study investigates the effect of emotional brand attachment, from the brand romance perspective, on brand loyalty of Generation Y smartphone users. Furthermore, this study examines gender differences in the same relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method and data was collected from 300 respondents. Data was analyzed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and multi-group analysis was performed to examine gender differences in the model.
Findings
Results revealed that all three aspects of brand romance (pleasure, arousal and dominance) have a positive impact on smartphone brand loyalty. It further denotes that the relationship between brand romance and brand loyalty differs from males to females.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution by examining emotional attachment and brand loyalty of Generation Y consumers, which has been less investigated. Furthermore, both attitudinal and behavioral brand loyalty has been considered in this study, which has largely been overlooked in similar studies. Examining the gender difference in the above relationship is an additional contribution.
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