While businesses provide “signals” related to products/services to alleviate information asymmetry and facilitate consumers’ economic valuation of their offerings, it is not always clear which of these signals is more effective. This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of signals on influencing consumers’ choices and their willingness to pay (WTP) for a restaurant meal. Results of an online stated choice experiment (N =328) suggest that local independent ownership, local sourcing, and food quality significantly influenced individuals’ choices and increased WTP for a meal. Higher food quality signal in a local and independently owned restaurant was associated with a 40% WTP price premium than in a national chain restaurant. Findings of this study contribute to our understanding of signaling factors’ relative influence on an individual’s decision. The study also offers management implications for restaurant owners on how to effectively align signals to target potential consumers.
AbstractWhitehouse adapts insights from evolutionary anthropology to interpret extreme self-sacrifice through the concept of identity fusion. The model neglects the role of normative systems in shaping behaviors, especially in relation to violent extremism. In peaceful groups, increasing fusion will actually decrease extremism. Groups collectively appraise threats and opportunities, actively debate action options, and rarely choose violence toward self or others.
AbstractIntuitions guide decision-making, and looking to the evolutionary history of humans illuminates why some behavioral responses are more intuitive than others. Yet a place remains for cognitive processes to second-guess intuitive responses – that is, to be reflective – and individual differences abound in automatic, intuitive processing as well.
Abstract
Tomasello offers a compelling account of the emergence of humans’ sense of obligation. We suggest that more needs to be said about the role of affect in the creation of obligations. We also argue that positive emotions such as gratitude evolved to encourage individuals to fulfill cooperative obligations without the negative quality that Tomasello proposes is inherent in obligations.
Environmental and digital innovation in food: The role of digital food hubs in the creation of sustainable local agri-food systems
