Do connoisseur consumers care about sustainability? Exploring coffee consumption practices through netnography

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Bartoloni ◽  
Beatrice Ietto ◽  
Federica Pascucci
Keyword(s):  
Social Practice ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Cultural Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Symbolic Meanings ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Sustainable Marketing ◽  
Specialty Coffee

PurposeThe coffee industry has experienced two major trends: the development of connoisseur consumption of specialty coffee and the importance of sustainability. Despite the increasing concomitant relevance of both trends, literature on how sustainability has been interlacing with connoisseur consumption is rather limited. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse how connoisseur consumers (CC) integrate sustainability into their coffee consumption practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a qualitative netnographic approach through an interpretive cultural analysis of specialty coffee bloggers narratives, conceived as a specific sub-group of CC that tend to be particularly active on social media.FindingsThrough the lens of social practice theories, the study reveals that CC are likely to implement and perceive sustainability very differently from the dominant mass market as subject to the influence of their shared rituals, values, norms and symbolic meanings. Such findings are relevant under a managerial perspective as they also generate insights on how to foster environmentally friendly practices in coffee consumers as well as on how to create more sustainable marketing strategies.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature on coffee consumption behaviour and sustainability. First, by analysing actual behaviours rather than intended, the study offers an alternative approach to the dominant paradigm of linear decisions models in the study of sustainable consumption. Second, because CC possess a unique consumption style, different from the mainstream market, the analysis has led towards the identification of alternative sustainable consumption patterns and enablers.

Elite and ethical: The defensive distinctions of middle-class bicycling in Bangalore, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 864-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manisha Anantharaman
Keyword(s):  
Middle Class ◽  
Social Practice ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
High Status ◽  
Collective Identities ◽  
Social Practice Theory ◽  
Environmental Behaviors ◽  
Middle Classes ◽  
Learning Skill ◽  
Consumption Practices

This article applies social practice theory to study the emergence of sustainable consumption practices like bicycling among the new middle classes of Bangalore, India. I argue that expansions of bicycling practices are dependent on the construction of defensive distinctions, which I define as distinctions that draw equally on lifestyle-based and ethics-based discourses to normalize bicycling among Bangalore’s middle classes. With their environmental discourses and signage, middle-class cyclists make claims to being ethical actors and ecological citizens concerned about global environments. Their high-end bicycles and special gear enable them to maintain their social status in personal and professional circles, despite adopting what is an essentialized and stigmatized mobility practice in a social context where personal automobiles are a dominant symbol of respectability and propertied citizenship. These defensive distinctions are anchored in communities that facilitate social learning, skill-building, and the creation of collective identities. I highlight the importance of considering the role of ethical discourses in consolidating “low-status” social practices among “high-status” class fractions and discuss the implications of promoting sustainable consumption through the othering of the poor. By applying a social practice analytic to study middle-class bicycling practices, this article makes a significant contribution to the growing literature that investigates the applicability of practice-based approaches to environmental behaviors and sustainable consumption in a novel context.

Preferences on transformable dresses for sustainability

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon Jin Ma ◽  
Helen Koo
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Functional Elements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Perceived Importance ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Shopping Orientations ◽  
Economic Price

Purpose The purpose of this research is to investigate users’ expectations and preferences for transformable design functions of transformable party dresses to extend the life cycle of the clothing. With transformable design elements added to a party dress, a user can wear her one-event dress more than once, encouraging sustainable consumption. Rather than looking for a new dress, users can wear their party dress with one or even several new looks. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through purposive sampling from female college students who had purchased at least one party dress. The survey questionnaire was self-developed based on the literature review and consisted of items that measured fashion behavior in relation to party dresses; shopping orientations, focusing on confident/appearance and fashion-consciousness, economic/price consciousness and convenience/time-consciousness; perceived importance of design and functional elements in party dresses; perceived reasons for the limited use of party dresses; perceived importance of design elements of transformable dresses; purchase intention for transformable dresses; and demographic characteristics. Findings As consumer groups of diverse shopping orientations demonstrated purchase intentions for transformable party dresses, transformable features may become an important component of party dresses. Considering the main reasons for users’ limited use of party dresses, designers need to improve the versatility of the dresses’ design and functional elements, focusing on style and occasion, dress length, size/fit, silhouette and color/pattern, so that users can wear their party dresses more than once and ultimately enhance their sustainable apparel consumption practices. Originality/value The findings regarding users’ expectations and preferences for transformable party dresses can help apparel designers and fashion businesses understand potential users when developing transformable dresses and develop strategies to help with sustainable apparel consumption.

Sustainable Marketing: Market-Driving, Not Market-Driven

2020 ◽  
pp. 027614672096183
Author(s):  
Jagdish N. Sheth ◽  
Atul Parvatiyar
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Corporate Marketing ◽  
Government Interventions ◽  
Sustainable Products ◽  
Market Driving ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Sustainable Marketing ◽  
Market Driven ◽  
The 1960S

Sustainability has emerged as a critical macromarketing perspective over the last five decades. Starting with the early concerns in the 1960s about the world’s finite resources that would limit economic growth, sustainability thinking has expanded to encompass societal issues and ecological and environmental considerations in economic and governance activities. Governments and businesses need to act in tandem to address myriad world problems associated with climate change, pollution, environmental degradation, depleting resources, and the socio-economic disparities that characterize persistent world hunger and poverty. A vital aspect of this challenge is to stop or reverse unsustainable production and consumption that have hitherto been pursued as part of market-driven business activity. Marketing, through its market-driven consumption-oriented practices, may have knowingly or unknowingly promoted these unsustainable production-consumption practices. Therefore, it needs to change its orientation from merely being responsive to consumer and market needs into a more responsible approach that drives markets for sustainable products and services and builds sustainable societies. In this paper, we review how sustainable marketing considerations have grown but not to the extent of becoming the driver of markets and business practices that meet sustainability goals. To this end, we present a framework for driving sustainable consumption through corporate marketing strategy and relevant government interventions. We highlight four strategies of corporate marketing and four types of government intervention for sustainable marketing.

Investigating the role of celebrity institutional entrepreneur in reducing the attitude-behavior gap in sustainable consumption

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Chaturvedi ◽  
Kushagra Kulshreshtha ◽  
Vikas Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
Institutional Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Attitude Behavior ◽  
Institutional Entrepreneur

PurposeAnthropogenic activities such as unsustainable consumption pattern is one of the reasons responsible for the ongoing environmental issues. Although, consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about environmental problems their attitudes are not resulting in sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Celebrity institutional entrepreneurs can engage and inspire the public at large and contribute to institutional change. Hence, this study aims to explore the potential of celebrity institutional entrepreneurship in galvanizing mainstream SCB by increasing the awareness of environmental issues and their consequences.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the actor's influence by conducting a netnographic analysis of Leonardo DiCaprio's Instagram account. Further, qualitative interviews of account followers were also conducted to evaluate the influence of account on their awareness levels and consumption practices.FindingsOur findings indicate that account had a significant impact on consumers' environmental awareness and engagement with environmental issues. However, a partial impact was seen in case of their sustainable consumption practices. Our study concludes that celebrity institutional entrepreneurship can help in addressing the attitude-behavior gap in sustainability research.Originality/valueThis study is amongst the few studies that attempted to explore the ways to reduce the attitude-behavior gap in SCB. It examines the potential of celebrity institutional entrepreneurship to galvanize mainstream sustainable consumption. The results of this study are useful to key stakeholders (policymakers, marketers, social-environmental groups etc.) in the development of more effective strategies for sustainable development.

Addressing plate waste and consumption practice at university canteens: realizing green university through citizen-consumers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natapol Thongplew ◽  
Nadtaya Duangput ◽  
Sasimaporn Khodkham
Keyword(s):  
Food Quality ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Plate Waste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Food Provision ◽  
University Settings

Purpose This study aims to explore ways to minimize plate waste at university canteens by studying plate waste and consumers at three main canteens of a university, Thailand. Design/methodology/approach Using university canteens in Thailand as a case, plate waste was characterized and quantified and consumers’ insights concerning food consumption practices were examined through focus group discussion. Findings The results revealed that each consumer wasted edible food around 19 grams/meal. The generation of plate waste is affected by the food provision system, including canteen setting, food purchasing procedure and food quality. In addition, the presence of stray dogs in the canteens inhibited consumers from finishing up their food. Thus, improving the food provision system is crucial to engage consumers in achieving zero plate waste. Originality/value This research sheds some light on ways to engage consumers in sustainable consumption and contributes to the knowledge on plate waste and sustainable consumption in university settings. Improving food quality and canteen settings are of importance to better engage consumers. In addition, this research revealed that concepts of system of provision and citizen-consumers are practical to analyze sustainable transformations for green university initiatives.

scholarly journals Green consumption practices for sustainability: an exploration through social practice theory

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Beatson ◽  
Udo Gottlieb ◽  
Katrina Pleming
Keyword(s):  
Social Marketing ◽  
Social Practice ◽  
Practice Theory ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Social Practice Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Consumption ◽  
Household Products ◽  
Consumption Practices

Purpose By applying social practice theory to green consumption, this paper extends our understanding of consumer insight on green consumption processes beyond linear decision-making. The purpose of this paper is to provide knowledge about how best to mitigate perceived barriers to green consumption processes including the purchase and disposal of household products and to contribute to current discourse about widening social marketing research beyond a predominant focus on individuals’ behaviours. Design/methodology/approach Thematic content analysis exploring the lived experiences of participants’ green consumption was undertaken by conducting 20 in-depth interviews of Australian consumers. These interviews were analysed through a social practice lens. Findings The research identified six emergent social practice themes of green consumption. By using social practice theory, a different paradigm of social research than the linear models of behaviour is used. This unconventional investigation into the green consumption process, including the purchase and disposal of household products, extends literature past the attitude–behaviour gap and highlights the importance of aligning green consumption processes with social practice. Originality/value By integrating social practice theory into the marketing discipline, this paper explores consumption as part of sustainable marketing and provides suggestions about how best to mitigate perceived barriers to green consumption processes. These insights have relevance to micro-, meso- and macro-levels of social marketing, and can help alter consumption practices making them more sustainable.

scholarly journals Moderating Role of Connoisseur Consumers on Sustainable Consumption and Dynamics Capabilities of Indonesian Single Origin Coffee Shops

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mangku Purnomo ◽  
Pardamean Daulay ◽  
Medea Utomo ◽  
Sugeng Riyanto
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Single Origin ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Revenue Structure ◽  
Coffee Shops ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Standard Character

Between agro-food products, coffee is the first commodity to quarrel in ethical attributes and sustainability issues such as fair trade, premium prices, as well as justified value chain issues. Taking into account the growing coffee consumption in Indonesia, this article tries to prove connoisseur consumers (CCs) are moderating the sustainable consumption and dynamics capabilities (DCs) of single origin coffee shops (SOCSs). An in-depth interview to 30 SOCS managers and 60 baristas and a survey to 450 consumers found that there are significant correlations between connoisseurs attributes such as the depth of a barista’s knowledge of coffee, the barista’s skills, the shop image, the coffee variation, the barista’s communication skills, and the serving techniques and that they have a relationship with an increase in the number of consumers. The existence of CCs has encouraged the practice of consumption sustainability of SOCSs and moderates SOCSs to improve sensing, seizing, and transforming shop management to stand against the competition. Based on the above findings, more in-depth research on the standard character and number of CCs is needed as well as their contribution to the revenue structure of SOCSs. Meanwhile, connoisseur customers’ support is capable of helping the SOCSs in improving their DCs to improve the sustainable consumption of Indonesian single origin coffee in the future.

Numerical analysis of the shear strength of circular reinforced concrete columns subjected to cyclic lateral loads using linear genetic programming

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 2517-2537
Author(s):  
Mostafa Rezvani Sharif ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Reza Sadri Tabaei Zavareh
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Shear Strength ◽  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Genetic Programming ◽  
Linear Genetic Programming ◽  
Rc Columns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Engineering Problems

Purpose The shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) columns under cyclic lateral loading is a crucial concern, particularly, in the seismic design of RC structures. Considering the costly procedure of testing methods for measuring the real value of the shear strength factor and the existence of several parameters impacting the system behavior, numerical modeling techniques have been very much appreciated by engineers and researchers. This study aims to propose a new model for estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns through a robust computational intelligence approach, namely, linear genetic programming (LGP). Design/methodology/approach LGP is a data-driven self-adaptive algorithm recently used for classification, pattern recognition and numerical modeling of engineering problems. A reliable database consisting of 64 experimental data is collected for the development of shear strength LGP models here. The obtained models are evaluated from both engineering and accuracy perspectives by means of several indicators and supplementary studies and the optimal model is presented for further purposes. Additionally, the capability of LGP is examined to be used as an alternative approach for the numerical analysis of engineering problems. Findings A new predictive model is proposed for the estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns using the LGP approach. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed model, the analysis results are compared to those obtained by some well-known models recommended in the existing literature. The results confirm the potential of the LGP approach for numerical analysis of engineering problems in addition to the fact that the obtained LGP model outperforms existing models in estimation and predictability. Originality/value This paper mainly represents the capability of the LGP approach as a robust alternative approach among existing analytical and numerical methods for modeling and analysis of relevant engineering approximation and estimation problems. The authors are confident that the shear strength model proposed can be used for design and pre-design aims. The authors also declare that they have no conflict of interest.

scholarly journals Creating products in the absence of markets: a robust design approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Silberzahn ◽  
Christophe Midler
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Product Design ◽  
Robust Design ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploration Process ◽  
Strategic Process ◽  
Alternative Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how firms deal with a situation of true uncertainty about their potential markets and technologies. Specifically, it asks how firms can create products when the corresponding market does not exist.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a longitudinal study of a high‐tech firm, combined with analysis of existing theory in product design and entrepreneurship.FindingsMarkets and products are usually a defining choice made early on by firms in their strategic process. Such a choice guides their development by providing a “stable concept” to which decisions can be related. When markets do not exist yet, however, this approach is not effective. Early choice of products and markets limits firms' flexibility by constraining their ability and willingness to adapt, while fundamental new technical and market information is likely to emerge during the project that will prove the initial assumptions wrong. The paper shows an alternative approach where products and markets actually result from a generic process of products and markets exploration driven by the firm. It is suggested that this approach forms a robust design in that it allows the firm to deal with the uncertainty by simultaneously developing its products and exploring markets, while preserving the flexibility to adapt to the changing environment.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this paper is to suggest an alternative approach to deliberate planning in high‐tech ventures. With this approach, rather than markets and products, strategy defines a market and technology exploration process.Originality/valueThe paper is original in three ways. It links the product design and market exploration processes in high‐tech firm development; it is based on an in‐depth longitudinal study; and it results from an academic‐practitioner collaborative work.

Expressing herself through brands: the Arab woman’s perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baker Ahmad Alserhan ◽  
Daphne Halkias ◽  
Aisha Wood Boulanouar ◽  
Mumin Dayan ◽  
Omar Ahmad Alserhan
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Arab Women ◽  
Global Marketplace ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Quality Of Care ◽  
Consumption Practices ◽  
Cultural Body ◽  
Word Of Mouth Communication ◽  
Beauty Care

Purpose – This paper aims to extend Wallström et al.’s (2010) six-nation study on brand use and notions of self-expression to Arab women in the UAE. Additionally, it extends the scope of investigation to include an extensive qualitative data corpus to inform and explain the consumption practices of this large, very wealthy and under-researched sector of the global marketplace. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses mixed methodology emphasizing qualitative research as a means of building on the results of Wallström et al.’s (2010) quantitative study. Findings – Results reveal that Arab women are less committed to the idea that beauty care products are a locus of self-expression, and their purchase choices are based on perceived quality of care products, scene of use and their lack of value in the culture as vehicles of conspicuous consumption cues. Originality/value – The paper offers valuable insights to researchers and practitioners into the use of beauty care products as a means of self-expression, and emphasizes the value of word-of-mouth communication in enhancing reach in this category. The authors recommend the investigation of relationships between expressing self through brands and variables revealed in this study such as respondents’ relationships to religiosity and health concerns. An extension of this research is also recommended to produce a cross-cultural body of literature on women’s self-expression through brands and how the variable of self-expression can be an important driver of consumer preferences and choices in this population.

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