scholarly journals Consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 499-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Bennett ◽  
Rohini Vijaygopal
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electric Cars ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Image Congruence ◽  
Willingness To Purchase

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gamification on connections between consumers’ self-image congruence in relation to the purchasers of an environmentally friendly product electric vehicles (EVs) and their possession of a stereotype of EV owners as being “unconventional”, and their attitudes towards EVs, having regard to their levels of environmental concern and prior knowledge of EVs. Additionally, the research explored the link between attitudes towards and willingness to purchase EVs. Design/methodology/approach Participants completed a questionnaire and an Implicit Association Test (IAT) both before and after playing a computer game wherein the player assumed the identity of an EV driver. A structural equation model was constructed to predict attitude to EVs. The relationship between attitude and willingness to purchase was examined via a conditional process analysis. Findings The experience of playing the game improved the favourability of the respondents’ stereotype of EV owners by an average of 19 per cent, and their attitude towards EVs by 17 per cent. Self-image congruence in relation to EV ownership increased on the average by 14 per cent and reported EV product knowledge by 8 per cent. However, willingness to purchase an EV was not substantially affected. The link between attitude and willingness to purchase was weak, but was significantly moderated by stereotype favourability and self-image congruence with EV owners. Research limitations/implications As with any IAT study, it was necessary to pre-specify a particular form of stereotype. Future research could employ alternative stereotypes. The investigation took place in a single country and involved a single environmentally friendly product. Practical implications Gamification has much potential for helping manufacturers and government agencies to stimulate the mass market for EVs. To negate unfavourable images of EV owners, marketing communications promoting EVs might usefully employ celebrities, sports personalities and/or leading political figures as exemplars of the types of people who drive electric cars. Originality/value The research is the first to explore the effects of gamification on product user self-image congruence and stereotype formation. It is novel both in its employment of an IAT to measure the consumer stereotype of an environmentally friendly product and in its examination of the moderating influences of stereotype and product user self-image congruence on the attitude-willingness to purchase link.

Consumers’ self-congruence with a “Liked” brand

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Wallace ◽  
Isabel Buil ◽  
Leslie de Chernatony
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Image

Purpose Brand “Likes” on Facebook facilitate self-expression, forming part of consumers’ virtual selves. Yet, consumers’ brand “Likes” may bear little resemblance to their material realities. This paper aims to test similarities of brand image with self-image for Facebook “Likes” to determine whether self-congruence with a “Liked” brand leads to positive offline brand outcomes. It also investigates whether consumers’ perceptions about their Facebook social relations influence self-congruent brand “Likes”. Design/methodology/approach A large-scale survey was conducted of regular Facebook users who “Liked” brands. Data from 438 respondents was analysed and hypotheses tested using structural equation modeling. Findings Empirical results show that the perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand increases with social tie strength. Perceived social tie strength is informed by perceived attitude homophily. When the perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand is higher, brand love and word of mouth (WOM) are enhanced. Consumers also have greater brand loyalty and offer more WOM when brands are loved. Research limitations/implications Findings demonstrate the influence of consumers’ cognitive network on “Likes” and brand outcomes. Further replication would enhance generalisability. Future research should use a wider sample and investigate other variables. Practical implications Findings support managers seeking to grow and analyse Facebook “Likes” by providing insights into brand loyalty, brand love and WOM for “Liked” brands. Originality/value The paper addresses the dearth of research exploring how consumers’ perceptions of their Facebook network influence their online brand behaviour and how perceived self-congruence with a “Liked” brand relates to brand outcomes.

How do foreign customers' perceptions of product-harm crises affect their transfer of capability- and character-based stigma?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Xue ◽  
Gongming Qian ◽  
Zhengming Qian ◽  
Lee Li
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Spillover Effects ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stigma By Association ◽  
Product Preferences ◽  
Association Effect

PurposeCustomers often trace a product-harm crisis to the deviant firm's capability- or character-relevant issues. This study examines how capability- and character-based stigma associated with product-harm crises influence foreign customers' product preferences (i.e. brand affect and purchase intention) for other firms from the same country of origin.Design/methodology/approachQualitative survey data are used to test hypotheses with a structural equation model.FindingsThe authors find that negative capability judgment significantly affects foreign customers' product preferences for other firms from the same country of origin, whereas negative character judgment does not. However, customers' national animosity and product knowledge moderate the stigma spillover effects. Specifically, national animosity and product knowledge weaken the spillover effects of capability-based stigma but strengthen those of character-based stigma.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could examine strategies for uninvolved firms to avoid the stigma-by-association effect. Moreover, due to the lack of resources to collect data, this study does not investigate how customers' generalized favorability and familiarity with crisis-stricken firms and uninvolved firms moderate the stigma-by-association effect.Originality/valueThe findings of this study advance our knowledge on product-harm crises and the stigma-by-association effect.

Online service or virtual community? Building platform loyalty in reward-based crowdfunding

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunghan Ryu ◽  
Ayoung Suh
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Service Satisfaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Community Influences ◽  
Image Congruence

PurposeThis study examines how individual contributors' evaluation of the two aspects in reward-based crowdfunding—service and community—influences the formation of platform loyalty. It also seeks to determine the conditions under which the evaluation is positive.Design/methodology/approachWe collaborated for data collection with two reward-based crowdfunding platforms in South Korea that primarily promote crowdfunding campaigns in the creative domains. We combined the survey data collected from 578 contributors and campaign data from the platforms, empirically examining the formation of platform loyalty and its antecedents.FindingsThe results suggest that service satisfaction with a platform and a sense of belonging to it are positively associated with platform loyalty. We also found that an individual contributor's self-image congruence with the crowdfunding platform is positively associated with service satisfaction and a sense of belonging, while the experience of greater campaign success moderates the relationship in different ways.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the crowdfunding literature by establishing a theoretical background for understanding reward-based crowdfunding platforms, which combine service and community. It also extends the scope of the literature on crowdfunding by examining the role of platform loyalty at the platform level.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that service and community are both critical for building a sustainable crowdfunding platform. Platform operators are expected to provide high-quality services and foster a sense of community. Identifying and developing contributors with higher self-image congruence with the platforms is essential.Originality/valueWhile previous literature on reward-based crowdfunding has focused on individual contributor- and campaign-level analyses, platform-level knowledge is lacking. This study is among the first to focus on platform loyalty of individual contributors toward reward-based crowdfunding platforms. Moreover, we use both individual-level perception and campaign-level performance variables to examine the formation of platform loyalty.

Cometh self-image congruence: a cross-cultural study

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Tung Shu ◽  
Stephen Strombeck
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Brand Preference ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Brands ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Image Congruence ◽  
Asian Consumers ◽  
Cultural Similarity

Purpose Prior research has clearly shown that ethnocentric consumers favor local brands. However, consumers also strongly favor local and global brands which reinforce their desired self-images. The purpose of this paper is to examine how self-image congruence (SIC) mediates the effect of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) on local brand preference (LBP). Design/methodology/approach This study empirically tested the proposed mediation model across three countries (Taiwan, South Korea and Japan) using ten brands from two very different product categories (beer and personal computers). Research subjects were randomly selected and placed into one of four groups for each of these countries. Subjects in these groups were asked to compare well-known domestic and global brands which were either culturally similar or culturally dissimilar. Findings CE significantly impacted LBP among Taiwan, South Korea and Japan college-aged consumers but this impact was limited. SIC, however, had a powerful influence on LBP for these consumers. The cultural similarity and relative necessity of brand choices had almost no effect on the results. Research limitations/implications Researchers and practitioners need to more fully understand the contingencies Asian consumers use in selecting local brands. Under some scenarios, CE may not be a reliable predictor of local brands preference. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to demonstrate the influential role of SIC among consumers from collectivistic cultures.

Antecedents of green consumption: a scale of measure

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinove Marde ◽  
Claire Verite-Masserot
Keyword(s):  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Consumption ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to provide a scale of measure that is based on the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption, which will measure multifaceted profiles and apply to several product categories over the long term. Design/methodology/approach The list of antecedents is derived from the literature and a qualitative study. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses using two samples of respondents are conducted to validate the scale. Findings The results suggest the use of a scale with three multi-dimensional facets when examining the antecedents of environmentally friendly consumption. The first facet is called “barriers to purchase” and has a four-dimensional structure; the second facet is called the “relationship with the product” and has a two-dimensional structure; and the third facet is called the “propensity to consume environmentally friendly products” and has a four-dimensional structure. Research limitations/implications Future research should seek to test and confirm the version of the global tool of measure proposed in this study. Practical implications Firms can use the tool to better understand the reasons to buy or not buy green products. They can now have multifaceted profiles to better comprehend environmentally aware consumption and to adapt their marketing strategies. Originality/value The tool of measure proposed here highlights the predictive indicators of green consumption based on its antecedents. Because these antecedents can differ not only in their nature but also in their intensity, combining them to develop a global tool is necessary.

scholarly journals New Risk Situations Related to Low Noise from Electric Vehicles: Perception of Workers as Pedestrians and Other Vehicle Drivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6701
Author(s):  
María Carmen Pardo-Ferreira ◽  
Juan Antonio Torrecilla-García ◽  
Carlos de las Heras-Rosas ◽  
Juan Carlos Rubio-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Hybrid Vehicles ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Electric Cars ◽  
Road Users ◽  
Low Speeds ◽  
Hybrid Electric

Sales of electric and hybrid electric vehicles are increasing steadily worldwide, and consequently their presence increases in city areas. At low speeds, the low levels of noise produced by these vehicles could become a new risk factor for road users. However, the magnitude of the risk has not been accurately determined. In addition, its inclusion in the work environment could pose a new risk that should be managed. Thus, in relation to low noise levels of electric and hybrid vehicles, this study aimed to characterise the risk situations and determine the risk perception of workers as pedestrians and internal combustion engine vehicle drivers coming into contact with these vehicles. The data were extracted from 417 questionnaires filled out by the employees of public service companies who come into contact with electric and hybrid vehicles during their working day in the city of Málaga, in the region of Andalusia, Spain. According to the experiences reported, it seems that the risk due to the low noise levels of electric vehicles is moderate and does not reach alarming levels. These risk situations usually occurred in low speed urban areas, particularly when crossing the road, or in semi-pedestrian areas. Almost half the respondents considered that the electric vehicle poses a risk to other road users because it is more difficult to hear, and they believe it likely that other road users could be injured. Despite that risk, pedestrians did not change their way of walking or moving around the parking areas and other areas of the company. Electric and hybrid electric cars are now required to produce sound when travelling at low speeds. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this measure should be assessed once implemented and future research should explore alternative non-acoustic measures.

“Infecting” those we care about: social network effects on body image

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aditi Grover ◽  
Jeffrey Foreman ◽  
Mardie Burckes-Miller
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Network Effects ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Thin Ideal ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Image

Purpose This paper aims to explore the forces at work that negatively influence the self-image perceptions of young women, causing them to strive for an “ultra-thin” ideal. Design/methodology/approach Focus groups explore why and how perceived self-image influences young women’s body and perceptions and, consequently, health. Thematic qualitative analysis explores the realm of information and emotions involved with the thin-ideal. Findings Social contagion theory emerged with a significant impact caused by network influencers and the spread of information and emotions within social networks forces that sustain the need to be ultra-thin, even though there is abundant knowledge about adverse effects. Research limitations/implications Future research should address limitations involving representativeness and generalizability. Practical implications Social marketing programs, including social media, should stress healthy eating habits while focusing on the importance of the self and de-emphasizing the “thin-ideal” image. Originality/value Results will assist in developing more informed and effective prevention programs, including social media campaigns, as preventative healthcare to reduce the risk of the spread of eating disorders and promote psychological health of at-risk young adults.

To partner or not? A study of co-branding partnership and consumers' perceptions of symbolism and functionality toward co-branded sport products

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Yeol Yu ◽  
G. Matthew Robinson ◽  
DongHun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Sport Industry ◽  
Image Congruence ◽  
Perceived Product Quality ◽  
Image Fit ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study was conducted to examine the effect of co-branding, a brand partnership tactic involving two or more brands, on consumer behavior within the sport industry. As such, the primary aim was to examine differences regarding consumers' perceptions of self-image congruence and perceived product quality when considering solo-branding and co-branding conditions. Further, under the co-branding condition, relationships among consumers' self-image congruence, perceived product quality, image fit, product evaluation and purchase intention were investigated.Design/methodology/approachA scenario-based quasi-experiment consisting of hypothetical co-branding initiatives between existing brands was conducted.FindingsResults from a repeated multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that consumers' symbolic and functional perceptions of co-branding as well as evaluations were statistically higher than in the solo-branding condition. Additionally, structural equation modeling indicated positive relationships between consumers' symbolic and functional perceptions, image fit, evaluation and behavior intention.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first papers to investigate the impact of co-branding on consumers within the sport industry and provides evidence of the positive impact of co-branding strategies on consumer behavior within the sport industry.

scholarly journals Supply chain risk management research agenda

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 567-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozlem Bak
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supply Chain Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain Risk ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Supply chain risk (SCR) has increasingly attracted academic and corporate interest; however, the SCR debate in academic literature is rather limited to case- and location-specific studies. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to utilize a systematic literature review (SLR) to explore the SCR research trends and gaps within the management literature. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the research objective an SLR, looking into 25 years since 1990, into supply chain risk management (SCRM) was conducted, which resulted in 114 papers. Findings While the SCRM literature is growing, results from the SLR identified limited organized understanding of what constitutes a holistic SCR process, and high reliance of particular categories for SCR, such as the high reliance on specific country settings (the USA and the UK); limited presence of cross competitive SCR process analysis and challenges in developing conceptual SCR frameworks. Research limitations/implications The SCR embeds categories of location, scope of supply chain, risk management tools, and the industry sectors involved. The search for related publications was mainly used from a wide range of coverage from accountancy to design in SCR; hence, although there is indication to specific industries, and foci of risk, this could be explored further. Practical implications This review of SCRM identifies various research gaps and directions for future research to develop theory and a practical understanding of SCR. Originality/value The current literature on SCR has been assessed based on its definition and utilization. The current paper bridges this gap by synthesizing the diverse academic journal papers into the categories based on the design continuum, relationship continuum, process continuum and economic continuum. In addition, it highlights the gaps in industry context, theoretical contribution, geographic location, and research methods applied and addresses the scope for further research.

Establishing the financial returns arising from an evaluation of a retail training programme

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecília Olexová
Keyword(s):  
Training Evaluation ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Product Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Evaluation Of Training ◽  
Shop Assistant

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an evaluation of training for shop assistants, specifically in retail chains. Design/methodology/approach The proposed evaluation is based on Kirkpatrick’s model and Phillips’ modification. The representative case study includes the application of the training evaluation at the fourth and fifth levels of evaluation in a particular chain of retail stores. The data were collected from the retail chain’s financial reports, internal documents related to training of employees and interviews with managers in the retail chain. Findings The results contribute to the training evaluation literature by presenting a training evaluation for shop assistant using evidence from a retail chain. The training focussed on selling skills and product knowledge; the details of evaluating the training are presented, encompassing mainly the benefits and costs of the training and return on investment calculation. Research limitations/implications The training evaluation was tested only in selected types of training courses for shop assistants. To generalise the results, its adoption in different types of training and retail companies is required in future research. Practical implications The application of this training evaluation should help to achieve training objectives and enhance the quality of training in the retail chain. The results of the paper can be used as practical inspiration for managers of retail stores. Originality/value This paper proposes and applies a specific evaluation of training courses in retail.

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