Are consumption patterns linked to life satisfaction? An exploratory study in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Marcos Carvalho de Mesquita ◽  
Gregory J. Kivenzor ◽  
Natália Corradi Franco
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
The Body ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Hedonic Consumption ◽  
General Validity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose an integrated approach to diverse and convoluted types of consumption. The new theoretical framework represents composite types of tangible and intangible consumption contributing to consumer life satisfaction (LS) in EMs.Design/methodology/approachA field study conducted in Brazil surveyed real-world consumers belonging to various social and income groups. Data reflecting LS derived from consumption were analyzed using PLS methodology.FindingsEmpirical tests indicated that experiential-utilitarian, experiential-hedonic and material-utilitarian consumption types positively affect EM consumer LS. An interesting and somewhat surprising outcome is an insignificant effect of material-hedonic consumption. The strength of LS correlation with each type of consumption differs and partial effects also depend on household income of EM consumers.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough reasons exist to expect the general validity of the suggested theoretical framework across many markets, its scope of empirical testing needs to be expanded beyond a single emerging market, even so large as Brazil.Practical implicationsThe new taxonomy can help marketing practitioners better understand the main sources of LS stemming from each type of consumption to customize marketing mix and more effectively communicate to EM consumers.Social implicationsIn spite of the scope limited to Brazil, this study shall help policy-makers and NGOs design public goods and services, thereby significantly increasing consumer LS and improve living conditions in EMs.Originality/valueA systemic approach contributes to the body of marketing theory by replacing the dichotomic classifications of consumer LS with a clear conceptualization of all types of consumption that are integrated into a holistic framework.

Cybersecurity capabilities for critical infrastructure resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masike Malatji ◽  
Annlizé L. Marnewick ◽  
Suné Von Solms
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Critical Infrastructure ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Cyber Attacks ◽  
Industrial Control Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Attack Surfaces

Purpose For many innovative organisations, Industry 4.0 paves the way for significant operational efficiencies, quality of goods and services and cost reductions. One of the ways to realise these benefits is to embark on digital transformation initiatives that may be summed up as the intelligent interconnectivity of people, processes, data and cyber-connected things. Sadly, this interconnectivity between the enterprise information technology (IT) and industrial control systems (ICS) environment introduces new attack surfaces for critical infrastructure (CI) operators. As a result of the ICS cybersecurity risk introduced by the interconnectivity between the enterprise IT and ICS networks, the purpose of this study is to identify the cybersecurity capabilities that CI operators must have to attain good cybersecurity resilience. Design/methodology/approach A scoping literature review of best practice international CI protection frameworks, standards and guidelines were conducted. Similar cybersecurity practices from these frameworks, standards and guidelines were grouped together under a corresponding National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework (CF) practice. Practices that could not be categorised under any of the existing NIST CF practices were considered new insights, and therefore, additions. Findings A CI cybersecurity capability framework comprising 29 capability domains (cybersecurity focus areas) was developed as an adaptation of the NIST CF with an added dimension. This added dimension emphasises cloud computing and internet of things (IoT) security. Each of the 29 cybersecurity capability domains is executed through various capabilities (cybersecurity processes and procedures). The study found that each cybersecurity capability can further be operationalised by a set of cybersecurity controls derived from various frameworks, standards and guidelines, such as COBIT®, CIS®, ISA/IEC 62443, ISO/IEC 27002 and NIST Special Publication 800-53. Practical implications CI sectors are immediately able to adopt the CI cybersecurity capability framework to evaluate their levels of resilience against cyber-attacks, given new attack surfaces introduced by the interconnectivity of cyber-connected things between the enterprise and ICS levels. Originality/value The authors present an added dimension to the NIST framework for CI cyber protection. In addition to emphasising cryptography, IoT and cloud computing security aspects, this added dimension highlights the need for an integrated approach to CI cybersecurity resilience instead of a piecemeal approach.

Developing a theoretical framework for intelligent contract acceptance

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan J. McNamara ◽  
Samad M.E. Sepasgozar
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
The Body ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acceptance Model

Purpose This paper aims to develop a novel theoretical technology acceptance model, namely, for predicting acceptance of the trending technology of intelligent contracts (iContracts) in construction, which aims to integrate the data from emerging cyber-physical systems being introduced to the sector through the industry 4.0 revolution. This model includes main dimensions and critical contributing factors to assess the readiness for the iContract concept within the construction contract environment. Design/methodology/approach Through an extensive literature review, the structure of a unique theoretical technology acceptance model for iContract implementation, within construction, was developed iContract acceptance model (iCAM). Relevant themes were assessed through the lens of the technology acceptance model framework and the four accepted dimensions of the technology readiness index (TRI) concept. The main components of the model were examined with selected practitioners, with relevant experience and understanding of the iContract concept, with thematic mapping of the discussions correlated back to 12 specific iContract contributing constructs of the four adapted TRI dimensions. Findings The paper contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a novel iCAM for a trending technology based on the specific requirements of iContract adoption. The interviews show that while the desire to digitalise the contractual environment exists, the readiness of the sector for such a disruptive change is unknown. Practical implications The findings and proposed conceptual iCAM offers a lens for the further development of the iContract concept by assisting practitioners to forecast digital readiness of the contract process in construction. Originality/value This study offers a unique and theoretical framework, in an embryonic field, for predicting the success of iContract implementation within construction organisations through the digital, industry 4.0 and revolution.

Theory of marketplace morality and impoverished consumers

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Paul Hill
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Poor

Morality related to the marketplace has been studied in interdisciplinary contexts as well as the marketing and consumer behavior domains. This research has resulted in prescriptions and proscriptions that seek to right what is perceived as wrongful marketer actions. Yet this work has had little influence on marketing theory. Thus, we seek to advance a marketplace morality theory within a consumer behavior frame, emphasizing treatment of the poor by actors who may or may not supply the goods and services necessary so that they can meet “consumption adequacy.” The article opens with a look at how this discussion has moved along a theoretical path. Implications for morality related to consumers in poverty come next, followed by blending of philosophical and consumer literatures to reveal a novel theoretical framework.

Organisations' conversations in social media: applying dialogue strategies in times of crises

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Romenti ◽  
Grazia Murtarelli ◽  
Chiara Valentini
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Crisis Response ◽  
The Body ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Crisis Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Body Of Knowledge

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical framework, grounded in managerial and organisational theories of dialogue, through which organisations can take decisions in relation to the most appropriate crisis response strategies for handling social media stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework is developed through a conceptual analysis of literature on dialogue, social media and crisis communication. The theoretical framework is then tested in eight different international organisations experiencing a crisis. For each case, different web contents, such as organisations' status updates/posts, links, videos published on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, were analysed using a rhetorical research approach. Findings – The analysed organisations apply different online dialogue strategies according to crisis types and in combination with specific crisis response strategies. Most of the organisations investigated carry on those dialogue strategies suitable to develop consensus (concertative), guide conversations on specific topics or issues (framing), find solutions to the crisis collectively (transformative). Concertative strategies were often associated with informative crisis response strategies, framing strategies with denial and justification crisis response strategies and transformative strategies with corrective actions. Research limitations/implications – By using a dialogic perspective in setting up online conversations with their external stakeholders, the paper proposes a theoretical model to explain companies' decisions in carrying on online dialogues during critical situations and thus contribute to the body of knowledge on online crisis communications. Practical implications – The proposed model can support crisis communicators to manage dialogue's aims and dimensions differently by taking into account both contextual and situational conditions. Originality/value – By integrating management studies on dialogue into crisis communication and social media literature, the authors intend to offer an alternative thinking of organisations' decision-making in relation to crisis response strategies and social media stakeholders.

Brand love in emerging market: a qualitative investigation

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhigyan Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Hedonic Consumption ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Asian Market ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article to explore the nature of brand love, the antecedents and consequences of brand love and the obstacles to brand love in the context of Asian market. Brand love is an emerging concept in the domain of consumer psychology. It has been regarded as the motivating force behind contemporary hedonic consumption. Yet little qualitative exploration has been done to understand brand love especially in the context of emerging Asian market. Design/methodology/approach – This article is grounded in consumers’ everyday experiences of loving particular brands. Semi-structured depth interviews have been conducted. Findings – Based on the findings of the depth interviews, a conceptual framework has been developed showing the antecedents and consequences of brand love. This study also throws light on the specific psychological phenomenon of the emerging market consumers. The findings form the basis for a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of brand love in the context of emerging economy. Originality/value – Value of this article lies in developing a grounded theory of brand love in the context of emerging Asian market.

Ethically minded consumer behaviour in Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tri D. Le ◽  
Tai Anh Kieu
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Measurement Instrument ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Consumer Ethics ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Levels ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Consumer ethics in Asia has attracted attention from marketing scholars and practitioners. Ethical beliefs and judgements have been predominantly investigated within this area. Recent research argues for consumer ethics to be measured in terms of behaviours rather than attitudinal judgements, due to a potential pitfall of attitudinal scales, which researchers often refer to as an attitude–behaviour gap. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine the dimensions of ethically minded consumer behaviour (EMCB) in an Asian emerging market context. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 316 Vietnamese consumers was conducted to investigate their ethically minded behaviours. Findings The SEM analyses reveal a significant impact of long-term orientation on EMCB, whereas spirituality has no impact. Collectivism, attitude to ethically minded consumption and subjective norms are found to influence the dimensions of EMCB. Age, income and job levels have effects on EMCB dimensions, but gender, surprisingly, has no effect. Practical implications The study can be beneficial to businesses and policy makers in Vietnam or any similar Asian markets, especially in encouraging people to engage with ethical consumption. Furthermore, it provides practitioners in Vietnam with a measurement instrument that can be used to profile and segment consumers. Originality/value This is among the first studies utilising and examining EMCB, especially in Vietnam where research into consumer ethics is scant. It contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a greater understanding of the impact of personal characteristics and cultural environment on consumer ethics, being measured by the EMCB scale which has taken into account the consumption choices. Furthermore, this study adds further validation to the EMCB scale.

Marketing capabilities for small and medium enterprises that supply large companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emerson Wagner Mainardes ◽  
Gabriela Pessoa de Oliveira Cisneiros ◽  
Carlos Jorge Taborda Macedo ◽  
Amilson de Araujo Durans
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Marketing Capabilities ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustained Competitive Advantage

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of marketing capabilities on market orientation and sustained competitive advantage from the viewpoint of managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that supply large companies. This paper also analyzes the moderating role of exposure to external turbulence in the relationship between marketing capabilities and sustained competitive advantage, and between marketing capabilities and market orientation for SMEs. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature, this study develops a model to verify the proposed relationships. An online questionnaire collected data from 423 managers of SMEs that supply large companies to test the model. This paper analyzes the proposed model using structural equation modeling with partial least squares. Findings According to the surveyed managers, marketing capabilities tend to play a significant role in the market orientation and perceived sustained competitive advantage of SMEs that supply large companies. Better-developed marketing capabilities can strengthen the market orientation of SMEs, helping to achieve and maintain a sustained competitive advantage. They will, thus, attract more clients and minimize their risk, regardless of the environment in which they operate. Research limitations/implications This research contributes to marketing theory by highlighting the marketing capabilities of SMEs that supply large companies and demonstrating the importance of such capabilities for their survival. Originality/value The study investigated the views of the SME managers that supply large companies about their company’s marketing capabilities. Traditionally, these companies have had little concern for marketing. This research focuses on an emerging market, that is not usually addressed.

Well-being and the worshipper: a scientific perspective of selected contemplative practices in Islam

Humanomics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor ◽  
Hannah Safiullah Munsoor
Keyword(s):  
Health Benefits ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Mind

Purpose Modern life is characterized by its hectic life-style, which invariably leads to high levels of stress having negative consequences for the mind-body. Thus, people are seeking for natural ways to achieve a sense of equilibrium and peace. Neuroscience has identified beneficial findings from contemplative practices like meditation, prayers and fasting. Within the Islamic framework, these practices were found to be beneficial for both the body and the mind. However, comparatively little research has been carried out on Islamic contemplative practices. Thus, there is a dire need to carry out further research, where the focus needs to be more on the inward aspects of Islam especially the contemplative practices. Design/methodology/approach The study took an integrated approach, whereby, objective experimental data from various sources were combined with the religious narratives from the Qur’an and the Hadiths or the practice of the Prophet in Islam. This was augmented by the subjective experiences of the participants of the study and all of these woven to present a case for Islamic contemplative practices. Findings Worship, be it Yogic, Buddhist and Islamic, seems to have positive mental and physical benefits for individuals. Much has been documented within the field of Yoga and Buddhist practices, and it is only recently that Islamic practices are beginning to be studied and are yielding similar results. It has been found that Islamic ritual prayers, fasting and meditation (dhikr) have an impact on the well-being of the worshipper. The communities of practice commonly known as “tariqas” and other religio-spiritual orders can serve as a vehicle to further these practices. This opens the door for more extensive research in this direction. Research limitations/implications This study clearly indicates that Islamic practices have positive benefits; however, the number of studies are limited. Moreover, there are a whole system of practices as the contemplative tree in this paper points out, which needs more robust as well as longitudinal studies to outline more conclusive evidence to this effect. Practical implications Muslims have been looking at other traditions like Yoga and Buddhist meditation to find ways of improving their physical and mental health. This meta-study indicates that Islamic contemplative practices have positive benefits, and thus, there are a variety of practices like ritual prayers, fasting and meditation, which is found to demonstrate positive health benefits. Thus, it has direct practical reasons to pursue these practices and derive the innate benefits from them. Social implications The data from the various neuroscience studies have demonstrated the neurological and physiological impact on individuals directly relating to worship. However, the studies on the Islamic ritual prayer (salat) cited in this study points out to its social implications, where congregational prayers was found to be more beneficial than the individual prayers. Thus, this indicates the social implications that collective worship can have. Further research is needed in terms of understanding the social impact on the various collective contemplative practices. Originality/value The originality of this literature review and analysis is bringing together the various strands of neuroscience and health data to demonstrate the positive impact of worship emanating from others faiths, while building a case for Islamic contemplative practices. This is further augmented by its integrated approach of weaving hard and soft data and synthesizing it to present health benefits of worship.

An integrated-dynamic mode of entry model: global MNEs entering into emerging markets

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bolortuya Enkhtaivan ◽  
Zagdbazar Davaadorj
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Dynamic Mode ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mode Of Entry ◽  
Entry Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for the mode of entry in a particular case of global MNEs entering into emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual model builds on institutional theory and follows an integrated approach of entry mode theories using bargaining theory, the liability of foreignness and local legitimacy. Findings The conceptual model introduces five propositions. Research limitations/implications The study has policy implications for emerging market institutions. Also, the model highlights the significance of long-term vision in global MNEs’ sustainability. However, the model excludes the MNEs’ internal institutions, home country institutions, as well as institutional and cognitive distances. Originality/value The conceptual model addresses the dynamics of MNEs’ entry decisions with long-term strategic vision. It helps to recognize the global MNEs’ internalization of the host country’s formal and informal institutions when the bargaining power is in imbalance.

Consumer imagination in marketing: a theoretical framework

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 2138-2155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J. Philips
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Process ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Literature ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Marketing Messages

Purpose Imagination is a complex mental process where consciousness departs from reality to create new content not currently found in existence. Imagination is key to marketing persuasion, but studies that examine consumer imagination in response to marketing messages illustrate confusing and sometimes contradictory perspectives about consumers’ mental processing. This paper aims to provide a review of the existing literature on consumer imagination relevant to marketing scholarship, and builds a new theoretical framework to organize and explain these papers. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the marketing literature was undertaken to identify all papers related to consumer imagination and its role in marketing persuasion. A focus was placed on empirical papers, review papers and meta-analyses. Findings A new conceptual framework was created to classify the consumer imagination literature based on both the characteristics and the content of imagination. The existing marketing literature was then organized into the framework. The framework helps to explain seeming contradictions between different studies as well as helps to collect similar studies together to summarize schools of thought. Originality/value The imagination framework presents an entirely new way of conceptualizing imagination research in marketing. This new categorization structure not only clarifies consumers’ use of imagination in response to marketing messages but also identifies questions for future research in this area of marketing theory.

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