Understanding the metrosexual and spornosexual as a segment for retailers

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Wayne Mitchell ◽  
Amar Lodhia

Purpose With retailers selling products to and even opening stores for metrosexuals, they are now well recognised in many western countries; however, market sizing, measurement and understanding their psychology remain understudied. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and operationalise the metrosexual lifestyle and examine a number of its psychological correlates. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey with two samples, a scale is developed to measure metrosexuality and validated using structural equation modelling. Findings Metrosexuality was found to have three dimensions: trendiness, concern with appearance, and use of grooming practices, while its antecedents of gender-identity confusion and narcissism are mediated by masculinity and vanity. Metrosexuality is associated with lower levels of masculinity, but not with increased femininity and is slightly associated with homosexual orientation. Research limitations/implications One of the theoretical implications of the new metrosexuality scale is that it may be incorporated in the general theories of lifestyle and consumption, extended self-concept as well as aesthetic motivations of consumption. Practical implications On a practical level, a scale to measure their metrosexuality can be used to help retailers to measure and track the size for forecasting and targeting purposes as well as allowing retailers to better design environments and products for this market. Originality/value No study has previously attempted to devise a scale to measure metrosexuality nor seek to establish if there is any psychological substance behind the media hype by looking quantitatively at its psychological antecedents. This study is the first to define, measure and validate a scale for metrosexuality and contributes to an understanding of individuals who are an increasing part of society.

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 656-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristela Maia Bairrada ◽  
Filipe Coelho ◽  
Arnaldo Coelho

Purpose Brand love is associated with consumer behaviours that are key for organisational performance. However, research on the antecedents of brand love is sparse. The current research draws on the information processing model as well as on the experiential approaches to consumer behaviour to develop a model comprising a novel set of antecedents. Design/methodology/approach To test the research hypotheses, we resort to two samples, which implied the collection of usable 1,018 questionnaires. For hypotheses testing, we resort to structural equation modelling. Findings Both functional constructs as well as more symbolic/emotional ones are positively associated with brand love. In addition, constructs with a more functional nature tend to have an indirect effect on brand love, whereas constructs with a higher level of abstraction tend to mediate the effects of more specific brand qualities. Finally, brand love is related with important outcomes, including loyalty, word of mouth and willingness to pay a premium price. Research/limitations implications This research has a cross-sectional nature. Moreover, we rely on a single informant, but the procedural remedies as well as the statistical tests we conducted suggest that common method variance is not a concern. Practical implications The findings suggest that managers should emphasise both functional as well as emotional/symbolic aspects to strengthen the links between brands and consumers, which will be beneficial for both sides. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the relationship between a number of symbolic and functional brand aspects and the development of brand love feelings.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-368
Author(s):  
Mika Vanhala

Purpose Contemporary organizations face challenges when they have an increasing need for trust, and yet there are decreasing opportunities for the development of interpersonal trust. Thus, the organizations cannot rely only on that and there is a need for complementary forms of organizational trust. Vanhala et al. (2011) developed the scale for measuring impersonal trust. The purpose of this study is to validate the scale in terms of discriminant and nomological validity as well as to test generalizability. Design/methodology/approach The validities and generalizability is tested on two samples from two industries in Finland: a forest company (411 respondents) and ICT company (304 respondents). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling are used. Findings The scale represents both discriminant and nomological validity. Furthermore, the scale is generalizable in different industries. Research limitations/implications A more holistic approach to organizational trust is proposed, and the scale for the impersonal element of the organizational trust is validated. Practical implications This paper validates the scale for the less studied impersonal element of organizational trust. To manage and develop organizational trust, all of its dimensions should be measured. The scale validated allows the measurement of the impersonal dimension, and the more refined measure also makes it possible to focus development efforts on certain operational areas. Originality/value The scale validated represents a step forward toward the reliable measurement of organizational trust. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first study to show that previously developed scale is valid and generalizable.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kapil Khandeparkar ◽  
Abhishek

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of three dimensions of media context – program type, break type, and pod position – on two types of humorous advertisements: incongruity resolution (IR) and arousal safety (AS). The study aims to demonstrate that different humor types are evaluated differently under similar media context elements and a particular humorous advertisement can be evaluated differently under different elements of media context. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses were tested through two experiments which were planned and conducted as “between-subjects” design. The analysis of collected data were done through ANOVA using IBM SPSS 22. Findings The results indicated that the adverse impact of negative mood (vs positive mood) was greater on IR advertisements as compared to AS advertisements. Similarly, the negative impact of an abrupt break (vs smooth break) was greater on IR advertisements. However, both humor types were effective when placed in positive mood programs and smooth breaks. Practical implications The findings suggest that campaign and media planners need to consider the media context as well as humor types to get better return on their adspend. Results of this study can also be applicable for online medium. Originality/value This is the first study to test the impact of three dimensions of media context on two types of humorous advertisements.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aihui Chen ◽  
Jinlin Wan ◽  
Yaobin Lu

PurposeA rash of security incidents in ride-sharing have made discovering the mechanisms to repair consumers' trust essential for the information technology (IT)-enabled ride-sharing platforms. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the two response strategies (i.e. security policies [SPs] and apologies) of platforms repair passengers' trust and whether the two implementation approaches of SPs (i.e. pull and push) lead to different results in repairing passengers' trust in the platforms.Design/methodology/approachA field survey based on a real scenario (n = 238) and an experiment (n = 245) were conducted to test the hypotheses empirically. Structural equation modeling and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed in the data analyses.FindingsThis study finds that (1) both SPs and apologies aid in repairing trust; (2) repaired trust fully mediates the influence of SPs on continuance usage and partially mediates the influence of apologies on continuance usage; (3) security polices and the three dimensions of apologies play different roles in repairing trust and retaining passengers and (4) both pull-based and push-based SPs can repair the violated trust; however, the effect of the pull approach is greater than that of the push approach.Practical implicationsThe findings provide guidelines for ride-sharing platforms in taking appropriate actions to repair users' trust after security incidents.Originality/valueThe findings reveal the mechanism of trust repairing in the fields of ride-sharing and extend the contents of the trust theory and pull–push theory.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbemi Oladipo Olaore ◽  
Bimbo Onaolapo Adejare ◽  
Ekpenyong Ekpenyong Udofia

Purpose Betting games have become a global industry worth billions of dollars providing employment to millions and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of several countries. While there are debates and controversies surrounding betting games discourse, a growing body of literature shows that it has been exacerbated by growing unemployment rates. This paper aims to examine the nexus between the increasing involvement of youth in betting games and unemployment from the Nigerian perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts simple random and stratified sampling techniques to select participants for the study. Three hypotheses were tested for this study and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The three hypotheses tested in this study were coined from previous literature. The study established a direct link between technology advancement, promises of winning big coupled with bonuses while unemployment was not significant to youth involvement in betting games. The study also showed that playing betting games provides another source of income to the youth, who are already engaged in one form of work or another. Finally, youth involvement in betting games has created awareness regarding different sports in the world, while contributing to Nigeria’s economy. Practical implications As betting games centre as a business in Nigeria has contributed substantially and positively to unemployment in Nigeria; the Government of Nigeria are encouraged to streamline and regulate the activities of the sector such that they can contribute significantly to the country GDP and provide employment opportunities to the youths. Originality/value The research shows that the reason why betting games have a massive turnaround of youths in Nigeria is not majorly because of unemployment but as another means to a substantial financial individual/family income. Thus, Nigerian youths see betting games as an avenue to make more money. The study is the first of its kind to examine the nexus between betting games, technology and unemployment hence, its contribution to knowledge.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Seiberling ◽  
Simone Kauffeld

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to seek a better understanding of the role of volition in the learning transfer system beyond the well-established concept of motivation to transfer. Design/methodology/approach Participants of a two-day leadership training were asked to complete two online questionnaires (t1 directly after training, t2 eight weeks after training). In total, 891 managers answered the first questionnaire, 465 the second. Findings Confirmatory factor analysis suggests that motivation and volition to transfer are perceived as two different constructs. Hierarchical linear regression shows that additional variance in training transfer can be explained when volition to transfer is taken into account. Structural equation models and bootstrap analysis suggest that both motivation and volition to transfer mediate effects of supervisor support and trainer performance on training transfer. Research limitations/implications The results imply that besides motivation to transfer, volition to transfer may be a relevant construct in the transfer of training. It remains to be tested how far these findings can be generalized to other training settings beside leadership trainings. Practical implications Organizations aiming at improving training transfer should focus on enhancing the participants’ motivation and volition to transfer. Both trainers and supervisors seem to promote transfer of training by influencing a trainee’s motivation to transfer and volition to transfer. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically examine the role of volition in training transfer.


2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahasanul Haque ◽  
Abdullah Sarwar ◽  
Farzana Yasmin ◽  
Arun Kumar Tarofder ◽  
Mirza Ahsanul Hossain

Purpose – This study aims to identify the factors that influence Malaysian non-Muslim consumers’ perception towards buying halal food products. Design/methodology/approach – A structured close-ended questionnaire was used for data collection through a random distribution to 500 non-Muslim consumers from various states in Malaysia. Findings – Using SPSS package, the factor analysis was able to identify three main variables. Later, the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling. This study has indicated that the perception of non-Muslim consumers about halal food products is influenced by their attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control, specifically in the context of Malaysia. Research limitations/implications – This finding will help both the academics and the industry food makers in understanding the perception of non-Muslim consumers towards the concept of halal food products. Practical implications – The outcome of the study can serve as a useful reference to relevant Malaysian statutory bodies on the current perception of the Malaysian non-Muslim consumers towards Malaysian halal agenda. This will also help the industry food makers to serve their customers better as well as maximize their profit through a well-planned marketing campaign. Social implications – It prepares a sound basis for Malaysian policymakers to promote the involvement of Malaysian non-Muslim entrepreneurs within the halal food service industry with the intent of improving the socio-economic strata of its participants and, at the same time, fulfilling their religious obligations in providing halal foods for fellow Muslims. Originality/value – Because very few researches have studied non-Muslim consumers’ perception towards halal food products, the development of halal food theory will help in capitalizing the practices in non-Muslim countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepika Pandita ◽  
Amresh Kumar

Purpose This paper aims to develop the readers’ understanding of the transforming role of job engagement (JOB) drivers, specifically for Gen Z in information technology (IT) Companies across India. It measures the association of JOB and perceived organizational support (POS), perceived supervisor support (PSS) and co-worker relationship (COP) with a very special reference to Gen Z. Design/methodology/approach A total of 302 survey-based responses were collected. To test the conceptualized model of JOB, structural equation modeling was used. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using the AMOS platform toward determining the reliability and validity of the individual constructs and the overall model. Findings All three dimensions, namely, POS, PSS and COP, are positively related to JOB. Out of the three, the most contributing extent in engaging Gen Z is PSS. Research limitations/implications A conceptual framework of Gen Z engagement drivers could help human resource (HR) researchers fine-tune Gen Z employees’ retention strategy. The paper shows that it is not about pandering to them but about eliminating blocks so that Gen Z can deliver the future business. Practical implications The outcomes may aid establishments and policymakers in advancing and improving HRs policies in engaging Gen Z, who have started entering the organizations. Originality/value JOB practices can add to the determinations of the HRs processes in the IT start-ups organizations in dealing with Gen Z. This research reconnoiters the drivers of engagement strategies directly impacting JOB Gen Z.


2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel E. Collier ◽  
Daniel L. Sherrell ◽  
Emin Babakus ◽  
Alisha Blakeney Horky

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential differences between types of self-service technology. Specifically, the paper explores how the dynamics of public and private self-service technology influence customers' decision to use the technology. Design/methodology/approach – Existing customers of private and public self-service technology were surveyed from the same industry. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examine how relevant self-service constructs influence evaluations and attitudes of customers across both settings. Findings – The analysis reveals that customers' control and convenience perceptions differ across public and private self-service technology. Additionally, customers placed a heavier emphasis on the hedonic or utilitarian evaluation of a service experience based on the type of self-service technology. Practical implications – For managers of self-service applications, understanding the unique differences of public and private self-service technology can aid in the implementation and adoption of the technology. By properly understanding the differences of the self-service types, managers can provide a beneficial experience to the customer. Originality/value – By identifying and describing two distinct categories of SSTs, this study allows managers and researchers to better understand how and why individuals choose to utilize individual self-service technologies. Through understanding the unique dynamics of a public and a private SST experience, retailers can determine the appropriate strategy for customer adoption based on the utilitarian or hedonic functions of the technology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Unai Elorza ◽  
Christopher Harris ◽  
Aitor Aritzeta ◽  
Nekane Balluerka

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how management and employee perspectives of high-performance work systems (HPWS) relate to employee discretionary behaviour. In addition, the paper examines to what extent the relationship between employees’ perception of the HPWS and discretionary behaviour varies among different organizations/groups. Design/methodology/approach – Two samples were used in the study. The first sample included data from 51 managers and 1,023 employees from 26 manufacturing companies. The second sample included 52 managers and 6,382 employees from 42 manufacturing companies. Findings – The study shows that employee rated HPWS mediates the relationship between management rated HPWS and individual-level discretionary behaviour. Moreover, results showed that the effect of employee rated HPWS on discretionary behaviour varies among different organizations/groups. Practical implications – Results show that employee perceptions of the HPWS more strongly predict employees’ discretionary behaviour than management rated HPWS. Moreover, it shows that employees’ perceptions of the same HPWS, but operating in different organizational contexts exhibit different levels of discretionary behaviour. Originality/value – The study differentiates between management and employee perspectives of the HPWS. It also examines the variability of the relationship between HPWS and discretionary behaviour. Multilevel structural equation modelling is used to test the hypotheses.


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