The United Fruit Company's tourist business and the creation of the “Golden Caribbean”, 1899-1940

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Vertical Integration ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Original Research ◽  
United Fruit Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Hegemony ◽  
The Caribbean

Purpose This paper aims to examine the tourist business and marketing strategies of a US agribusiness giant, the United Fruit Company (UFCO), between its incorporation in 1899 and 1940. It considers how tourist marketing served the company’s public-relations interest and tourism’s broader connection to narratives of US ascendancy in the Caribbean Basin. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on original research in a series of published company materials, including annual reports and a wide variety of marketing materials, as well as a variety of rare primary sources documenting the experiences of US tourists on UFCO cruises. Findings From its incorporation in 1899, the UFCO developed a Caribbean cruise business as a vital part of its strategies of vertical integration and expansion around the region. Marketing tropical travel at a time when tropical disease dominated US perceptions of such places required a thorough conceptual makeover, and UFCO publicity played an important part in this process. The company advertised Caribbean destinations first for their therapeutic possibilities, but by the 1920s, a framework of anachronistic space and picturesque primitivism predominated in marketing campaigns. The structure of this narrative naturalized the company’s, and more broadly, US, hegemony in the region. While on cruises, tourists became witnesses to and participants in a series of spectacles and activities highlighting the company’s technological prowess and benevolence. Originality/value This analysis centers on a largely overlooked dimension of the famed banana company’s enterprise. It is grounded in a wide collection of primary sources largely untapped by researchers, a source base that brings tourist perception and experience into the story of this company’s marketing efforts. This research brings tourism and leisure into the historical discussion of US power in early-twentieth-century Latin America.

scholarly journals Bandwidth lost: family planners and post-war television

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-668
Author(s):  
Jessica Borge
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Birth Control ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Broadcast Media ◽  
Archival Document ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Approach ◽  
Post War ◽  
Television Coverage

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how early planned PR efforts at the British Family Planning Association [FPA] resulted in an epoch-making television appearance in November 1955, tessellating with current methodological debates in the history of PR.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a qualitative, micro-history approach and original archival document research conducted at Wellcome Collection, London and the BBC Written Archives Centre, Caversham, to reconstruct early PR activity at the FPA. It intercedes in debates on historiography, the diversification of the history of PR and the concepts of mediatization and advocacy in historical contexts.FindingsAttaining broadcast coverage for birth control issues was historically difficult and was made more so by Marie Stopes. The subject was commonly packaged into the less problematic issues of population and infertility. The FPA achieved explicit television coverage in 1955 after establishing a focussed PR plan to stage and exploit a silver jubilee event. This vindicated the FPA's mission, validated service users and created broadcast opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is limited by temporal scope (1870s–1950s), and reliance on document sources, footage of television programmes being unavailable. This paper has implications for the history of PR, contributing to the diversification of the field by suggesting an original approach to the intersection of public relations and social change.Originality/valueThis paper surfaces overlooked primary sources and is the first account of how birth control appeared as a topic on early British broadcast media.

Impact of firm-specific characteristics on managers’ identity disclosure

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-168
Author(s):  
Etumudon Ndidi Asien
Keyword(s):  
Chief Executive ◽  
The State ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Stock Exchanges ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Gcc Countries ◽  
Identity Disclosure ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of firm-specific characteristics on managers’ identity disclosure in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Design/methodology/approach – Research data were collected from 2010 annual reports and financial statements of 403 listed firms in the GCC countries. The data were analyzed by multiple regression models. Findings – Evidence suggesting that managers’ identity is significantly disclosed by firms that separate the office of chairman from that of chief executive officer was documented. It was also found that mature firms significantly disclose their managers’ identity. Our finding suggests that firms’ declaration that they comply with a set of corporate governance code leads them to disclose managers’ identity. However, we find that firms that are related to the state significantly disclose their managers’ identity, contrary to expectation. Research limitations/implications – One limitation is the lack of a uniform classification of industries by the stock exchanges in the GCC region. The implication of this is that researchers are lacking a uniform standard to apply in their research. Another limitation is the use of only 2010 annual reports and accounts; thus, there is a problem of inter-temporal generalizability. As markets in the GCC countries are evolving, it will be interesting to capture the state of managers’ identity disclosure after 2010. Practical implications – The paper has the potential to influence firms in the GCC region to begin disclosing managers’ personal details and other contact information. In addition, there is the prospect that market regulators in the GCC region and other emerging markets who may read this research may now require firms to disclose their managers’ identity. Originality/value – This is an Original research paper.

Marketing to the Big Middle: establishing Australian discount department stores

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Department Store ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Department Stores ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Chain ◽  
Retail Formats ◽  
Gain Access

Purpose This study focuses on the marketing strategies of the two most successful discount department store chains in Australia between 1969 and the late 1980s when consumer acceptance of both brand and format were being determined. It examines how they approached marketing a new-format national retail chain to the Big Middle of the market and the ways in which brands were differentiated. Design/methodology/approach Archival sources and oral histories provide evidence about the marketing strategies of each firm. These are integrated with press coverage, advertising and promotional activity to analyze marketing programs. Consumer research from the time offers insights into the effectiveness of campaigns. Findings The Coles and Myer retailing firms pursued similar marketing strategies to encourage adoption of their Kmart and Target discount department store chains, educating consumers about the links between their operational efficiencies and lower prices. Both firms not only formulated national standardized marketing strategies but also differentiated their positioning to maximize their appeal to consumers. Originality/value This article expands understandings of the ways in which new national retail chains are developed and marketed. It explores the intersection between public relations material and media coverage and the ways in which existing brands can be leveraged to legitimize new formats and encourage adoption. More broadly, it contributes to a literature on the “Big Middle”, a space occupied by dominant, volume-oriented retailers. In doing so, it demonstrates that foreign adopters can draw on Big Middle retail formats to quickly gain access to large population segments in their home markets.

Marketing strategies in small animal clinical practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-247
Author(s):  
José Antonio Soares ◽  
André Luiz Baptista Galvão ◽  
Lucas Vinicius Shigaki de Matos ◽  
Julia Cestari Pierucci ◽  
Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Marketing strategies can be used to leverage business in the service sector, specifically in veterinary medicine; among other benefits, it can make a difference in satisfaction and consequent customer loyalty. Marketing should be used with ethics and professionalism due is one administration area that contributes to effective management in the continuous pursuit of quality in the provision of services and demonstrate that veterinary clinics have much to gain if managed with support of marketing strategies. This paper aims to analyze the applicability of marketing strategies in the management of small animal clinics, such as guidelines to the entrepreneurs of this services sector. Design/methodology/approach Marketing literature is plentiful in proposing alternative strategies, whether focused on the achievement and loyalty of customers, whether to raise the competitiveness of an organization or simply to its survival in the market. In this study, some marketing strategies were selected, on secondary data research, in theoretical framework, to investigate their application in the practice of veterinary medicine. This study emphasizes promotional strategy toward communication with the market and construction of organizational image, using public relations as marketing strategy. Findings The use of marketing strategies is recommended in the management of small animal clinical practice, especially with respect to the high customer satisfaction by streamlining the procedures and optimizing veterinary services provision. Originality/value This study is different because it proposes an integrated system of management techniques in veterinary organizations, which will lead to better efficiency of attendance, adding value to the service provided and generating greater profitability for the organization, which positively reflects on the economic point of view and for the image of the company and its professionals, providing a better quality of life for both clients and their pets.

Putting sustainable campuses into force

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 470-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maik Adomßent ◽  
Anselm Grahl ◽  
Felix Spira
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Go Model ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Limited Scope

Purpose The lack of change structures can be seen as an important reason why sustainability continues to suffer a niche existence in most higher education organisations. This is a problem because universities can leverage their teaching, research and operations to advance solutions to climate change, hunger and other Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of this study is to highlight the vital importance of self-efficacy approaches, in particular the Green Office (GO) Model that aims to strengthen collaboration among all members of higher education communities and provides inspiration for what a sustainability office on campus might look like. Design/methodology/approach The research presented follows a two-step methodology. First, the peculiarities and commonalities of already existing GOs were analysed to better understand drivers and barriers for their institutionalisation. Building on this, a peer-to-peer digital training programme was developed and tested, aiming to provide students, staff and academics with knowledge and skills to establish more sustainability offices and improve the work of existing ones. Findings Research revealed three main obstacles for the dissemination of the GO model: lack of adaptation of international experiences to other university contexts, missing educational offers and a limited scope of public relations. The findings adduce proof that GO provides a replicable model that can be both adapted to different university contexts and scaled internationally. Research limitations/implications This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities’ actors beyond the close GO community. Originality/value This case study presents an original research and development undertaking that was realised in a unique collaboration between a non-profit, student-initiated social business and an academic institution.

Sorry, no carnitas: balancing “Food with Integrity” and growth at Chipotle

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Stakeholder Analysis ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
News Reports ◽  
Trade Offs

Synopsis In January, 2015, Chipotle stopped serving pork at a third of its 1,800 restaurants due to its discovery that a pork supplier was not meeting Chipotle's “Food with Integrity” standards. This case examines the trade-offs Chipotle faced in maintaining its focus on sustainable ingredients as the chain grew rapidly. Demand for healthier ingredients by others in the industry and scalability problems in sustainable agricultural production suggested that supply shortages and higher prices were likely threats to Chipotle's continued rapid growth. Could Chipotle maintain its commitment to “Food with Integrity” when the supply of sustainable foods failed to meet demand or should the company just buy available ingredients regardless of farming methods? Research methodology This case was developed from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary sources included industry reports, company annual reports, news reports, social media sites and company websites. Primary sources included video interviews with Chipotle executives (available on the company's website) and visits to Chipotle restaurants in several cities. This case has been classroom tested with MBA students in a capstone course and with undergraduates in a strategic management course. Relevant courses and levels This case was written for use in Strategic Management classes at the undergraduate and MBA levels. The focus of the case aligns well with discussions of competitive advantage, firm performance and business level strategy. The case also has application in discussions regarding implementation of strategy. Instructors that choose to emphasize sustainability strategies could assign this case to explore trade-offs between profitability, sustainability and growth. Additionally, the case could be used in supply chain management courses. Theoretical bases This case utilizes a stakeholder analysis approach to examine the trade-offs between sustainability initiatives, growth and performance. The resource-based model of VRIO is used to analyze the firm's competitive advantage.

Use of Public Relations and Publicity (PRP) by the public libraries in Lahore, Pakistan

2015 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 455-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Public Librarians ◽  
Data Collection Technique

Purpose – This study aims to explore the use of public relations and publicity (PRP) by the public libraries. It also intends to create awareness among the information professionals regarding the use of PRP. Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative design, based on the interview method as data collection technique, was used to get the opinions and perceptions of the selected public librarians. The content analysis of the responses was made to answer the research questions. Findings – The findings revealed that PRP are hardly used by the public libraries in Lahore. Research limitations/implications – It will serve as a guideline for further research in quantitative and qualitative manner, as it has addressed an untouched area. Practical implications – It is likely that it will raise awareness among the public librarians regarding the use of PRP for creating and maintaining a strong positive image. Originality/value – It will serve as a guideline for further research in quantitative and qualitative manner, as it has addressed an untouched area and reports original research.

scholarly journals An enactment theory perspective of corporate social responsibility and public relations

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregoria Arum Yudarwati ◽  
Fandy Tjiptono
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Organizational Legitimacy ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: how companies perceive corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public relations (PR); how companies perceive the interconnection between these functions; and what factors contributing to their perceptions. Design/methodology/approach An interpretive qualitative study was employed, where semi-structured interviews with 34 members of PR and CSR departments and three top executives of three big mining (state-owned, private Indonesian, and multinational) companies in Indonesia were carried out. Archival data (e.g. newsletters, websites, and annual reports) were also utilized. Findings CSR and PR are perceived to be community relationship functions to gain and maintain organizational legitimacy from the communities and shareholders. Three factors shaping these functions: the social and political changes in Indonesia; the communities’ collective culture; and the nature of mining industry. Research limitations/implications The current study focused on how companies interpret and enact their interpretations of their organizational environment. This study suggests further research into how the community and other stakeholders interpret the company’s activities and environment. This study also suggests further study on another type of industry. Originality/value The present study provides another approach to understanding how CSR and PR are constructed and enacted in an organization as well as to understanding the company’s justification in enacting particular CSR and PR functions. This study maintains the need to consider local values while keeping the global standard.

Advertising in a regulated economy: Swedish advertisements 1760-1800

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-506
Author(s):  
Sofia Murhem
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Institutional Context ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
International Literature ◽  
Viable Option ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The 19Th Century

Purpose The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of newspaper advertisements for goods in Stockholm newspapers in the 18th century by studying what goods were advertised, how frequently they were advertised and what marketing strategies were used. The findings are discussed in relation to results from other countries and the institutional context. Design/methodology/approach The primary sources used are three Swedish papers published in Stockholm, one national, Inrikes tidningar, and two local. Stockholms Weckobladh and Dagligt Allehanda. In all, more than 1300 advertisements were examined. In addition, a number of secondary sources were used. Findings In contrast to most other countries, the guilds held a firm grip on Sweden’s (and Stockholm’s) business life throughout the 18th century, and enforced strict restrictions on market entry. Thereby, competition was reduced, the number of tradesmen was more or less constant and the need for marketing was low. The guilds also restricted advertising. This led to marketing strategies being underdeveloped in comparison to other countries, which affected Swedish marketing and Swedish advertisements all through the 19th century. Marketing was a viable option in 18th century Sweden, but only for those not restricted by guilds and societies. Originality/value There has been very little research on 18th century Swedish marketing. The paper also illustrates the need for including the institutional context when discussing historical marketing, which often has been neglected for this period in the international literature.

Outward facing: W&R Jacob & Co. biscuit labels, 1900-1939

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Williams
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
New Product Development ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Close Analysis ◽  
Product Presentation ◽  
Initial Focus

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the marketing strategies and tools used by W&R Jacob & Co. in the first four decades of the twentieth century. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on close analysis of W&R Jacob & Co. labels and other primary material supported by secondary sources. Findings – The paper explores the company's initial focus on the development of an export market and their competition with similar firms in England for that business. It reveals the ways in which the firm contributed to the development of product naming and labelling conventions within the biscuit industry in this period. Labelling and product presentation strategies are examined to show methods of origination that coped with a prolific rate of introduction of new lines. Political change in Ireland in the 1920s and 1930s imposed limits on Jacob's markets and precipitated a reorientation of labelling strategies. Originality/value – The paper is based on extensive original research and makes a solid contribution to the understanding of new product development and marketing strategies within the biscuit industry in the first four decades of the twentieth century. It also furthers understanding of the effects of Irish Free State policies on export industry.

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