The importance of user-generated photos in restaurant selection

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Oliveira ◽  
Beatriz Casais
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Photo Sharing ◽  
Restaurant Managers ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose User-generated content and online reviews are highly relevant in purchase decision in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, but there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of sharing pictures in this context. This study aims to focus on the relevance of user-generated photos in online platforms for restaurants’ selection. Design/methodology/approach A research was conducted with a sample of 319 residents of Porto region, who had at least one meal in a restaurant over the 30 days before the answer of the survey and had searched online to select the restaurant. Findings The results show that while doing online research about restaurants, it is important for potential consumers to find pictures of food and physical evidences of restaurants generated by other users. Findings also show that consumers find user-generated photos especially at websites of reviews, although the importance of restaurant owned platforms, such as official social media pages and websites. Practical implications The research results appeal restaurant managers to understand the importance of user-generated photos in online platforms by promoting photo sharing in their restaurants with appropriate marketing activities for that purpose. Originality/value This paper expands the state-of-the-art about the importance of user-generated content, focusing on the importance of photos from restaurants shared by consumers in online platforms.

Marketing and Gaelic football

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 15-17
Keyword(s):  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
Competitive Edge ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Market segmentation has long been acknowledged as a key component in business success. An ability to recognize and exploit disparities between different consumer segments can prove a rich source of opportunity for firms. Those able to successfully match their offerings with the requirements of specific market segments often secure and sustain a competitive edge. Segmentation strategies are critical to sports organizations as well as to more conventional industries. Sports consumers come in all shapes and sizes and no one-cap-fits-all where marketing activities are concerned. Different sports attract different consumer types. The secret is to identify the unique characteristics of each sub-group and target them accordingly. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Local on-demand fabrication: microfactories and online manufacturing platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-41
Author(s):  
Jose Orlando Montes ◽  
F. Xavier Olleros
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Machine Shops ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
New Type ◽  
Experiential Research ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores online manufacturing platforms (OMP) that complement certain MFs.Design/methodology/approachThis research implements a multiple case study (71 cases in 21 countries), triangulating data available on the web with interviews, virtual/physical tours and experiential research.FindingsThe results suggest that automation and openness are the main dimensions that differentiate the MFs. Using these dimensions, a taxonomy of MFs is created. MFs with relatively low automation and high openness tend to be innovation-driven microfactories (IDMFs). MFs with high automation and low openness levels tend to be customization-driven microfactories (CDMFs). And MFs with relatively low automation and low openness tend to be classic machine shops (MSs). There are two types of OMP: closed (COMPs) and multisided (MOMPs). MOMPs can be low-end or high-end.Practical implicationsIn a world where online platforms are becoming central to the reinvention of manufacturing, multisided online platforms and small fabricators will become strongly symbiotic.Originality/valueThis paper offers a clearer conceptualization of MFs and OMPs, which may help to better understand the reality of local on-demand fabrication. Moreover, it explores a new type of experiential research, which tries to describe and interpret firms through transactional activities. Many details of a firm that are difficult to capture via interviews and netnography can be revealed this way.

scholarly journals Online dating apps as a marketing channel: a generational approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Rita ◽  
Ricardo Filipe Ramos ◽  
Sérgio Moro ◽  
Marta Mealha ◽  
Lucian Radu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Dating ◽  
Marketing Channel ◽  
Marketing Activity ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Sentiment Score ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to understand if an online dating app is considered an acceptable channel to conduct advertising activities and understand the differences between Generations X, Y and Z for such acceptance.Design/methodology/approachA total of 411 Tinder users’ reactions were obtained and analyzed using text mining to compute the sentiment score of each response, and a Kruskal–Wallis H test to verify if there are statistical differences between each generation.FindingsThe results showed positive acceptability toward the marketing campaign on Tinder, especially Z Generation. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis revealed that the differences between each generation are not statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation relates to the fact that the participants, during the data collection, revealed their identification, perhaps leading to acquiescence bias. In addition, the study mainly covered the male population. A balanced sample would be positive to examine any possible differences between gender.Practical implicationsResults provide an essential indication for companies regarding their marketing activities conducted on Tinder to fully exploit the possibility of using Tinder as an alternative and valuable channel to conduct marketing activities.Originality/valueUp until now, no studies tried to understand the effect of a marketing activity online on an online dating app.

Networking as a marketing tool in small companies: a random and informal approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Marketing Tool ◽  
Exploratory Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Informal Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the particularities of marketing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), to try to understand how networking can influence the marketing activities implemented in this firm segment. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, the author decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of four SMEs in Portugal. Findings The results obtained show that the owners/managers of the SMEs studied here recognize the importance of marketing and networking, but have not yet implemented them in a structured way. In these SMEs, marketing is informal and reactive to market opportunities. Practical implications This study contributes to showing the importance of marketing in SMEs, providing more information and evidence about marketing in this firm sector, as well as about the owner/manager’s influence on the use of networking in marketing activities. Originality/value In spite of the opportunities associated with networking in SMEs, there is only limited empirical evidence of its importance in marketing activities. This holds particularly for the realm of SMEs.

Expert cues: how expert reviewers are perceived online

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 531-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Naujoks ◽  
Martin Benkenstein
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Author ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Source Expertise ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore different types of source expertise and how they influence perceived message quality. Consumers face the challenge to identify valuable online reviews. Source expertise as a signal of message quality can be displayed differently, depending on website layout, operator and review author.Design/methodology/approachTwo scenario-based experiments were conducted questioning 135 and 275 participants. They investigate the effect of different types of expert reviewers on perceived message quality and also examine the interplay of source expertise and source trustworthiness.FindingsThe findings reveal that the different types of expert reviewers differ in perceived expertise and their impact on perceived message quality. Claims of expertise induce the highest perceived expertise compared to the other expert types and non-experts, but are perceived as less trustworthy.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine the influence of the expert types across different product and service categories and could also include moderating influences that reflect how consumers process expert cues differently.Practical implicationsCues that signal high expertise and high trustworthiness are likely to deliver the most valuable online reviews. This should be incorporated in the website's layout to help consumers find valuable information.Originality/valueThe approach of this research is novel in that it undertakes comparisons between three types of expert cues and non-experts. It also addresses the interplay of source expertise and trustworthiness and examines the effect on message quality.

scholarly journals Am I worth it? Gifting myself with luxury

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannele Kauppinen-Räisänen ◽  
Johanna Gummerus ◽  
Catharina von Koskull ◽  
Åke Finne ◽  
Anu Helkkula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
The Self ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
Marketing Activities ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Consumers gift themselves with luxury fashion brands, yet the motives for self-gifting are not well understood. Whereas traditionally, self-gifting is defined as self-orientated in nature, luxury brands are seen as social statements, and self-gifting of luxury fashion brands that combine these two controversial areas is an interesting research topic. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by exploring the self-gifting behaviour of consumers, in particular focusing on the personal motives of gifting oneself with luxury fashion brands. Design/methodology/approach – The study takes a multi-qualitative approach involving a small (n=19) but rich sample. Data collection and analysis were triangulated to reduce researcher biases. Findings – The study provides key dimensions for understanding consumers’ perceptions of luxury fashion brands and self-gifting motives (self and socially orientated). The findings reveal that reflections from others are part of the self-gifting phenomenon. It appeared that although self-orientated benefits and personally orientated motives trigger the self-gifting act, the act of actually purchasing explicitly luxury brands for oneself as a gift may be triggered by other-orientated benefits and socially orientated motives. The findings also imply that luxury holds a self-orientated aspect; luxury brands are not only purchased for socially orientated reasons but also for reasons related to oneself. In addition, the findings discuss the act of shopping, where the act can be perceived as a luxury experience and overrun the importance of the brand. Practical implications – The findings provide insights to consumers’ gifting behaviour that may be valuable for retailers and fashion marketers as they plan for marketing activities related to their customers’ self-gifting. Originality/value – Self-gifting represents a view of gifting that remains under-researched. This study uncovers the motives for gifting oneself with luxury fashion brands, a further sub-area in need for more investigation.

Restaurant tipping and customers’ susceptibility to emotional contagion

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 762-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sergius Koku ◽  
Selen Savas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emotional Contagion ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Simultaneous Administration ◽  
Collectivist Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Restaurant Managers ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Study Offer

Purpose This paper aims to examine the connection between restaurant tipping propensity and customers’ susceptibility to emotional contagion (EC) in an effort to shed more light on consumers’ inclination to pay more for a service than they are legally obligated to (that is to pay more than the price by tipping). Design/methodology/approach In this study, two different instruments (Tipping Motivations Scale and Emotional Contagion Scale) were simultaneously administered online to restaurant patrons. The simultaneous administration of the instruments allows the researchers to capture not only tipping propensity but also the linkage between tipping propensity and customers’ susceptibility to EC. Findings The results show that customers’ susceptibility to EC, social compliance and server actions has the most effect on intention to tip in restaurants in Turkey. These findings support the notion that universal human characteristics such as the tendency to reciprocate (Hatfield et al., 1993) influence consumers’ propensity to tip regardless of the culture. Research limitations/implications While the results of this study offer some insight into why restaurant patrons tip, the fact that the study was carried out only in Turkey which has a collectivist culture limits the generalizability of the results to other societies that may be individualistic in orientation. Practical implications The findings of this study can be used by restaurant managers in training their employees and improving their customer patronage, particularly patronage from repeat customers. Similarly, the results could be used by restaurant servers to improve their income. Social implications The results of the study have potential to enhance the mutually beneficial relationship that should exist between restaurants and restaurant patrons. Indirectly, the results of the study could improve collective societal good. Originality/value This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is one of the first to use the Tipping Motivations Scale (Whaley et al., 2014) in a different culture (Eurasia) and explain consumers’ tipping propensity explicitly using the concept of EC.

Utilizing online reviews

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 17-18
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Online hotel reviews have the potential to boost the operational efficiencies and implementation of organizational strategies when adopted effectively. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The influence of symbolic and instrumental attributes of employer image on perceived industry attractiveness: differences between business owners and employees

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Schwaiger ◽  
Anita Zehrer ◽  
Teresa Spiess
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Job Security ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
Hospitality Firms ◽  
The Right ◽  
Firm Owners ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study determines the influence of employer image on industry attractiveness in small and medium-sized hospitality firms by using the instrumental-symbolic framework adapted from marketing literature.Design/methodology/approachA total of 405 employees and 429 family firm owners in Bavaria were surveyed using a quantitative research design. The authors used linear and hierarchical multiple regression analyses for hypothesis testing using the variables included in the instrumental-symbolic employer image framework.FindingsThe study revealed differences in perception between employees and owners. Data showed that employees' ratings for instrumental attributes, such as job security and income options, and symbolic attributes, such as industry attractiveness, significantly differ from those of owners. Consistent with the instrumental-symbolic framework, owners' perceptions of symbolic attributes predicted their perceived industry attractiveness.Practical implicationsOwners may examine how their industry's image needs to be changed to gain positive perception by current and potential employees. Policymakers may benefit from the study’s results that may help them find the right focal points for strategies in promoting Bavaria's hospitality sector. As a result, an adequate and positive image is created that attracts workers for this sector.Originality/valueThe study addresses the rather under-researched stakeholder group of existing hospitality employees, particularly with respect to employer image. Furthermore, owners and employees are compared, regardless of their individually different relationships to the business. Employer image is connected with overall perceived industry attractiveness, stating that the industry comprises individual employing businesses and thus depends on employer image.

Exploring the influence of doctor–patient social ties and knowledge ties on patient selection

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuqing Chen ◽  
Xitong Guo ◽  
Tianshi Wu ◽  
Xiaofeng Ju
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Selection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Unstructured Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Consultation ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeWith the advent of the Digital 2.0 era, online doctor–patient (D–P) interaction has become increasingly popular. However, due to the fact that doctors use their fragmented time to serve patients, online D–P interaction inevitably has some problems, such as the lack of pertinence in the reply content and doctors' relative unfamiliarity with their individual patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to excavate whether potential D–P social ties and D–P knowledge ties accentuate or attenuate the influence of patient selection (online and offline selection).Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the methods of text mining and empirical analysis on the structured and unstructured data of an online consultation platform in China to examine the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings illustrate that the potential D–P social ties increase the influence on patient selection, as do the potential D–P knowledge ties. Specifically, the effect of social ties on patient selection is positively moderated by patient health literacy. Conversely, health literacy weakens the link between knowledge ties and patient selection. In addition, the doctor's title weakens the influence of social ties on patient selection, in contrast to knowledge ties (partially).Originality/valueThis study provides guidance for doctors and patients on how to communicate effectively and alleviate tension within D–P relationships. The study’s findings have both theoretical and practical implications for both doctors' and online platforms' decision-making.

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