Promoting Giving Campaigns in University Websites: A Cross-cultural Comparison between the United States and South Korea

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to compare the ways the websites promote giving campaigns between the United States and South Korea. Furthermore, this study explored how the campaign appeals are associated with the distinct cultural values between universities in the United States and Korea. Guided by a content analysis of 200 universities in the United States and South Korea, the findings of this study demonstrated that, compared to the Korean university websites, U.S. university websites more frequently targeted university-affiliated donors, including alumni, students, parents, and so forth, and used multimedia-based exemplars about the giving campaigns.     

Cultural Differences and Similarities in Television Commercials in the Arab World and the United States

Understanding the nature and influences of cultural differences is central to international marketing. This article investigates cultural differences in television advertising between the United States and a select group of countries in the Arab world on the cultural dimensions of contextualization, individualism/collectivism, time orientation, and human perception of nature. The results indicate that while there are many differences between the United States and the Arab world, there are also similarities. The results indicate that there are also differences between the Arab countries, and the Arab countries should not be viewed as the same in certain situations.     

The Relationship Between Psychic and Cultural Distance and Business Ethicality Attitudinal Values of Future Business Leaders

ABSTRACT

Psychic distance and cultural distance between countries are phenomena that can affect a company's entry strategy into foreign markets, as can differences in levels of business ethicality. The author examines the use of three measures of psychic and/or cultural distance (Brewer, 2007; Ellis, 2008; Fletcher & Bohn, 1998) and assesses the extent to which they are related to business ethicality values. A two-stage sampling design was used to survey undergraduate business students in 23 countries regarding their business-related ethics attitudes. This study had 13 countries in common with the Brewer (2007) and Fletcher and Bohn (1998) studies and 12 countries in common with Ellis (2008). Comparisons were made between the index values of the countries and their average scores on a scale of business ethicality by correlation analysis. Correlations were not statistically significant. The results suggest that none of the measures of distance examined is a good indicator of business ethicality and vice versa. Thus, one cannot assume a priori that a country that is culturally or psychically close to one's own country will have similar business ethicality values.     

The Perceived Impact of Information Technology on Salespeople's Relational Competencies

Abstract

Cross-cultural service research is an important topic with a rich array of empirical evidence for differences in customer perceptions, attitudes and behaviours. However, the extant literature is almost exclusively focused on differences between cultures at each end of the diversity spectrum (most commonly East vs. West). Contemporary researchers have observed that existing studies fail to acknowledge the substantially greater levels of intra-cluster variation that exist. A cultural cluster is a group of countries that reflect values, attitudes and beliefs stemming from a common cultural ancestry. This seems surprising given the anecdotal evidence and stereotypes that are portrayed in popular culture, media and art. One area where intra-cluster variation may be evident is consumer complaint behaviour and in particular within the Anglo-cultural cluster in countries. A cultural cluster is a group of countries that reflect values, attitudes and beliefs stemming from a common cultural ancestry. The aim of this study is therefore to explore and elucidate the nature of differences in consumer complaint behaviour between cultures traditionally conceived and operationalised as identical. This study presents a qualitative study of 60 in-depth interviews with consumers in the United Kingdom and Australia and identifies differences in complaining styles, parental influence and the conceptualisation of complaining.     

Usability Problem Areas on Key International and Key Arab E-commerce Websites

This research aims to identify, compare, and contrast the usability of key international e-commerce websites with those in the Arab world, and to offer advice on how to remedy the usability problems on the latter to make them more competitive. Heuristic evaluations were undertaken on three international e-commerce websites and four comparable Arab e-commerce websites. Major and minor problems were identified and rated on each of the sites before being categorized into problem areas. As expected, more major and minor usability problems were identified on the Arab e-commerce websites (average of 22 and 85 per site, respectively) compared to the key international e-commerce websites (average of 12 and 55 per site, respectively). Most problems with both the international and Arab e-commerce websites were related to content and design usability areas, respectively. A variety of unique usability problems were found on the Arab e-commerce websites.     

Comparing advertising effectiveness in South-American and North-American contexts: testing Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural dimensions in the higher education sector

ABSTRACT

This research compares the effectiveness of advertising and relational marketing in two countries characterized by varying levels of both Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural dimensions – Peru (high-power distance, high collectivism, survival and traditional values) and Canada (low-power distance, high individualism, self-expression and secular-rational values). Survey data from a high credence service sector (higher education) in both countries is used for the analysis. The results indicate that advertising and relational marketing have direct effects on choice in Peru, but do not have significant direct effects on choice in Canada. Advertising does, however, affect positively perceptual outcome measures (perceived marketing effectiveness) in Canada. Additionally, we find that advertising and relational marketing have an indirect impact on choice and perceived marketing effectiveness through the mediation of perceived informativeness and influencers in both countries. These results point to the need to account for mechanisms and mediating variables when building theoretical frameworks in cross-country studies.     

Dubai e-Government: An Evaluation of G2B Websites

ABSTRACT

This paper evaluates the Government-to-Business (G2B) aspect of Dubai e-government. The research revealed that while businesses are generally aware of Dubai e-government services, they do not often use them for transactions. Another finding was that responses to businesses' queries made online or via e-mail are not rapid enough. A single e-business portal for the business community is recommended, which would shift the service approach from department-centric to customer-centric. It is further suggested that in order to stay current, Dubai should use CiRM principles in providing an improved level of service for businesses. This will enhance its position among the world's city and municipal websites. Since Dubai is considered a leader in e-government implementation in the Arab world, it is hoped that the findings will guide regional decision makers as they improve their G2B e-government initiatives.     

Dominant Cultural Values

SUMMARY

This study expands on previous work in exploring dominant cultural values portrayed in print magazine advertisements in the United States of America (U.S.) and India across and within product categories. A modified version of Cheng and Schweitzer's (1996) coding framework is used for the study. The differences and similarities in the observed frequencies of the dominant cultural values portrayed in the print magazine advertisements are discussed. The analysis shows a commonality of the dominant values frequently portrayed in the magazine advertisements of both countries although statistically significant differences in their frequency of occurrence are also present for several of the observed values both across and within product categories. The results are consistent with those of researchers advocating a middle-of-the-road approach in the standardization versus adaptation debate of advertising messages. Advertising campaigns in each country should be assessed carefully in terms of target market, cultural and environmental factors, and also upon the nature of the product.     

Preference Ordering Cash,Near Cash,and Electronic Cash

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the impact of sociocultural determinants on people’s perceptions and usage of smart systems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research used the Theory of reasoned action, Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and Frambach and Schillewaert’s framework. These theories which focus on the determinants of technology acceptance behavior of users have been widely used in contemporary technology acceptance research. Data were collected from the UAE Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, and Economy using structured questionnaires. A total of 357 responses were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques such as regression analysis and factor analysis. Multiple regression analysis helped to determine the direction of relationships between the constructs representing users’ sociocultural orientation, attitude toward smart systems and acceptable behavior. Factor analysis served to identify the underlying dimensions of the above constructs. The major finding of this research is that cultural values and peers’ influence significantly affect users’ perceptions and applications of technological innovations. Furthermore, the study reveals that users’ age and gender wield critical moderating effects on the relationship between cultural values and attitude toward smart systems. These findings have important implications for acceptance and implementation of smart systems in the UAE which are highlighted in this paper. This paper also identifies the limits of this research and explores the venues of further research in this field.     

Key quality factors affecting users' perception of social networking websites

PurposeThe main aim of the present study is to evaluate the quality factors of websites and their effect on users' perceptions about quality in the context of social networking websites.Design/methodology/approachThis is an applied study conducted as a field survey. A conceptual framework of website quality is proposed and empirically tested that combines quality factors and users' overall perception about quality. Based upon conceptual frameworks in the areas of information systems and using responses from 300 users, a seven factors scale has been validated and data were used to test the conceptual model. To test validity of conceptual framework, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and regression analysis was performed to examine the suggested hypotheses in the conceptual framework.FindingsIn this study, six different significant factors namely efficiency, entertainment, community drivenness, privacy, user friendliness, efficiency and navigability were identified to be significant for the service quality of social networking websites. Using the survey conducted in the statistical sample, only the factor of web appearance was identified as less important for social networking website users.Practical implicationsFindings from this research provide a set of essential and desired quality factors that social networking website developers can use to improve the quality of existing websites in turn increasing its numbers of users, thus bringing benefits to the company. Second, this study shows how perceived quality has a direct and profound effect on the degree of consumer perception about website quality.Originality/valueThis study, expanding a conceptual model, tries to identify the set of service quality factors for social networking websites. The information of these quality factors as a major predictor of consumers' quality perception provides social networking websites management an initial point for making successful quality management practices for their e-commerce.     

The Influence of Cultural Orientation and Communication Style on Consumer Behavior: A Comparative Study of the Arab World and the United States

ABSTRACT

Hall (1976) argued that “Culture is communication and communication is culture” (p. 169). Because cultures are dynamic, they are subject to change due to a variety of influences, and while cultural change is usually slow and takes years or sometimes generations to materialize, the authors believe the new media technologies may shorten this time of change. The purpose of this report is to examine the cultural orientation of the Arab world and the communication styles used there as they relate to advertising persuasion and compare it to that of the United States. The results suggested the some changes in the well-known Arabic culture may be taking place.     

Cultural Differences Between U.S. and Russian Students

Abstract

The study explores differences in U.S. and Russian national work-related values. Comparing the results obtained using Hofstede's 1994 instrument with earlier, but very limited U.S. and Russian studies, differences in value orientation of U.S. and Russian cultures were found. A comparative examination of value orientations of U.S. (n = 73) and Russian (n = 75) students found differences that may affect international alliances. Despite exposure of Russian students to Western values, their cultural values remained almost totally unchanged. The study upheld cultural divergence. Implications for practice and future research are offered.     

Being Arab and American: Understanding Ethnocentric Tendencies for Arab American Consumers

ABSTRACT

Scant research exists on Arab Americans' ethnocentric tendencies towards purchasing American-made products. This study explores the nexus among consumer ethnocentrism, empathy towards local workers, and ethnic identification. We examined ethnic identification, patriotism, dogmatism, and internationalism as potential influences on Arab Americans' ethnocentric tendencies towards purchasing products made in the US. Data were collected from 165 Arab Americans living in Michigan. We found that when Arab consumers felt empathic towards local workers, they were more ethnocentric towards purchasing local products. Arab Americans' ethnic identification neither influenced their ethnocentric tendencies towards American-made products nor their empathic feelings towards American workers. Our study provides key contributions related to minorities' preferences for locally made products.     

Shopping East and Shopping West—Chinese Consumer Behavior in Two Worlds

ABSTRACT

In today's China, consumers not only have the chance to sample products and services from around the world, but to experience cultural influences from a vast range of countries. In particular, Western products and services—and cultural values—have become increasingly popular. Consumers now shift between different worlds (Chinese and Western) with seeming ease. This research identifies the factors that encourage consumers to shift between these different worlds—and values. The factors include the situation and context (of the shopping experience), peer influence and dynamics, the role of conversation at or near the time of purchase, and the nature of the product and service. The role of “time,” “chance,” and “intuition” in the shopping experience and cultural shifts are also examined. What emerges from the study is a changeable, mobile, and flexible community quite capable of shifting between different sets of values (and consumer attitudes) easily and often very quickly. For companies, the key to success (at least to some degree) is to place their goods and services in a context that helps to create a complementary, integrated, and supportive image of the world they wish to create in the minds of their Chinese consumers.     

Bayesian hierarchical statistics for traffic safety modelling and forecasting

Abstract

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent a serious problem globally causing losses in many ways. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have a high rate of RTAs compared to other high-income countries. In this study, a Bayesian hierarchical model was utilized for accident counts forecasting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This work will help traffic planners and decision makers to enhance road safety levels and decrease accident fatality rate. Accidents data along 5 years from 2008 to 2012 at 143 road sites in Abu Dhabi with 5,511 accidents were used. The proposed model considered a number of covariates; speed limit, type of road, number of lanes, type of area, weather, time, surface condition and seat belt usage. Five sites with the highest numbers of accidents were studied. Year 2012 was used to validate predictions. The model prediction accuracy was 72%.     

Evaluation of Brand Use on City Government Websites: A Search for Brand Type,Repetition, and Consistency

ABSTRACT

There is growing interest in bringing marketing thought and practice to government. By examining the use of brand symbols and slogans on ninety-seven city government websites, I expose challenges in branding within a public sector context. My study reveals that city governments vary in the types of brands emphasized on their websites and their websites' reflection of recommended branding practices. The majority of the websites present city symbols and slogans. For some websites, there are inconsistencies in and infrequent use of brand elements suggesting a need for greater integration of marketing communications and the opportunity to more fully embrace marketing principles.     

Global Issues in Selecting Athlete Endorsers for National Markets: A Macroinvestigation

ABSTRACT

Little advertising research explores the role of culture in selecting celebrity endorsers. The purpose of this study is to explore how the selection process of athlete endorsers is shaped by national contexts. Based on interviews with advertising practitioners in 10 countries, the study reveals similarities in practitioners’ thinking across countries on a variety of matters related to athlete endorsement. It reveals the importance given by practitioners to the “cultural attractiveness” of national athlete endorsers when using them to connect with their national audience and shows that the selection process depends greatly on various cultural pressures linked to sporting traditions of each country. The study also shows how practitioners believe that athlete endorsers should be used mainly to generate brand and advertising awareness principally under pressure from clients’ emotional input.     

Cultural Values Driven Segmentation in Social Marketing

ABSTRACT

This article examines the role of cultural values in segmentation in social marketing, with a special focus on minority and immigrant groups. It offers a framework for values driven segmentation in social marketing. Since social marketing seeks to create behavior change, it needs to refocus on modalities that can bring about the desired behavioral change. Cultural values that distinguish and define cultural groups are perhaps the most critical, especially in multicultural environments. The values of various subcultures, their ethnic identities and cultural heritage have become important driving forces for social marketers in their quest to bring about behavioral change. Though the article focuses on social marketing to minority and immigrant subcultures, the values driven segmentation model can be validly applied to other cultural groups as well.     

Prioritizing Geo-References: A Content Analysis of the Websites of Leading Global Luxury Fashion Brands

ABSTRACT

The current study investigates the extent to which various types of references to geographic entities are being used in communications with consumers on global websites of 15 leading luxury fashion brands. Using the Relevance-Distinctiveness-Believability framework, we posit that references to country of brand origin and to relatedness to developed Western countries are the most distinct and relevant and will be used more frequently than references to brand globalness and non-Western developed countries. We also suggest that Caucasian (i.e., “White”) models will be depicted more frequently than other ethnicities to further connect brands to Western countries. The analysis of 3,750 explicit-verbal, implicit-verbal, and non-verbal geo-references supports our predictions. These results suggest that, at least for the luxury fashion industry, the value of references to the country of brand origin and to the brand's relatedness to Western countries is substantially higher than the value of brand globalness. The article discusses the applicability of the RDB framework for prioritizing different types of geo-references and suggests venues for future research.     

The Internationalization of the Business Administration Curricula in Arab Universities

Abstract

This is a study of the extent of the internationalization of the business administration curricula in Arab universities. It is based on a survey of 110 Arab colleges of business that comprise more than half of the overall population, 35% of whom responded. The study found that Arab colleges of business appear to be only moderately internationalized in their curricula, that they do have future plans incorporating internationalization, and that offering specialized IB courses is the norm. As to impediments, the lack of adequate staff is the most frequently mentioned obstacle. The study points to its own limitations.