Divergence in Variety Seeking: An Exploratory Study Among International Travelers in Asia

ABSTRACT

Variety seeking is a tendency in consumer behavior in which the consumer alternates between different makes of the same item in the quest for diversity. Variety seeking and exploratory behaviors help explain tourists’ consumption behavior and choice-making methods. Some studies have focused on the choice of food, restaurants, theme parks, travel activities, or destinations, but only a few have taken place within an international context. In this study, the influence of variety seeking and exploratory buying on travelers’ consumption behavior within an international context is analyzed. In essence, Asian travelers are compared with Western travelers. Several factors, which help explain divergence in variety seeking, are included in the analysis. The results demonstrate that variety seeking and an exploratory tendency have a significant relationship with travelers’ consumption behavior (for both Asian and Western travelers). In general, customers who have a high tendency for variety seeking are less loyal; however, there is no discernible difference between Asian and Western tourists in this regard.     

Understanding the causes of defection among satisfied B2B service customers

Abstract

Many research studies conclude that satisfaction is strongly and positively related to repurchase intentions and loyalty behaviour. However, companies are often faced with the perplexing question of why some customers, who are satisfied, still switch suppliers given the right circumstances. To answer this question, an exploratory research study was conducted in the facilities-management industry with business-to-business service customers. The study was conducted in two stages: an exploratory stage that focused on the industry as a whole, and a confirmatory stage that focused on lost customers from one specific company. It was found that switching motives and actual reasons for switching are quite different. Customers, despite being satisfied, are more likely to switch suppliers for price reasons than they originally stated.     

Country Segmentation of the International Tourism Market Using Propensity to Travel and to Spend Abroad

ABSTRACT

Two new segmentation variables for the global international tourism market were operationalized. These variables were used to segment the countries of the world into nine market segments, which include heavy travelers, heavy spenders (HH); heavy travelers, medium spenders (HM); heavy travelers, light spenders (HL); medium travelers, heavy spenders (MH); medium travelers, medium spenders (MM); medium travelers, light spenders (ML); light travelers, heavy spenders (LH); light travelers, medium spenders (LM); and light travelers, light spenders (LL). The profile of these country segments were further examined using discriminant analysis. Implications of findings for targeting and promotion strategies are discussed, and directions for future research are given.     

Relevant for Whom? An Essay to Celebrate JBBM’s 21st Anniversary,in Favor of Paying Greater Attention to the Needs of Students and Practitioners and Less to the Interests of Peers

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To argue that useful research into business-to-business marketing must have practical relevance and that this may call for alternative methodologies to the positivistic “scientific” model favored by leading marketing journals; to suggest that citation by academic peers as measured by impact factors is only one of several criteria relevant to the assessment of academic papers; and to propose a less formulaic presentation of research to make it more accessible to students and practitioners.

Methodology/approach: Informed comment as a participant observer based on extensive experience as an academic administrator (Head of Department, Dean and Deputy Principal), Past Chairman of the Scottish Business Education Council, Past President of the Academy of Marketing, Past Chairman and Trustee Chartered Institute of Marketing, Founding Editor of 3 academic marketing journals and author of more than 50 books and 150 articles and papers.

Findings: Academic research in marketing has become distorted as a result of an excessive emphasis upon journal impact factors reported in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), which relate to only a limited selection of published research into the subject of marketing. Not only that, but the research reported largely conforms to a positivistic model that is less appropriate for social and behavioral sciences than for the pure sciences that it seeks to imitate. Nonetheless, publication in journals included in the SSCI counts for more in decisions for academic appointment and preferment than do other publications that may be demonstrated to have equal or greater impact on the audiences for which they are intended. It is argued that this imbalance should be redressed with greater attention given to instrumental knowledge and its impact on practice.

Research implications: The author’s purpose is not to disparage or call into question the quality of academic research published in the top journals, rather it is to draw attention to the distinction proposed by Shankar that recognizes the existence of an external audience and the distinction between instrumental and reflexive knowledge.

Practical implications: It is recommended that academic peer review be continued for academic papers, which would be identified as such, but that other kinds of contribution such as thought pieces, case studies, commentaries, reports, and so on be published subject to appropriate editorial review.

Originality/value/contribution: A point of view with growing support.     

旅游诚信在江苏旅游强省建设中的地位和作用

旅游诚信属于社会诚信体系中的行业诚信范畴,它是将旅游与诚信有机结合而形成的一个新领域。在江苏旅游强省建设中,旅游诚信的地位和作用不容小觑。旅游诚信既是江苏旅游强省建设的重要基石,也是江苏加快文旅融合发展步伐,以文化人、以文促旅,以旅彰文的现实基础。在江苏旅游强省建设中应积极发挥旅游诚信的思想基础、价值引领和文化表达等作用,促进江苏旅游业迈向优质发展的新时代。     

Choice of Exchange Rate Regime in a Selection of African Countries

Abstract

An exchange rate regime has an important impact on macroeconomic policies within developing countries and therefore essential in macroeconomic policy formation. The main research question is to determine how the variety of determinants would influence the exchange rate regime choice for a selection of 19 African developing countries. A distinction is made between three groups of variables, namely economic fundamentals, economic stabilization aspects and currency crises factors, all affecting a country’s exchange regime choice. The probability of these determinants is then estimated to establish whether the selected countries would choose a fixed, an intermediate or a flexible exchange regime.     

The Diffusion of Innovations: Some Reflections

Abstract

This paper discusses a number of interrelated topics relating to the economics of innovation diffusion that merit further research and study. These topics encompass: how innovations are not just technological, may be horizontal or vertical, and may develop over time; the role in the diffusion process of complementarities across and substitutability between different technologies and innovations; how the many different sources of innovation other than R&D are given insufficient attention in the literature; the international dimensions of the diffusion process with emphasis on cross-country effects; the role played by different market structures in the industries supplying goods embodying new technologies; the imbalance in the relative emphases upon intra- and intra-firm diffusion in the existing diffusion literature; the need for more research on the relationship between firm performance and the diffusion of innovations, and government policy on diffusion.     

The Effectiveness of Sponsorship

Abstract

This paper studies the effectiveness of sponsorship from a theoretical standpoint, on the methodological bases of the conceptual considerations underlying sponsorship, and of published empirical studies. Finally, a hierarchical model for evaluation of the effectiveness of sponsorship is proposed, based on the distinction between direct, indirect and derived effectiveness integrating five criteria which enable the analysis of the effectiveness of sponsorship at different levels of exchange.     

Measuring the part worth of the mode of transport in a trip package: An extended Bradley–Terry model for paired-comparison conjoint data

This study measures the travelers' perceived change in utility by accepting one of the modes of transport air, rail, or bus as one component of a packaged city trip. The part-worth values for the trip product elements are expected to depend on a number of traveler characteristics. The predictors hypothesized are city travel experience, general modal preference, socio-economic status, and car ownership. In the survey, the combinations of trip attributes differed between the two subgroups of leisure and business travelers. The leisure travelers rated three levels of mode, length of stay, and price, but only one level of the hotel category. The business travelers were shown four mode alternatives and only two levels for each of the other trip product elements. The conjoint measurements were elaborated by fitting an Extended Bradley–Terry Model. Demonstrating the application of the EBTM is the main purpose of the paper. The EBTM offers several advantages over the more popular versions of conjoint analysis. It correctly treats ties and allows for simultaneous estimation of the trip package (‘object’) parameters, object covariates (trip attributes), subject covariates (traveler characteristics) and their interactions. For both the business and the leisure travelers, the mode of transport dominated the assessment of a city trip package. For leisure tourists, e.g., switching from train 2nd class to an economy flight boosted the trip package more than twice as much as replacing train for bus. A variation of the package price was much more important for the leisure than for the business travelers. The socio-economic status proved to be an important factor and was particularly influential among the business travelers. In the leisure tourists' sub-sample age was not only important for valuing the mode of transport, but had a preferential impact for all trip components. Finally, the limitations of this demonstration study that discourage extrapolation to city travelers in general are emphasized.     

The Role of Private Label Brands in Enhancing Service Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry: Comparing Luxury and Boutique Hotels

ABSTRACT

This research proposes private label branding as a strategy that can have a positive effect on guest satisfaction and loyalty in hotels that cater to travelers seeking a special hotel experience. We test this using a sample of guests in two hotels: a five-star luxury hotel (N = 225) and a boutique hotel (N = 101). Findings show that in the luxury hotel but not the boutique hotel, perception of a private label had a direct impact on loyalty, and an indirect impact on loyalty through its effect on guest satisfaction. The theoretical implications and recommendations for hoteliers based on the findings are discussed.     

Trade and Market Liberalisation in Eastern Europe

SUMMARY

The question of why multinational companies (MNCs) choose to locate in one region rather than another has been an important topic in IB research for many years, but has recently received even more attention. This paper presents the results of an econometric investigation of the locational determinants of Italian firms in Central and Eastern Europe. Italian firms have been very active investors in the CEE countries. Our results broadly confirm the findings of previous studies, but we also find that both trade liberalisation and market liberalisation are important influences upon the location decision. If the CEE governments wish to attract further (Italian) foreign investment, then further liberalisation of their domestic economies should be a policy priority.     

Strategic,Operational, and Analytical Customer Relationship Management

Abstract

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) means different things to different people. For some, CRM is the term used to describe a set of IT applications that automate customer-facing processes in marketing, selling and service. For others, it is about an organizational desire to be more customer focused. Others associate CRM with the capture, analysis and exploitation of customer-related data. One distinction that has been made is between strategic, operational and analytical CRM. This paper sets out to understand, conceptualize and operationalize these terms. Our research generally supports the idea of a multi-dimensional conceptualization of CRM. We develop and present an instrument, consisting of a thirteen-item scale, which can be used to assess an organization's orientation towards one or more of these three forms of CRM.     

Methodological choices of HR research conducted in Asia

A twenty-year study of the Human Resource (HR) practices–outcome relationship has found that more rigorous methodologies have been adopted over time. However, several problematic features such as cross-sectional, single-informant, and single-level designs continue to be adopted (Bainbridge et al., Human Resource Management, 2016). Responding to calls for increased contextualization of research by investigating the relationship between the location of data collection and the methodological choices of researchers, this study answers the question “How unique are the methodological choices of HR research conducted in Asia?” Applying content analysis to 241 published articles, we compare internal, external, construct and statistical conclusion validity of studies collected in North America (n=66), Europe (n=95) and Asia (n=80, including 57 studies from China). Results show that despite similarities in cross-sectional, single-informant and single-level designs across regions, research conducted in Asia is mainly undertaken via field studies, using subjective outcome measures at the organizational level, following a post-predictive design. In addition, studies from Asia are more recent, and show a shorter time gap between data collection and publication. Theoretical and practical implications embedded in the dynamic context of Asia in general, and China more specifically are discussed.     

Twenty Shades of Italy: An Analysis of its Cultural,Natural, and Dual Tourist Attractions with Implications for Global Tourism Marketing

ABSTRACT

Natural and cultural tourism are the two main motivations for international tourists. The country of Italy is recognized for both of these dimensions. To fully understand the tourism characteristics of this geographically diverse and historically rich land, we compare 20 regions of Italy and identify major natural, cultural, and dual (both natural and cultural) tourist attractions as well as the number of tourists across these 20 regions. As far as we know, it is the first study of its kind to analyze tourism in Italy at the regional level. The findings of this research reveal four distinct clusters based on the regions resulting from “high versus low number of attractions” by “high versus low number of tourists.” We also analyzed secondary data on region-wise tourist-nights using discriminant analysis. The results showed that the dual (both cultural and natural) attraction sites are the most important in explaining differences in tourism across the different regions of Italy. We discuss implications of the results for global tourism marketing.     

Disentangling Effacement,Omnivore, and Distinction Effects on the Consumption of Cultural Activities: An Illustration

Recent studies of cultural activities in America have stressed the importance of three sorts of phenomena: (1) a boundary-effacement effect in which members of different classes are to some degree homogeneous in their preferences (colloquially, some things are liked or disliked by everybody); (2) an omnivore effect in which upscale people tend more than their more downscale counterparts to engage in or appreciate a broad variety of cultural activities (some people like everything); and (3) a distinction effect in which more upscale consumers use certain cultural habits as a way of marking their status-related differences from more downscale people (different people from different backgrounds like different things to different degrees). However, in arguing for one or another of these three phenomena and often favoring just one perspective over the others, various authors have tended to lose sight of how the three effects may operate simultaneously. We address the resulting confusion by proposing a simple conceptual schema that embraces all three phenomena in a manner not heretofore recognized and by providing an illustration of how we might disentangle these three effects in an empirical analysis of cultural activities.     

The subjective valuation of coins and bills

There is more to how individuals value money than just the denomination, based on several recent research articles. Could the very form of money, whether paper or metal, be a basis for such subjective valuation? A theoretical explanation based on the representativeness bias is explored and three experimental studies are employed to investigate this question. The results show that there is a bias in how the value of money is assessed based on whether that money is comprised of coins or bills. Bills are estimated to have more purchasing power than coins for the same objects, including for a different currency where a specific exchange rate is given. Copyright © 2014 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Channel Network Structure and the Product Assortment Function

Abstract

Although business networks provide value for many of their participants, the ability of network systems to perform product assortment functions is unclear. After raising several related research questions about network structure and product matching, this paper reviews some conceptual foundations of the network approach. In particular, the paper reviews and develops the distinction between network positions and distribution functions. It then assesses the functions performed within channel network structures in several published case studies. Some of these network structures exhibit low densities and closely resemble rather conventional vertical supply systems. It appears, though, that such more vertical networks perform a speculative matching function for product assortments when supply and demand are heterogeneous and volatile. Under more rigid and stable conditions, vertical networks may engage in product customisation to postpone product form. Horizontal networks (when they exist), may facilitate product standardisation and thus may contribute to beneficial diversities in supply.     

A Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility Following the Sustainable Development Paradigm

The aim of this research is to develop and validate a measurement scale for consumer’s perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSRConsPerScale) using the three-dimensional social, environmental and economic conceptual approach as a theoretical basis. Based on the stages of measurement scale creation and validation suggested by DeVellis (Scale development: theory and applications, 1991) and supported by Churchill Jr.’s (J Mark Res 16(1):64–73, 1979) suggestions, five different empirical studies are developed expressly and applied to consumers of tourist services. This research involves 1147 real tourists from 24 countries in two different cultural and geographical contexts. A three-dimensional 18-item scale is proposed for measuring consumer perceptions of corporate social, environmental and economic responsibilities. This paper presents the complete development of the scale, as well as the implications and limitations of the main findings and the managerial implications.     

Seeing Is Not Believing: Perceptions of Date Labels over Food and Attributes

ABSTRACT

This study investigates consumers’ perceptions of date labels (“Best by” and “Use by”) between different food items (spaghetti sauce and deli meat) and across different attributes (nutrition, quality, safety, and taste). We collected data from experimental auctions and a survey held in cities located in two different regions of the United States. Previous research suggests that confusion over date labels contributes to waste. Thus, we ask respondents to indicate the meaning of date labels for products over attributes. Overall we find that respondents have differing conceptions of date labels by product and over attributes, which reflects confusion over the date labels. However, the differences, while statistically significant, are not large enough to suggest a reversal of perception from agreement to disagreement in the meaning of the date label for specific attributes. The findings question the effectiveness of a two-date label regime to reduce food waste.