Looking Back to Move Forward: A Review of the Evolution of Research in International Marketing Channels

Over the past fifty years, the scope of research on international marketing channels has significantly evolved. From an early focus on factors influencing the expansion of marketing channels internationally, the literature now investigates a myriad of topics related to the challenges of selecting channel structures and managing channel relationships. This article investigates the evolution of international marketing channels research by reviewing 353 international channels-related articles published from 1965 to 2014 under a periodization approach. The assessment of the state and evolution of the literature is used as a foundation for the identification of emerging themes that will move the field of international marketing channels forward.     

Trends and Future Directions in Online Marketing Research

Over the last decade, the increased adoption of the Internet in public life as well as in developing businesses has led to a phenomenal rise in academic research on online marketing. This article is set to extensively review scholarly articles appearing from 2000 to 2014 on the topic from 10 top-tier academic journals to understand the research trends in the domain. A literature review has reported eight major subjective categories with an analysis of online marketing effectiveness framework. This review found three most significant subject categories: (1) online marketing issues; (2) Internet usage, perception, and attitude; and (3) online shopping and e-commerce. Additionally, some new online marketing research topics such as word-of-mouth, user-generated content, and social network are also highlighted. Finally, a selection of research topics that got the maximum attention of researchers is presented along with discussion of the future research directions in the online marketing space.     

Are There “Honorable Merchants” in International Marketing Channels?

The starting points of this initial exploratory study are two research questions: (1) could marketing relationships in international marketing channels be predicted by international marketing managers’ behavior reflected by “honorable merchants’” key concepts (ethics and trust) and experiential learning key concepts such as capability and competence?; and (2) can we measure the progress of this research theme in the international marketing literature and understand the nature of this phenomenon? We examine how scholarly research on international marketing managers’ behavior and their marketing relationships evolved from 2003 to 2013 and envisage the shape of this research theme the next years, to uncover current trends and possible research gaps on the ethics agenda in the international marketing education area. We identified the most salient concepts from 2,083 words for 22 key concepts counted in the abstracts of the 327 journal articles of the international marketing literature, in order to innovatively uncover the trends and concepts, explaining the marketing relationships in the international marketing context. We assessed sets of concepts that best reflect the marketing relationships in international marketing channels and indicated prospects for increasing the focus on specific topics, by conducting a series of multiple linear regression analyses and trend analyses. The research results show that the progress of the research theme can be measured. Innovatively, key competences and capabilities of international marketing managers relating to the key concepts of the “honorable merchant” construct are realized as a strong logical basis for the explanation of effective marketing relationships in international marketing channels. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The Evolution of Marketing Channel Research Domains and Methodologies: An Integrative Review and Future Directions

Marketing channels are among the most important elements of any value chain. This is because the bulk of a nation's manufacturing output flows through them. The intermediaries (e.g., distributors, wholesalers, retailers) constituting marketing channels perform specific distribution functions, such as transportation, storage, sales, financing, and relationship building, better than most manufacturers. Over his distinguished career, Louis P. Bucklin investigated many questions about the structuring and functioning of marketing channels using conceptual, empirical, and microeconomics model-based methodologies. Today, the academic marketing literature contains hundreds of articles that have employed these three broad classes of methodologies to investigate issues of channel intermediaries’ interorganizational relationships, for example, power-dependence, relational outcomes, conflict and negotiations, and manufacturing firms’ channel strategy, for example, channel structure, selection, coordination and control. So far, however, there has been no review of how the three different methodologies have contributed to advancing knowledge across this set of channels research domains. This paper is the first that aims to (1) chart how channels research employing each of the three classes of methodologies – conceptual, empirical, microeconomics model-based – has evolved over seven decades along with current trends; (2) review the contributions and shortcomings of research to date using these methodologies; and (3) suggest future research opportunities using these methodologies, separately or in an integrated fashion.     

Selling whiteness? – A critical review of the literature on marketing and racism

ABSTRACT

This article provides a critical review of the literature concerning marketing and racism, grounded in theoretical foundations drawn from critical race theory, whiteness theory and attendant models of privilege and oppression in society. The extant literature indicates a relationship between racism, marketing and social hierarchies which manifest with regard to marketing representations of people of colour and racialised groups; discriminatory practices in the marketplace and the roles of marketing professionals of colour. However, multiculturalism and anti-racism efforts attempt to counter racist practices; yet, the impacts of these efforts are unclear. Directions for future research are suggested.     

The Role of Marketing Channels in Supply Chain Management

This paper synthesizes five decades of supply chain-related research from premier managerially oriented marketing journals and provides a state-of-the-art integration and forecasting of where the field is heading. Such a review identifies where the field of supply chain management (SCM) has been, where it is, and where it is likely to go within the domain of marketing. Importantly, our paper involves a strategic discovery of the anchoring of SCM thought in marketing. A prominent feature of this paper is a set of takeaways, delineated from the cross-section of SCM literature bases (marketing channels, logistics, purchasing, and operations management) that will facilitate the development of the topic of SCM in marketing. These takeaways serve as agenda setters for future research and potential applications of SCM in marketing. Overall, we contribute to the marketing and SCM literatures by (1) reviewing the breadth of the most impactful literature on SCM that is directly connected to the field of marketing, (2) summarizing the state-of-the-art of the SCM in marketing literature, and (3) forecasting via a series of integrated takeaways what research is needed and where the SCM in marketing is likely to progress.     

Past,Present, and Future of Gay and Lesbian Consumer Research: Critical Review of the Quest for the Queer Dollar

This article provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary review of the extant literature regarding the gay and lesbian consumer market. Through the critical review of 38 scholarly, peer‐reviewed articles, four primary streams of research are identified, and the significant findings and avenues for future academic inquiry are highlighted. Additionally, this review identifies the research trends in terms of publications, theoretical approaches, research design, and methodology spanning from the earliest publication in 1993 to 2013. This study provides important theoretical and managerial implications to inform business practice, public policy, and future scholarly research.     

Environmental Antecedents of Channel Opportunism

While the notion of opportunism has intrigued marketing channel researchers for almost two and a half decades, our understanding of the antecedents of opportunism is still unclear. Specifically, while literature has suggested several antecedents to opportunism, including environmental uncertainty, none of the extant studies have gone deeper than the broader construct of environmental uncertainty. This study examines the relationship between the feeling of uncertainty attributed to competitive environment and opportunism in marketing channels. Using the data collected from managers responsible for distribution channel management, this study finds that while unfairness in competitive environment results in opportunism, severity of competitive environment does not. In fact, competitive severity results in a stronger sense of trust in channel members. The implications of these findings for channel managers are also discussed in this study.     

电子商务对营销渠道管理的影响

通过对近些年来学术界关于电子商务对营销渠道影响相关文献的总结,本文评述了电子商务在营销渠道设计、营销渠道成员选择和管理、营销渠道评价等方面的影响:在营销渠道设计方面,学者们的研究集中在电子商务作为一种新的营销渠道的特性,与这一个新的渠道和旧渠道之间的关系等方向;在营销渠道成员选择和管理方面,相关研究主要集中在渠道冲突管理上;营销渠道评价方面的研究主要是为新的渠道设计新的绩效评价体系。因此,未来的相关研究应该集中在电子营销渠道和传统营销渠道的协同和替代作用,不同国家、不同经济水平和文化氛围对于渠道间关系的影响,以及多种渠道下企业营销策略研究等方面。     

Global Marketing Channels and the Standardization Controversy

Abstract

Since the early 1960s, standardization has often been viewed as an efficient strategy for global marketers while others have argued for the relative merits of adaptation. A review of the literature reveals two important points: first, relative to other areas of marketing, channels of distribution are given short shrift in the standardization versus adaptation debate; second, of the existing literature on the standardization of global marketing channels, academicians and practitioners generally concur that marketing channels cannot be standardized. This conclusion may be premature. Thus, this paper offers a conceptual framework for the possible standardization of global marketing channels. A schematic model of the domestic marketing channel development process is extended to the global arena and a framework for the evaluation of the standardization alternatives in the international marketing channels development context is presented.     

Cause-related marketing persuasion research: an integrated framework and directions for further research

This paper presents an integrative review of the literature on cause-related marketing (CRM) persuasion research (i.e. studies of how CRM influences evaluations of the partner brand). The aim of the study was to review CRM persuasion research and to integrate the findings into a theoretical framework that could direct future research efforts in the area. Drawing on Bergkvist and Taylor's model of Leveraged Marketing Communications (LMC), a dual-path model of CRM persuasion effects was developed. According to the model, CRM affects brand evaluations along two paths: the indirect transfer path which is mediated by attribution of motives and the direct transfer path in which attitude towards the cause is transferred to the brand. The model incorporates results from extant research and provides guidance for future studies.     

An Exploratory Study of the Critical Success Factors of One-to-One Web-Marketing: User Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Dell provides personalized marketing services through the Internet (Fischer et al., 2000). This type of application of the Internet is referred to as One-to-One Web-marketing. A review of the current literature relevant to information management and marketing revealed that, relative to other topics, research into this area is lacking. This study addresses this by exploring the Critical Success Factors (CSF) of One- to-One Web-marketing from the user's perspective. It employed a triangulation method of integrating qualitative and quantitative designs in a three-stage research process. The research results revealed that there are five Critical Success Factors of One-to-One Web-marketing from the user perspectives: (1) the satisfaction of customer requirements, (2) the identification of customer differentiation, (3) the design of a quality user interface, (4) the establishment of customer recognition, and (5) the provision of customized services.     

现代企业营销渠道发展的博弈系统分析

论文认为,在营销渠道形成的博弈过程中,存在着流通博弈、需求博弈和供应博弈等三类博弈.博弈分析的结果表明,顾客便利是营销渠道发展的基本要求,企业的发展阶段对于营销渠道的管理有着不同的要求,精确地设计营销渠道成为降低企业经营风险的有力手段,保持营销渠道的灵活性是增强企业核心竞争力的保证.     

Marketing channel relationships in China: A review and integration with an institution-based perspective

Because marketing channel research is predominantly conducted in the Western world, marketing channel theories and practices may not be generalizable to Chinese markets. Despite the rapid growth of Chinese economies and their increasing importance to the global economy, our understanding of marketing channels in China is limited. This research reviews and integrates studies of marketing channels in the Chinese context. From an institution-based perspective, we develop a set of propositions focusing on issues such as guanxi, trust and dependence. We explore the impact of Chinese institutional environments (regulatory, normative and cultural) on marketing channels. Lastly, we offer suggestions to help firms adapt their channel operations to Chinese markets.     

The effects of scent on consumer behaviour

This article presents a systematic review of extant research on the effects of scent on consumer behaviour for readers of the International Journal of Consumer Studies. Although many articles have been published on this topic in recent years, there is a need for a comprehensive summary of up‐to‐date findings in this area of research. A systematic literature review is conducted with selected Chartered Association of Business Schools‐ranked journals in the fields of marketing and psychology, covering the period between 1980 and 2015. Thematic areas include the impact of scent on consumers’ cognitive and affective responses, attitudes and perceptions, as well as memory and behaviours. Relevant mediators and moderators of the effects of scent on these variables include affect, cognition, awareness and individual or environmental stimuli. Gaps for future research are identified and include the role of consumer awareness of scent and its influence on behaviour. Although this article provides a systematic review of the literature within the fields of psychology and marketing, it acknowledges that a large body of research regarding human responses to odours exists within other disciplinary fields such as neuroscience. The potential for, as well as the ethical caveats of, using scent stimuli for marketing purposes are also considered. This article makes a significant contribution to the consumer behaviour literature given its systematic article selection and review process, encompassing the most up‐to‐date research and focusing on all key thematic areas related to scent and consumption.     

Upstream social marketing strategy: An integrated marketing communications approach

This article provides an organized approach for managers to develop social marketing strategies that target upstream decision and policy makers. A conceptual application model and five-stage process is presented for an upstream social marketing strategy based on integrated marketing communications (IMC). IMC concepts are described in the context of social marketing, as well as specific stages for creating an IMC social marketing strategy; these include target audience research and determination, channel selection and integration, strategic message creation, and measurement and control. A central and novel feature of the IMC social marketing strategy model is the simultaneous targeting of an upstream decision maker and influential peripheral (upstream) audiences in order to triangulate and increase campaign effectiveness. An IMC approach to upstream social marketing ensures consistent, persuasive messages specifically crafted for the selected target audiences and coordinated through precise channels to maximize impact. This multi-channel, multi-audience approach to message creation and channel selection produces synergies that increase the potential to influence an upstream decision/policy maker.     

Channel Member Satisfaction and Performance in African Export Marketing Channels: Some Insights From Ghana

This article investigates the impact of channel member satisfaction on channel performance in Ghanaian cocoa marketing channels. Channel member satisfaction is treated as a multidimensional construct consisting of both economic and social satisfaction. Channel performance is defined in terms of farmers’ acceptance of a large-scale marketing channel improvement. The results of the study indicate that initial acceptance of the channel improvement was based on economic satisfaction and continued use was based primarily on trust. Implications for theory and managerial practice are discussed.     

Inquiry and Review of Dependence in Marketing Channels: An Economics of Exchange Approach

This article extends the economics of exchange for bilateral monopolists to more general situations in marketing channels, that is, exchange between two members with alternatives, by incorporating insights drawn from power-dependence theory, interdependence theory, and the concept of switching cost. It proposes a framework of three factors of channel dependence and reviews the literature on the operationalizations of channel dependence based on the framework. This study concludes that the approaches used by channels researchers, explicitly or implicitly, more or less, capture the three factors of channel dependence. It also notices weaknesses in some approaches, including missing important aspects of a factor, possibilities of inflating or deflating channel dependence, and falling short of being a one-dimensional construct. The article finally draws conclusions and reports implications from the findings of this inquiry and literature review.     

跨组织视角下的营销渠道治理:制度环境的影响(英文)

营销渠道研究是营销研究的一个重要组成部分。随着市场中竞争性环境的变化以及营销理论的发展,营销渠道研究的关注点从强调效率和利益转向强调权力和冲突,进而转向联网以及关系和联盟。在研究渠道治理过程方面,以往的营销渠道研究大多采用以效率为基础的任务环境视角,而在很大程度上忽视了以合理性为基础的制度环境方法。本文提出,营销渠道从本质上说是一种制度安排和跨组织关系。因此,企业在治理营销渠道时,必须关注其决策和行为的接受度与认可度。本文先是回顾了营销渠道治理和跨组织关系方面的理论与研究,进而从中吸收有价值的观点,提出了理论框架和一些命题,并通过两则案例研究进行解释和检验。