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For sales quota periods, one size doesn’t fit all

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin suggests that sales quota periods should be tailored to individual preferences. Low performers are more motivated by constant motivation, while high performers respond better to longer quota cycles. This implies that one-size-fits-all approach to sales compensation may not be effective.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 16, 2025

Renting clothes for sustainable fashion – niche markets work best

Researchers found that clothing rental companies in niche markets, such as sportswear, are more successful and sustainable. They identified key business models, including membership, subscription, and individual rental, and emphasized the importance of collaborations with suppliers and manufacturers.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Business and Industrial Marketing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

How the brain responds to prices: Scientists discover neural marker for price perception

Researchers found that perceiving prices significantly different from expectations triggers a strong N400 signal in the brain, engaging regions involved in evaluating rewards and learning. This suggests that consumers' perceptions of value are part of automatic cognitive mechanisms activated long before conscious decision-making.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2025

Round up, just below, or precise amount? Choosing the final price of a product may be just a cultural thing

A study by Frontiers found that cultural dimensions influence price endings, with individualistic cultures preferring round prices, uncertain cultures choosing just-below prices, and long-term oriented cultures opting for precise prices. These findings have implications for retailers operating in global markets.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2025

Live, laugh, lotus: Why group texting during ‘The White Lotus’ feels so good

New research reveals that second-screening can create a sense of social connection, increasing engagement and repeat viewing intentions. When viewers are alone, reaching for their phone can deepen the experience by connecting with others in real-time. In contrast, second-screen use creates a disconnect when shared with others.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025

New research unveils the "dark side" of social media influencers and their impact on marketing and consumer behaviour

A recent study by the University of Portsmouth examines the negative impacts of social media influencers, including misinformation, endorsement of dangerous products, and unrealistic beauty standards. The research calls for more stringent oversight, increased transparency, and ethical marketing strategies to mitigate these risks.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2025

Study finds people prefer AI chatbots when discussing embarrassing health info — but humans when they are angry

A recent study from the University of Kansas found that people tend to prefer AI chatbots when discussing sensitive or embarrassing topics like health information, due to their anonymity and nonjudgmental nature. However, when individuals are angry, they still prefer human interaction.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2025

Illegal market would dampen effects of menthol cigarette ban

A new study suggests that a menthol cigarette ban could be less effective due to the emergence of an illegal market. The research found that demand for menthol cigarettes would remain high even with limited access to e-cigarettes, leading to a significant black market. This could blunt the intended public health benefits of the ban.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Economics·DateFeb 19, 2025

WVU research shows buyers believe karma, not boycotts should punish brands for bad behavior

Research by West Virginia University expert Kylie Vo found that consumers who believe in karma are more likely to forgive companies that behave immorally and less likely to boycott them. In contrast, non-moral transgressions like defective products or misleading claims can severely damage consumer-brand relationships and brand value.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 17, 2025

New research can help luxury brands counter the appeal of counterfeit goods

New research suggests that educating low-knowledge luxury consumers about the appeal of counterfeit goods can help combat the trillion-dollar counterfeit market. Consumers with high subjective knowledge in this domain are less likely to partake in counterfeits, while those with lower knowledge are more drawn to them.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

What’s the best way to organize people to generate ideas? New research offers insight

Researchers from Binghamton University discovered that connecting people with similar views or backgrounds leads to less diverse ideas. Conversely, interacting with a limited number of others produces higher-quality ideas. The study suggests that promoting biodiversity through idea generation is key to achieving optimal results.

SourceBinghamton University·Journalnpj Complexity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

People prefer meat alternatives if they are significantly cheaper than real meat, study shows

A recent survey of 2,100 US customers found that the price of meat alternatives is the most decisive factor for their acceptance. When both options were priced the same, respondents often favored the animal product, but significantly cheaper alternatives made them more attractive.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

Platform ecosystems and organisational capabilities boost competitiveness in volatile markets

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland finds that digital platforms and artificial intelligence can boost B2B service companies' competitiveness by enhancing agility, flexibility, and resilience. The study also highlights the importance of organizational capabilities for managing strategic change in volatile markets.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·DateJan 22, 2025

How can we design humane autonomous systems?

The open-access book delves into the impact of AI and autonomous systems on human lives and ways of working, emphasizing their importance in prioritizing human well-being and creativity. Key learnings include the need for ethical design practices and considering AI as part of a larger system to enhance human experiences.

Multinational enterprises are failing the world’s sustainability goals

A new study from the University of Surrey found that multinational enterprises (MNEs) are actively contributing to environmental problems despite claiming to address them. The research team argues that there is an urgent need for MNEs to reassess their innovation strategies to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Business Review·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2024

Breaking down bias in the NFT marketplace: Study reveals female and Black avatars sell for less—and offers solutions to promote equality

Researchers found that female CryptoPunks avatars were sold at a 37% lower price than their male counterparts, while Black CryptoPunks avatars were sold at a 31% lower price than White counterparts. Avatars with features associated with high-tech or higher education countered these disparities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 19, 2024

Plastic bag bans have lingering impacts, even after repeals

A study by University of California - Riverside found that banning free plastic bags for groceries resulted in customers purchasing more plastic bags, despite the policy's goal to reduce waste. The behaviors spurred by the ban lingered even after the rules were repealed, with some impacts not beneficial to the environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024

Cash is King: The surprising truth about spending habits in a cashless world

Research from the University of Surrey found that physical cash fosters a sense of psychological ownership, leading to more responsible spending behaviors. Participants in focus groups and questionnaires reported feeling a deeper connection to their money when using cash, which is lacking with digital payments.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalQualitative Market Research An International Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2024

Politics may influence gift-giving choices more than personal purchases

A recent study by the University of New Hampshire found that political affiliation plays a significant role in gift-giving decisions, with participants favoring politically aligned items for others over themselves. This suggests that individuals often consider how their target's politics may affect them when making purchasing choices.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateOct 22, 2024

New research suggests: To get patients to accept medical AI, remind them of human biases

A study from Lehigh University and Seattle University found that making patients aware of biases in human healthcare decisions increases receptiveness to AI recommendations. By highlighting the limitations of human judgment, healthcare providers can create a more balanced relationship between patients and emerging technologies.

SourceLehigh University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Firms that withdrew from Russia following Ukraine invasion earn higher consumer sentiment

Research from the University of Notre Dame found that companies that withdrew from Russian operations saw a notable increase in net brand buzz and enhanced brand consideration and purchase intent, especially those with robust ESG profiles. This suggests that socially responsible actions during geopolitical crises can magnify benefits f...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateSep 23, 2024

Paper: Ads featuring interracial couples produce mixed results for brands

Researchers found that consumers view interracial couples as warmer but also less warm than minority couples, producing mixed attitudes. The study suggests that marketers should consider individual differences in social dominance orientation when representing diversity in ads.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2024

E-cigarette brands are skirting the rules about health warning labels on Instagram

A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.

SourceBoston University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024