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Can’t buy me love: TikTok users seek authenticity in sponsored content, dismissing top influencers in favor of smaller creators

Research from uOttawa's Telfer School of Management reveals that consumers distrust super-influencers with high follower counts and instead engage more with smaller creators promoting sponsored content. This is attributed to the size of these micro-influencers, which fosters a stronger sense of trust with their audience.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Using the term ‘artificial intelligence’ in product descriptions reduces purchase intentions

A recent study published in the Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management found that including artificial intelligence in product descriptions reduces purchase intentions. Emotional trust plays a critical role in how consumers perceive AI-powered products, and mentioning AI can lower trust levels.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Hospitality Marketing & Management·DateJul 30, 2024

Study identifies unique treatment preference profiles in men with prostate cancer

Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...

Perceptions of income inequality drive consumers’ interests in counterfeit luxury goods, study finds

A new study found that consumers value counterfeit luxury products for their 'egalitarian value', a sense of restoring equality in society. The research, involving over 2000 participants from Sweden and the US, suggests that perceived income inequality is a major driver behind people buying fake luxury items.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 23, 2024

When to let Amazon sell for you

New research from Texas McCombs suggests that small sellers have more options than previously thought. The study modeled the interactions between companies and consumers, considering factors like other channels, number of players, and substitutability. Sellers can choose to retain control over their prices or sell to Amazon, weighing t...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 15, 2024

IoT sensors tattle on stores that neglect promo displays

A new study from University of Texas at Austin researchers found that poor execution of promotional displays in retail stores can deprive brands of up to 2.3% more sales. The study used IoT technology to track display installations and found that busy managers often view displays as a nuisance, leading to missed sales opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·DateJul 11, 2024

The new paradigm in volunteering -- and how organizations can adapt to "neither-growing-nor-fading" brand relationships

New volunteers seek flexibility and opportunity, often showing a weaker sense of affiliation with organizations. Organizations can effectively cultivate these relationships by establishing physical infrastructure, providing training and competence-building activities, and communicating a compelling narrative.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 9, 2024

Should celebrities and influencers turn off their social media comments? A new study suggests they are less persuasive and likable when they do

Influencers who disable social media comments are perceived as less sincere, less receptive to consumer feedback, and incur professional consequences. This behavior can undermine their ability to connect with followers, even when the displayed comments are mostly negative in nature.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 11, 2024

How an Indian government policy backfired: the unintended consequences of price regulation of prescription drugs

A new study found that India's Drug Price Control Order in 2013 led to a shift in pharmaceutical firms' marketing efforts, disproportionately affecting prescriptions issued by less formally educated physicians. Sales volumes of regulated drugs declined, while those for unregulated but related drugs increased.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 4, 2024

Marketers can manage 'feature creep'

A study found that consumers prefer products with interrelated features, which are easier to use and perform well. Companies can increase sales by highlighting these connections, while reducing dissimilar features. Product developers should focus on adding value through functional connectivity rather than numerous new features.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

When consumers would prefer a chatbot over a person

A new study by Ohio State University found that people prefer interacting with chatbots when they feel embarrassed about what they're buying online, such as personal care products. Chatbots are perceived as less judgmental and less emotionally expressive, reducing embarrassment and increasing willingness to provide personal info.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Craft-based firms can project authenticity through credibly and visibly communicating their identity — but not through overt means

A new study by Dobrev and Verhaal found that three strategic assets - organizational resources, capabilities, and position - help credibly communicate a firm's identity. These factors enable craft producers to convey their authenticity effectively without relying on overt claims.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2024

USF research: Stars outweigh numbers in online review ratings battle

A study by the University of South Florida found that consumers perceive a 3.5-rated product as higher and better when the score is illustrated in shapes like stars, circles, and bars, versus numbers. This phenomenon, known as left-digit anchoring, affects consumer behavior in online marketplaces. Researchers recommend using visual rat...

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

Scent sells – but the right picture titillates both eyes and nose, research finds

A new study confirms the positive impact of image-based scented products on consumers, with relevant images scoring better in product evaluations. Adding specific images like cut lemons can magnify the olfactory impact, making it a cost-effective alternative to fragrance infusions.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

Group sales incentives boost weak brand sales, study finds

New research from UC Riverside finds that group sales incentives are more effective for weak brands than individual incentives. Weaker brands with uncertain sales outcomes benefit from equal commissions among sales team members, whereas stronger brands perform better under individual incentives based on sales volumes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Innovation linked to international exports for both rural and urban firms

A new study led by Penn State researchers found that innovative US firms are more likely to engage in international trade, with a strong association between innovation activities and export behavior. The study applied to both rural and urban companies, with findings that could inform efforts aimed at boosting US exports.

SourcePenn State·JournalEconomics Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2024

Gun manufacturers’ ads appeal to women as ‘serious students’ of firearms to boost sales

A new study reveals that gun manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategy to appeal to women, portraying them as responsible and capable gun owners. The study found that the 'serious student' framing became popular between 2016 and 2020, depicting armed American women as pursuing expertise with firearms through focused training.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Macromarketing·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

The dangers of misaligned product co-development contracts—and how they can derail innovation in high-tech firms

Researchers found that firms with mismatched positioning strategies, functional capabilities, and governance modes experience reduced innovation outcomes. Strong marketing capabilities are associated with increased innovation performance in joint development agreements for high differentiation-oriented firms.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 5, 2024

Why we hate to wait

A study by Annabelle Roberts explores the internal negotiations that occur when people feel impatient, including the desire for closure. The research finds that people become more impatient as their wait nears an end and offers lessons for marketers to make waiting less annoying.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Global health photographers navigate murky ethical waters for clients

Global health photographers often engage in moderation, enhancement, and staging of images to meet marketing goals, leading to concerns over representation and consent. The study highlights the need for a more photojournalistic approach to global health imagery, prioritizing ethical clarity over economic considerations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 14, 2024

Regulation makes crypto markets more efficient

A new study finds that regulated cryptocurrencies create the most efficient markets, providing protection for investors. Unregulated ICOs were found to be the least efficient, while IEOs and exchange-based regulation approached traditional stock market levels of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

AI can boost service for vulnerable customers

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify vulnerable consumers, address their needs, and mitigate potential discrimination. The framework provides real-time analysis of consumer chat responses to build risk scores and offer customized tips to customer service agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2024

Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles

Researchers found that non-glass wine bottles are up to 51% more carbon efficient than glass, but Australian consumers prefer traditional glass due to perceptions of heritage and luxury. Alternative formats like cask and flat plastic bottles gained popularity, especially among younger generations.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeSurvey·DateJan 8, 2024

nTIDE December 2023 Jobs Report: People with disabilities maintain strong employment levels through end of year, staying at historic highs

In December 2023, people with disabilities in the US maintained their employment-to-population ratio near historic highs. The labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities also remained steady around 40% throughout the last half of 2023. In contrast, those without disabilities experienced slight declines in both rates.

Does self-checkout impact grocery store loyalty?

Research from Drexel University finds that customers are more likely to remain loyal to a grocery store when using regular checkout service. The perceived ease of checkout, sense of entitlement, and number of items purchased play a role in explaining the effect of loyalty.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJan 4, 2024

Digital multi-sided platforms transform traditional value chains in business-to-business service sales

A study at the University of Eastern Finland reveals how digital multi-sided platforms are changing the way businesses approach B2B service sales. The research finds that platform owners play a crucial role in orchestrating value networks, enabling them to manage larger networks with fewer staff and use various interaction methods.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2023