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Logic-based approaches add value and longevity for user entrepreneurs

A study by Bayes Business School suggests that training aspiring entrepreneurs on strategic decision-making can help them identify blind spots and open up new business ideas. The research found that women entrepreneurs who receive such training are more likely to successfully translate their product or service ideas into actual ventures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganization Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2024

On Facebook ads, users may dislike ‘likes’

A new study from Texas McCombs finds that accumulating 'likes' can lead to fewer clicks for assertive CTA ads, but more clicks for informational ads. The researchers discovered that users respond positively to 'likes' from friends with similar interests, while those with dissimilar interests have a negative effect.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateAug 28, 2024

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

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing

A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·DateAug 11, 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

For better loan terms, find a partner

Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateJun 25, 2024

When inflicting pain on others pays off T

A study by UC Riverside found that inflicting mild misfortune, such as getting drenched with ice water, increases charitable donations. The study also revealed that the level of deservingness and disdain for the person receiving the misfortune plays a crucial role in boosting donations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 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

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

‘Branded access offers’ dilute parent brand via perceived lack of consumer commitment

A new study by University of Illinois expert Tiffany Barnett White found that branded access offers can damage parent brand image, particularly among hard-core brand adherents. Consumers with high group-brand connections react less favorably to these offers compared to traditional ownership models.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·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

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

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

The role of marketing in disrupted health care markets: It’s time to move beyond conventional strategies to account for new actors, roles, and exchanges

Disrupted health care markets have changed the creation, provision, and consumption of health care. Marketing strategies need to account for new producers, providers, and consumers. The editorial calls for a research agenda outlining opportunities for marketing scholars to examine the impact of disrupted exchanges on consumer welfare.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 29, 2023

Power of the pictogram: rensselaer researcher finds that sorted graphics make consumers feel optimistic

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that frequency pictograms can induce optimism when presented in a sorted way. This could have implications for attribute framing in marketing and public policy. Sorted verses unsorted pictograms should be used strategically to make consumers feel favorably or negatively.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Communications·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Is less more? Or is less sometimes less? Examining the consumer trend toward minimalist packaging in consumable products

A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 11, 2023

How much are you willing to pay for a product or service? It depends on your other options and the given context

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing presents the Comparative Method of Valuation as a more accurate way to measure customers' willingness to pay. The study finds that existing methods can provide vague and inaccurate results due to their inability to capture relevant comparisons or context.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 5, 2023