Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumption Patterns among Egyptian Consumers and Its Relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Amal Seddik Afify

doi:10.4236/me.2022.132012

Abstract

This research work studies changes in the behavior of Egyptian consumers initiated during the Coronavirus pandemic crisis. It aims to examine the extent of change in consumption patterns among various categories, in an attempt to arrive at a pattern or map that reflects buying motivations as well as to identify whether new needs have emerged that can be added to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This research work adopted a preparatory desk study to formulate the research propositions and guide the preparation of a survey questionnaire list to cover all aspects of the research. The researcher then carried out a preliminary test of the survey list and modified it in light of the results. The researcher thus placed the modified survey questionnaire on the Internet, receiving 400 random responses from different categories and sectors. The researcher did a quantitative count of responses then performed statistical analysis and correlation tests to detect any compatibilities or relations, if present, between responses and categories. The study aimed to identify the most changed behaviors in Egypt within and outside Greater Cairo. The researcher found that behavior of all the sample members changed following the pandemic, and that they have become more anxious about the future.

Highlights

As if we all walked into a sci-fi movie, COVID-19 virus has transformed the world as we know it
It aims to examine the extent of change in consumption patterns among various categories, in an attempt to arrive at a pattern or map that reflects buying motivations as well as to identify whether new needs have emerged that can be added to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
This study aims to examine the change in Egyptian consumer behavior accompanying the Coronavirus pandemic crisis, and the degree of variance in consumer patterns in the different social categories in an attempt to reach a pattern or map reflecting buying motivations in crisis time

Summary

Introduction

As if we all walked into a sci-fi movie, COVID-19 virus has transformed the world as we know it. In just a few weeks, the virus broke out in many countries. A real change ensued in people’s behaviors, habits, and shopping means and methods, perhaps conceivably even in their way of thinking. Coronavirus brought about an actual test of the reselience of international chains, a boom in online shopping, a change in people’s buying priorities, and the emergence of totally new consumption patterns in local and global markets. A need arises to reassess theories on consumer buying behavior, especially under crisis. Do buying motivations change over time and crises play the mere role of highlighting that change? What are the buying motivations? Do they get altered under crisis? Or do buying motivations change over time and crises play the mere role of highlighting that change?

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion