Active Consumers Research Articles

A new composite index to assess environmental consciousness using survey data and big data: Empirical evidence from European consumers

Environmental consciousness is a multi-dimensional construct that encompasses several dimensions related to pro-environmental attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The academic literature has attempted to conceptualise and operationalise environmental consciousness over the last 20 years, resulting in a wide variety of measures.However, the available measures are country-specific and with a predominant U.S. focus, based on convenience samples, and rather limited in terms of interpretability and external validity. To overcome these limitations, the present study develops an index of environmental consciousness at both the micro (consumer) and macro (country) levels, taking into account the four main dimensions of environmental consciousness: the affective, cognitive, active and dispositional dimensions. By analysing more than 27 000 “Eurobarometer 92.4” responses from consumers in the 28 EU Member States in 2019, this paper develops a comprehensive measure of consumer environmental consciousness that captures the heterogeneity across European countries. To assess the robustness of the index, the link between environmental consciousness and life satisfaction is also examined. The index is also compared with a big data-based index using Google Trends data on environmental search categories. The results show differences in environmental consciousness between European countries. The link between environmental consciousness and life satisfaction is also supported, in line with previous research in this area. Finally, the index appears to be strongly correlated with actual consumer search patterns on Google. The findings have implications for businesses willing to enter in new markets and policy makers on how to measure and assess environmental consciousness.

Improving trophic position estimates from amino acid stable isotopes by accounting for physiology and environment

AbstractNitrogen isotope analyses of amino acids (δ15N‐AA) are being increasingly used to decipher trophic dynamics. Interpretation of δ15N‐AA in consumers relies on the assumption that consumer physiological status and nutritional status of prey have negligible influences on the trophic discrimination factor (TDF), hence a constant TDF value is used in trophic position (TP) equations. Recent experiments have shown that this is not always the case and there is also a need to validate derived TP estimates in the field. We take advantage of the uniquely long time series of environmental monitoring data and archived (frozen) samples from the species‐poor Baltic Sea. We analyzed δ15N‐AA in similar sized individuals of cod and in its prey herring from four decades, 1980–2018; including time periods where dramatic reduction in condition status of cod has occurred. We expected that TDF in trophic AAs would increase during periods of poor cod condition, resulting in inflated TP estimates. We found that calculated TP and empirical estimates of TDF (difference in δ15N in trophic AAs between cod and herring) for cod increased in recent decades and that this was linked to condition status, herring (prey) lipid content and the hypoxic state of the ecosystem. Statistically adjusting TP for condition and prey lipid content as well as environmental stress (hypoxia) resulted in lower cod TP which better resembled the observed decrease in herring TP in recent decades. TP calculated from stomach analysis data in cod individuals over the same period showed no trend over time and confirmed that adjusted TP estimates mirror the real dietary TP better than unadjusted. By simultaneously measuring condition/nutritional status in both predator and prey it is possible to adjust for them as confounding variables and decipher actual consumer TP, partly overcoming the issues of unknown and variable TDF‐values. Our study also highlights the importance of including environmental stressors (here hypoxia) when interpreting TP and reconstructing food webs.

Better Is Better? Signaling Paradoxes in Performance-Based Advertising

Under performance-based advertising, firms pay only for measurable consumer actions, such as clicks or sales. However, these actions may result from factors other than effective advertising. For example, a high-reputation seller is more likely to generate more actions than a low-reputation seller. If such consumer actions are counted toward advertising performance, a high-quality firm is penalized because it has to pay more than necessary to signal its quality. Without addressing these paradoxes, it becomes increasingly challenging for a high-quality firm to signal its quality under the performance-based advertising scheme. Our research extends advertising signaling theory, which primarily focuses on new products without an established reputation and assumes that the advertising reaches the entire market (e.g., Milgrom and Roberts 1986 , Feng and Xie 2012 ). Instead, we consider products that may have an established reputation (e.g., newer versions of the iPhone) and allow for the scenario that not every market segment can be reached by the advertising. We identify two paradoxes that arise from performance-based advertising and discuss methods to mitigate these paradoxes by proposing different ways of measuring advertising performance.

The Impact of ESG Factors on the Firm Performance

This paper examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on corporate behavior and performance. Amid increasing concerns from stakeholders, companies are pressured to prioritize ESG aspects. This study leverages stakeholder theory, which emphasizes balancing all stakeholder interests over solely maximizing shareholder wealth. A significant shift was noted in 2019 when U.S. business leaders endorsed a "Statement of Purpose" emphasizing societal benefits over shareholder interests, reflecting a broader move towards corporate social responsibility. The paper analyzes ESG's influence on three key areas: investor expectations, risk management, and long-term strategy. It highlights the mixed research findings on the correlation between ESG ratings and stock prices, noting emerging studies that explore behavioral biases in investor decisions. In terms of risk management, ESG practices are increasingly integral, with research showing that higher ESG ratings can reduce default risks. Regulatory risks are also discussed, particularly concerning climate change policies. Furthermore, the paper explores how sustainability, driven by investor and consumer activism, is becoming central to corporate long-term strategies. Models like the ISM and concepts like double materiality are used to demonstrate how ESG factors can optimize corporate performance. Ultimately, the study concludes that ESG elements significantly impact corporate behavior, suggesting a positive correlation with firm performance.

STRATEGI PEMASARAN USAHA HOME INDUSTRY IKAN ASIN DALAM PENINGKATAN EKONOMI KELUARGA MASYARAKAT KELURAHAN MALABERO KOTA BENGKULU

The aim of this research is to analyze the marketing strategy of the salted fish home industry business in improving the family economy of the people of Malabero Village, Bengkulu City. This type of research is a qualitative approach. The location of the research conducted by researchers is located in Malabero Village, Bengkulu City,. Data collection techniques in this research are observation, interviews and documentation. The sample in this research was 17 people in the salted fish home industry business, Malabero Village, Bengkulu City. Based on the research results, it was found that in the product sector, 17 salted fish sellers varied their products by varying the types of fish available, then the salted fish sellers created product characteristics. The price sector is where salted fish sellers are able to compete with other entrepreneurs by selling salted fish at prices according to existing standards or markets. The distribution sector is where salted fish sellers have carried out distribution well and in a planned manner because the distribution reach of selling salted fish is not only within the city but has reached outside the city. In the promotion sector, salted fish sellers already have attractive promotional activities for consumers. Apart from carrying out promotions through verbal communication for people they know, salted fish sellers have also promoted their salted fish through social media, namely Facebook, Tik Tok and WA which can help in the process. promotion. By implementing strategies in the product, price, distribution and promotion sectors, entrepreneurs will increase income thereby improving community welfare. Keywords: Strategy, Home Industry, Marketing, Economic Improvement

Age as a determinant of demand in the financial market

Aim. To determine the factors of age influence on the demand for financial products.Objectives. Establishment of age groups with distinction characteristics of demand for financial products; identification of groups of financial products characteristic for each age group; determination of the nature of the influence of age on demand in relation to certain financial products.Methods. The author applied a review and comparative analysis of Russian and international publications, quantitative analysis of the results of the All-Russian household survey.Results. Age groups with distinctive characteristics of demand for financial products were identified, and the selection of groups of financial products characteristic for each age group was carried out. In addition, the influence of age on demand for a number of financial products was analyzed.Conclusions. The formation of demand for financial products depends on age, which is a key demographic variable that determines the list of financial market products relevant for a particular age group, as well as quantitative and qualitative indicators of demand for financial products. Age as a determinant influences consumer choice of financial market products and consumer activity in these markets.

Analyzing the boundaries for TSO-DSO coordination when activating flexibility for DSO´s in networks with an expected significant load increase

The Transmission System Operators (TSO) and Distribution System Operators (DSO) coordination literature deals with different coordination schemes or coordination methodologies. However, consumer actions or regular DSO operations continuously affect the system balance operation, and no major coordination is required as these actions individually have negligible impacts on the overall system. The literature has not previously analysed where the limit beyond which coordination is necessary. This question requires an analysis of the DSO operations where the need for coordination is foreseen and a case-by-case study of what type of impacts are created by the activation of the DSO flexibility resources on the responsibilities of the TSO. Such analysis helps to define thresholds and scenarios considering existing changes in distribution networks, which can be a reference for delimitating costly coordination procedures. This paper presents a revision of all the possible scenarios of the DSO operation needs and their impacts on TSO responsibilities considering the possible TSO/DSO borders at different voltage levels. Afterward, a methodology is proposed to analyse more deeply the impact of flexibility activation with an expected significant load increase. Representative case studies evaluate the possible impacts on TSO responsibilities of local flexibility activation. This paper concludes that the impact of local flexibility is expected to be significant when large power changes are managed in the short term, estimated in more than 50 MW if the DSO operates in 132 kV or more than 15 MW if the DSO operates up to 66 kV. At LV or MV level, minor coordination would be needed.

APPLICATION OF AIDCA COPYWRITING TECHNIQUES IN ADVERTISING CONTENT CREATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Technological developments and people's consumption behavior have brought changes for industry players to introduce their products and services using digital marketing strategies. In its development, digital marketing has penetrated various media platforms, including social media. Copywriting is one method that can be used to create advertising content on social media. There are still many industry players who currently use digital agency services to make social media advertisements. However, quite a few were disappointed with the results obtained because even though they had paid a lot of money to create advertising content, no change or increase in sales was felt. This research aims to analyze the influence of applying AIDCA copywriting techniques on creating advertising content on social media. The study was carried out by applying qualitative descriptive methods. The results of this research show that applying the AIDCA technique to copywritten advertising content can increase traffic to the advertised product. Apart from that, implementing AIDCA can increase the actions of consumers who like, comment on, and share advertisements via consumer social media accounts.

The local range of natural cosmetics: Consumer perceptions and assessments in Germany

AbstractNatural cosmetics offer the opportunity to reduce the environmental burden caused by the consumption of cosmetic products. This qualitative study analyzes the local range of natural cosmetics and related consumer perceptions and assessments in two case cities in Germany by applying a mixed‐method approach of store checks and the photovoice method. Results of the study show that there is only a limited match of the actual range and consumer perception for some types of retail businesses and a mismatch for product categories. Additionally, participants showed little awareness of the most common natural cosmetic certifications. Consumer assessments about the range of natural cosmetics were influenced by factors such as the arrangement of products in the shops and consumers' experience and knowledge about natural cosmetic brands. Retailers can use the study results in arranging natural cosmetics accordingly; companies can use it to emphasize branding, and policy‐makers can increase consumer knowledge about natural cosmetics.

Consumer acceptance of robotic surgeons in health services

Over the course of the preceding half-century, specific advancements in robotic technologies have been assimilated into the continuum of human life in a seamless manner, demonstrating the profound impact of robotics on society. Nevertheless, the actual consumer response to service robots remains a subject of ongoing research, with scant attention paid to it thus far. This study focuses on the potential factors influencing the acceptance of robots in the realm of health services. Specifically, a model has been developed to explain individuals’ willingness to use a robot as a surgeon to correct visual impairment in one eye. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSc-SEM) technique is deployed to validate the proposed hypotheses. The model proposed exhibits a robust explanatory power concerning the intention to utilize the robot surgeon, as evidenced by a high R-squared value of 0.817. The findings show the influence of effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, and perceived risk on the intention to adopt robot services. However, the emotional dimensions, specifically pleasure and arousal, were not observed to exert any significant impact on the intention to employ the proposed robot surgeon. The proposed and tested model serves as a roadmap for future research and holds significant practical implications for the industry, paving the way for a more robot-friendly future in health services.

Why and How Consumers Perform Online Reviewing Differently

Abstract Reviewing products and services is a widespread consumer activity in which millions engage. Why and how do consumers review differently from one another? Prior work assumes that consumers commonly understand what reviewing is. Consequently, it attributes differences in reviewing to individual variations in psychological, motivational, and sociodemographic characteristics, consumption experiences, and expertise. This central assumption is problematic because it fails to consider that differences in how consumers understand reviewing may explain why they approach and perform reviewing differently. To address this gap, we analyze a large qualitative dataset composed of reviews and interviews with their authors. Our insights complement prior work by theorizing the sociocultural shaping of reviewing. We answer why consumers review differently by inductively theorizing the concept of reviewing orientation—a cultural model comprising a set of interconnected characteristics that shapes how consumers review and translates into a distinct reviewer voice—a reviewer’s standpoint expressed within a review. We answer how consumers review differently by developing three reviewing orientations: communal sharing, systemic evaluation, and competitive punditry. Finally, we discuss the transferability of the findings, the role of institutional dynamics in reviewing, and recommendations for online review platforms and marketers.

The ‘sense of terroir’ among wine-consuming social media users in Italy

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore wine consumer appreciation towards terroir-based communication in the social media context. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach was applied to elicit consumer preferences for alternative Instagram posts including image-based and text-based signals about wine terroir. An online survey was administered to a sample of Italian wine consumers who use social media. Results showed that image-based posts were largely preferred to text-based posts. Among image posts, the visual appearance of the grape variety and the natural label, which means a combination of an intrinsic cue with an extrinsic one, gains higher user attention in comparison with the other signals. Among text posts, posts proposing a ‘terroir association’ received higher priority than those explaining a ‘terroir concept’. These results were tested analysing real Instagram posts of an Italian winery. The number of likes received by the different terroir-related posts reflected the AHP-estimated global priority weights highlighting that actual consumer appreciation agreed with the evaluation determined by using the proposed AHP model. The study revealed that the AHP was a useful approach to evaluate wine consumer engagement with digital communication. It contributed to understanding how wineries can effectively convey wine terroir meanings via social media.

The impact of platform audits on the manipulation of online reviews

To reduce sellers’ manipulation of online reviews, platforms conduct audits and impose penalties on abusive practices. In this article, we study the effectiveness of self-regulation in preventing fake reviews and increasing consumer and social welfare. To this purpose, we use a Stackelberg model with the platform as the leader. Our major contribution is to explain the auditing game between the platform and the seller. These are our major findings. First, we found a self-regulation’s Achilles’ heel. Despite its noble intent, the self-regulation system often falters. Why? The platform faces a powerful incentive to accommodate fake reviews, especially when consumers heavily rely on the seller’s information and regulatory repercussions remain mild. For this reason, consumer activism and external supervision are the key factors leading the platform to audit the seller. Second, we discovered the paradox of fake reviews, establishing the conditions under which, counter-intuitively, fake reviews create social value. Finally, by considering an endogenous retail price, we found evidence of a complex relationship between pricing, auditing, and review manipulation policies, all dependent on consumer sophistication and product quality, which can only be analyzed numerically, as there is no closed-form solution.

Conflict, Radical Imagination, and Strategic Coalition Paradigms of Consumer Movements and Activism

Conflict, Radical Imagination, and Strategic Coalition Paradigms of Consumer Movements and Activism

Exploring circular consumption: Circular attitudes and their influence on consumer behavior across the product lifecycle

AbstractThis study explores the dynamic and multidimensional domain of circular consumption, emphasizing the relevance of a lifecycle perspective in understanding consumer behaviors within the circular economy. Moving beyond prior research that predominantly focused on specific actions such as recycling or purchasing second‐hand products, we advocate for a more comprehensive understanding of consumer choices throughout a product's lifecycle. Drawing on attitudes theory, we employ item response theory (IRT) models to unveil latent attitudes reflecting diverse circular consumer behaviors. These attitudes, inferred from manifested actions across different product lifecycle stages, include environmental‐centric, resource‐centric, and societal‐centric circular attitudes. The study involves a representative sample of 5,124 respondents across five European countries. Our findings underscore the complexity of consumer motivations in the circular economy, revealing distinct links between circular attitudes and behaviors. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of circular consumption, emphasizing the importance of a lifecycle approach, and driving the development of robust measurement scales for circular consumer actions.

Investigating the impact of fear of missing out on inaction inertia in live streaming purchase intention

PurposeThe main purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of live streaming participation on purchase intention, specifically focusing on how fear of missing out (FOMO) impacts live streaming purchase intention and its subsequent effect on inaction inertia. Additionally, the study aims to ex-amine the indirect influence of FOMO on the relationship between live streaming participation and purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs SEM to assess the properties of measures. The investigation consists of four main constructs: live streaming shopping participation, fear of missing out, live streaming purchase intention, and inaction inertia. Live streaming shopping participation is further divided into two dimensions: live streaming immersion and live streaming social presence, with the latter encompassing social presence and telepresence.FindingsThe study reveals the significant role of FOMO in livestream shopping. Viewers' fear of missing out on information and products presented in livestreams results in heightened attention to these streams and an elevated willingness to purchase. This finding emphasizes the impact of FOMO emotions in driving consumer action and purchasing intent, particularly in situations of product scarcity.Originality/valueThe study uniquely explores FOMO as a factor disrupting consumer inertia, influencing decisive purchasing. It shows that FOMO enhances perceived value of products, altering consumer behavior in live streaming and e-commerce, thus providing a novel perspective on FOMO’s extended impact.

Назначение справедливых цен на основе смарт-контрактов (на примере музейной организации)

The article is devoted to the problem of ensuring fair pricing on the basis of smart contract technologies. Through the use of the Internet of Things, electronic payments and big data analysis, a more precise evaluation of consumption can be made based on measuring the time of various consumer actions. The method of research is the analysis of the decision-making process on the price, as well as the impact of modern digital technologies on it. The result of the study was the identification of the consequences of precise value in pricing and the pro-cess of concluding market agreements, including 1) the extension of the tariff payment model to the area of dis-crete sales of goods; 2) the consideration of consumers' actions as conditions of pricing and the subject of agreements; 3) inclusion of the transfer of information by consumers about themselves in the subject of ex-change; 4) reduction of transaction costs due to the automation of forced execution of contract terms. Conclu-sions are presented about the possibilities of comparing the value of goods by the time of their consumption in the sum of all human lives on the planet and the development of lean technologies for the use of limited resources for the maximum well-being of people in the world.

Low and high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for the characterization of uranium contamination

Decommissioning is the last step in the life cycle of a nuclear facility. After the evacuation of the facility components, the remaining structures such as concrete walls and floors must be controlled to ensure that no residual contamination remains. As it is a costly and time consuming activity, CEA develops fast measurement methods allowing a complete scanning of very large areas (hundreds of thousands of square meters) in legacy uranium enrichment plants based on gas diffusion, at Pierrelatte nuclear site, France. After fast alpha and beta measurements, HPGe and NaI gamma-spectroscopy detectors are used to characterize more precisely uranium contamination. HPGe has excellent energy resolution but requires very long acquisition times. On the contrary, NaI(Tl) detectors enable rapid measurement, but extracting the contamination signal from the natural background is difficult due to their low resolution. Using an innovative approach based on energy bands of the NaI spectra, contamination activity and enrichment are consistent with that measured with HPGe but in only 15 min vs. 65 h, and with a sufficiently low relative uncertainty of about 15 % and 20 %, respectively, on activity and enrichment. Large area NaI(Tl) detectors will allow cost-effective scanning of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant (UDG) nuclear site (hundreds of thousands of squared meters) within practical times, in complement to alpha and beta contamination detectors.

Understanding Age-Driven Preferences: A Weighted Sum Analysis of Consumer Behavior in E-commerce

Consumer activity in online commerce plays a crucial role in modern business functions, impacting market trends and guiding approaches for digital merchants. This research utilizes the weighted sum technique to assess consumer actions among different age brackets, emphasizing significant indicators like Average Order Value, Satisfaction with Customer Support, Timeliness of Delivery, and Rate of Product Returns. The results underscore unique preferences and performance patterns across age segments, offering actionable intelligence for e-commerce enterprises aiming to refine their tactics. The examination indicates that individuals aged 45-54 stand out as the leading performers across every metric, showcasing the highest expenditure, most satisfactory customer support ratings, swiftest delivery times, and minimal product return rates. Conversely, the 35-44 age bracket displays the lowest overall performance, marked by comparatively lower spending, moderate satisfaction with customer support, extended delivery durations, and elevated rates of product returns. Intermediate groups include the 18-24 and 55-65 age groups, with the former showing strong overall performance and the latter displaying good customer support satisfaction and reasonable delivery times but lower spending and slightly higher return rates compared to the top performers. Additionally, the 25-34 age group performs moderately well, with decent customer support satisfaction and delivery times but lower spending and higher product return rates. These findings provide invaluable direction for e-commerce enterprises aiming to customize their strategies adeptly for diverse age segments. By comprehending the unique preferences and actions of each demographic, businesses can refine their online shopping offerings, elevate customer contentment, bolster retention figures, and foster comprehensive advancement within the competitive e-commerce.

FEATURES OF MANAGEMENT OF MARKETING ACTIVITIES OF ENTERPRISES IN TOURISM: INVARIANT APPROACH

It is investigated that the tourism industry is an integral part of the national and world market and is considered as a promising direction of development in the world. This industry ranks second in the world economy after the computer and electronics industries. It is proved that the tourism industry is ahead of such industries as oil refining and automotive. The development of tourism became possible due to the scientific and technological progress of society and the introduction of a system of marketing management of tourism enterprises, that is, the creation of a market infrastructure. It is substantiated that management of marketing activities of tourist enterprises requires constant analysis of market trends, creativity in developing strategies and flexibility in responding to changing market conditions. Marketing and the marketing system are such basic phenomena that they cannot be considered as a separate function of business. It is investigated that success in business is determined not so much by the product that it offers as by its consumers. All definitions hide three aspects of the concept of marketing: the active aspect - market penetration; analytical aspect - understanding of markets; ideological aspect - way of thinking. Most often, one can observe trends in the decline of the concept of marketing to its active dimension, that is, to a series of sales techniques, and an extreme underestimation of its analytical aspect. It is analysed that in modern conditions of management the effective development of enterprises of the tourism industry of Ukraine is complicated by martial law, difficult economic and political situation; increased competition due to the lack of a proper system for coordinating the activities of the enterprise. In this situation, a significant interest for domestic enterprises of the industry is a modern marketing concept, the introduction of marketing measures in the management of enterprises, advanced methods of marketing influence on the formation of market demand, the competitive position of the tourist enterprise. It is proved that effective management of marketing activities of enterprises in the field of tourism is a rather complex economic, organizational and social phenomenon. This management requires a long process of activity, which should take into account the possible change in the state of the object of control, the emergence of the latest laws, principles and methods. The system of management of marketing activities of tourist enterprises includes knowledge, skills, abilities, information and human technologies of business communication of actual and potential consumers of the tourist product and managers of the enterprise