Functional Theory Of Attitudes Research Articles

A Multilevel Triadic-Experience Model of Travel App-Induced Attitude

ABSTRACT The literature on tourist experience commonly puts the current en-route experience at the center stage through single-level analysis. This research steers away from that tradition to improvise a triple-experience model through multiple inquiries. Data were collected from a survey to assess how prior and current travel app usage experiences could impact app-induced site attitude and revisit intention via the app, based on a multilevel design with survey data collected from 21 sites. The cross-level moderation of others’ experiences was also explored. This research draws on the functional theory of attitude and the theory of normative conduct to acknowledge the knowledge and social functions of attitude change. It contributes to the literature by bridging the divide between the online app and offline travel evaluations. It builds a theoretical synthesis between the aforementioned theoretical lens to demonstrate how the experiences of others through travel apps can impact an individual’s experience, ultimately affecting attitude toward app-induced tourism destinations.

How Utilitarian Motivation and Trust Can Increase Intention to Use Based on Functional Attitude Theory

Purpose: This study aims to determine consumers' motivations for using banking and their characteristics as users of banking products and gender. Theoretical Framework: The conceptual framework for this study was formulated through a comprehensive review of the existing literature. This research shows that trust and ideal self-concept have an impact on consumer motivation. Furthermore, gender and banking product category moderate this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used a quantitative approach. Purposive sampling was used and tested using structural equation modeling on 295 respondents. Findings: This study shows that utilitarian motivation as a core variable influences ideal self-concept and trust. Thus, the intention to adopt banking products is influenced by the independent variables. In addition, this study found a correlation between multigroup analysis and consumer characteristics, including gender and savings type. Research, Practical & Social implications: The results of this study indicate that subjective well-being negatively affects the intention to use banking products. Thus, further research is expected to use multigroup, single-double consumers for banking products. Companies should use the extensive data systems available and collaborate by interacting directly with consumers regarding what they need and complain about. These answers from consumers can be used by companies to improve their motivation and well-being. Originality/Value: This study tested multiple groups to identify gender differences and the type of banking products consumers use as control variables.

"Influencer-Driven Product Promotions on Social Media" Analyzing the Impact on Youth Consumer Perceptions through Functional Attitude Theory

"Influencer-Driven Product Promotions on Social Media" Analyzing the Impact on Youth Consumer Perceptions through Functional Attitude Theory

Individual characteristics linking cognitive, affective and conative mechanisms among vegetarian restaurant customers

PurposeDespite the recent increase in vegetarian food consumption, studies on this topic have focused on the product category. Based on the functional theory of attitude and the cognitive–affective–conative framework, this study investigates the impact of customer individuality (i.e. uniqueness and level of self-monitoring) on cognitive attitude (i.e. social-function attitudes), which leads to conative attitude (i.e. behavioral intentions) via affective attitudes toward vegetarian restaurants.Design/methodology/approachThe sample (n = 176) comprises experienced vegetarian restaurant customers in the USA. Multi-group analysis is used to examine differences between vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers, as well as customers' low and high frequency in visiting vegetarian restaurants.FindingsUsing partial least squares structural equation modeling, this study finds the relative impact of customers' personal traits on self-expressive and social-adjustive functions. Results highlight the role of the social-adjustive function as an antecedent of affective attitudes leading to positive behavioral intentions. Last, the findings from a multi-group analysis show that customer self-monitoring is the only significant antecedent of a cognitive attitude among vegetarian customers.Originality/valueThe present study adds to the literature regarding trait attributes and corresponding cognitive, affective and conative attitudes in the context of the vegetarian food service industry.

They The Role of Gender, Age, And Educational Groups in Utilitarian Motivation for Sharia Products

The development of sharia products continues to increase globally, both in Muslim-majority and minority areas. Diverse cultural backgrounds influence consumers in making choices. Furthermore, there are differences of opinion in previous studies regarding demographic variables. Using functional attitude theory, the gap in consumer motivation from demographic factors in choosing sharia products. The novelty of this study is to emerge from three demographic factors: gender, age, and education level, as fully predicted control variables. Based on this explanation, this study aims to determine the effect of the relationship between the control variables on the utilitarian motivation model in sharia products. Quantitative research was employed on the primary data collected, using the analysis method of multiple group analysis structural equation modelling (SEM) on 362 respondents. The study revealed that control variables (gender, age, educational background) influenced sharia products. The scope of the research is limited, making the results of this study not maximized. In future research, it is expected to be able to expand the scope, use other control variables, and use other related subjects or objects. Keywords: demographic factor, utilitarian motivation, sharia product, intention to use, ideal self-concept

Choice consistency and inconsistency between self- and gift-purchases: the role of attitude functions

Purpose This paper aims to explore when and why consumers hold inconsistent and consistent choices between self- and gift-purchases. Design/methodology/approach Across three paper-based questionnaire experiments, the authors examine how consumers’ preferences for desirability and feasibility vary with purchase types (self- vs gift-purchases) based on the functional theories of attitudes. The authors examine consumers’ attitude functions and their self-monitoring closely associated with chronic attitude functions. Findings The findings show that the social adjustive function moderates whether consumers hold consistent or inconsistent preferences across the two purchases. Specifically, consumers generally rely more on desirability in gift-purchases than self-purchases, whereas this inconsistent preference only exists when the social adjustive function is comparable or advantaged to the utilitarian function. When the social adjustive function is significantly disadvantaged relative to the utilitarian function, consumers consistently prefer feasibility irrespective of self- or gift-purchases. Research limitations/implications The research contributes to the familiar topic of consumers’ choice trade-offs between self- and gift-purchases. It documents the moderating role of the social adjustive function of consumers’ attitudes in whether they hold consistent or inconsistent choices across the two purchases. This extends the extensive research on self-other decisions. Practical implications The findings strongly suggest retailers identify or manipulate consumers’ attitude functions to make the attitude functions align with the purchase type when recommending products. Originality/value Most relevant literature focuses on exploring choice differences between self- and gift-purchases. This research not only explores the choice differences but also attempts to find the condition under which people’s choices do not differ between the two purchases.

Covid 19 Pandemic Government Interventions and Their Implications on Shopper Behavior: A Study of Consumers in Kenya

Studies on consumer behavior continue to attract attention all over the world, because of the implications they have in the market. Behavior as expressed through attitude changes and perceptions can be brought about by many factors including government interventions. The year 2020 has been characterized by many government interventions in trying to contain the corona virus pandemic, and it is important to assess how the measures have influenced shopper behavior. Using the consumer behavior theories (Bagozzi and Kimmel 1995 , Bagozzi et al. (2002) with specific reference to the Rational choice theory (Adam Smith, 1776) and the and the functional attitude theory (when Smith, Bruner, and White (1956) and Katz (1960), the researchers sought to determine the effect of government intervention measures on influence on shopper behavior, and whether shopper demographic characteristics either moderate or mediate the relationship between government intervention measures and shopper behavior. Descriptive cross sectional design was used, with a stratified sample drawn from former students from the School of Business, University of Nairobi. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that government intervention measures significantly influenced shopper (F value of 3.962, p = 003 < 0.05), and accounted for 22.6% of the changes in shopper behavior ( R 2 = 0.226). The study found that that contrary to the popular belief that consumers in developing countries put price before quality, in a situation like the corona virus pandemic which has direct effect on the consumers, quality of the products used for prevention comes first and the consumers will buy provided the product is of the right quality. The study found that shopper characteristics have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between government intervention measures and shopper behavior. The researchers recommend that government and other policy makers have relevant information about shopper behavior as a basis for implementing certain measures that may negatively influence their behavior and injure the economy. Keywords: Covid19 pandemic, operational issues, shopper behavior, consumer attitude DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/87-03 Publication date: October 31 st 2022

Gestalt-Switch of Luxury Products: Exploring Pitfalls of Inconsistent Value Expressions in Conspicuous Consumption

This study explores the ethicality of displaying luxury items in social interactions, integrating conspicuous consumption theory and functional theories of attitudes. We conceptualize the phenomenon of changing ethical perceptions (gestalt-switch) toward conspicuous consumption, building on data from two quantitative studies (N = 280). Study 1 employs ‘functional theories of attitudes’ (value-expressive and social-adjustive) to explore the link between social attitude functions and peoples’ ethical perception of luxury watch display. Informed by study 1, study 2 investigates how social attitude functions explain the ethical perception of wearing a luxury watch in specific interpersonal contexts. Using regression analysis, the study indicates a link between peoples’ ethical perception of conspicuously consuming luxury watches in social interactions and social attitude functions. Surprisingly, attitude functions cannot explain peoples’ ethical perceptions in social interactions with a transactional character. The results highlight that the attitude toward a luxury watch can change from desirable to undesirable (gestalt-switch), such that the bearer perceives the watch ostentation as unethical. Theorizing on this attitudinal change, we offer a contribution by emphasizing the conspicuous consumers striving for a harmonious gestalt or context-value-consistency when expressing personal values through a luxury watch.

Creating the customer-based brand equity through the viewpoints of technology inspiration and functional attitude theory

This study contributes to understanding the mediating and moderating processes that link technology management with brand equity accumulation through the function of attitudes. Two- and three-ways moderated model linking image/video integration and utilitarian functions to the strength of the relationship between technology inspiration and attitudes. Further, drawing on brand equity and attitude theory, our multiple mediation model posits that (1) the value-expressive attitude influences the social-adjustive attitude through the hedonic function, and (2) perceived quality may affect brand image and advance customer brand loyalty. Data from 642 visitors engaged in Kinmen culinary experience support this proposed model. Implications for theoretical and managerial practice are discussed in the final section. • New technology as a newly predictor of culinary brand equity. • A mediation-moderation empirical model was used to exams the proposition. • Value-expressive influences the social-adjustive through the hedonic function. • Perceived quality may affect brand image and advance visitor brand loyalty. • Data from 642 visitors engaged in culinary experience support this proposed model.

Art infusion and functional theories of attitudes toward luxury brands: The mediating role of feelings of self-inauthenticity

Underpinned by art infusion theory and functional theories of attitudes, this present research examines the art infusion effect on brand evaluation among consumers whose attitudes might serve a value-expressive or social-adjustive function, and the role of self-inauthenticity feelings in these relationships. We conducted three experimental studies to test our hypotheses.The objective of Studies 1 and 2 was to confirm the moderating effect of value-expressive function on the relationship between art infusion and brand attitudes.Study 3 aimed to test the mediating effect of self-inauthenticity feelings among customers harboring value-expressive attitudes. Participants with high levels of value-expressive attitudes reported more positive brand evaluation whentheadvertisement featured an artwork (vs. no artwork).Furthermore, art infusion reduced the feelings of self-inauthenticity, thereby enhancing brand attitudes.The findings highlight the importance of art infusion pertinent to improving brand evaluation and mitigating potential negative psychological consequences of luxury consumption, a relatively unexplored research area.

The relationship between functional theory of attitudes and purchase intention of counterfeit luxury sunglasses: A moderated moderated-mediation conditional model

ABSTRACT This study aims to empirically examine the effect of attitudinal functions: social-adjustive, value-expressive, ego-defensive, and product knowledge on consumer purchase intention for non-deceptive counterfeit Ray-Ban sunglasses. Most importantly, instead of direct relationships, we study the complex inter-relationships between these attitudinal functions on consumers’ purchase intention of counterfeit products. The data were collected from 421 respondents from Eastern UP, India, and after checking the measurement properties of the survey instrument Hayes (2018) PROCESS was used to analyze the data. The results from the study indicate that (i) social-adjustive function is positively related to purchase intention, (ii) social adjustive function is positively related to product knowledge function, (iii) value expressive function moderates the relationship between product knowledge function and purchase intention, (iv) ego defensive function (second moderator) moderates the moderated relationship between social adjustive function and value expressive function (first moderator) mediated through product knowledge function. The results did not support the negative relationship between product knowledge and purchase intention of counterfeit Ray-Ban sunglasses. The present study has several implications for (i) the literature on consumers’ behavior concerning counterfeit products, (ii) managers aiming to sell non-deceptive counterfeit products, and (iii) policy-making bodies and agencies concerning counterfeit products.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activity for Service Brand: Effects of CSR-Brand Fit, Consumer-CSR Fit on Skepticism and Brand Loyalty

Because of the widespread CSR practice, the quality and outcome of CSR activities vary, and the tendency of consumers to become suspicious of CSR activities is increasing. This paper intends to examine how the antecedents “CSR-brand fit” and “consumer-CSR fit” impact on consumers’ skepticism and how skepticism influences service brand loyalty. A questionnaire is designed with the case “Meituan’s Green Mountain Project” and conducted to examine the relationship of different variables. Adopting survey data methodology, there are 91 Chinese Meituan users participated in the survey, and significant results were generated through simple linear regression analysis in SPSS. The result indicates that the increase in CSR-brand fit and consumer-CSR fit can reduce consumers’ skepticism, and there is no significant relationship between skepticism and brand loyalty. Thus, it is found through the results that enhancing consumers’ perception of the congruity between brand image and CSR activities, and improving the perceived fit between CSR activities and personal relevance, can contribute to minimizing consumers’ skepticism. In this case, the author proposes practical solutions with the functional theory of attitudes and the self-image congruence model. The solutions guide practitioners to pay attention to the compatibility, fit, and logic of content when planning CSR activities, with the aim of reducing the level of skepticism, leading to an effective outcome for brands.

Effect of knowledge, social and religious factors effecting the intention of Muslims in Pakistan to receive COVID-19 vaccination: mediating role of attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination

PurposeThis study aims to empirically examine the knowledge, social and religious factors effecting the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination while considering the mediating role of attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. The research explores how the Islamic ideologies shape Muslims’ knowledge, social and religious beliefs towards COVID-19 vaccination acceptance or refusal.Design/methodology/approachTheoretically, the study is based on the functional theory of attitudes. The model of the study is comprised of nine variables explaining the attitude and intention towards COVID-19 vaccination. Among nine variables, perceived Islamic religiosity, perceived behavioural control and Halal consciousness among Muslims are explained through the value-expressive function of attitude. Furthermore, the perceived risk of COVID-19, the perceived side effect of COVID-19 vaccination and the perceived efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination are considered in the model based on the utility function of attitude. Moreover, social influence for COVID vaccination, subjective norms and group conformity are abstracted from the social-adjustive function of attitude. This study used a quantitative survey research method to test the hypotheses. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were distributed to non-vaccinated Muslim respondents from five cities in Pakistan. The structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was used to test the relationship among the variables in the proposed model. The partial least square-SEM method explained the variances in the dependent variables. Moreover, to test the structure of data, different statistical tests, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), factor loadings and average variance extracted, were used with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and analysis of a moment structures (AMOS) 23.0 version.FindingsResults for direct effect showed a significant negative effect of Islamic religiosity, perceived behavioural control, halal consciousness, perceived side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, social influence, subjective norm and group conformity on attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. In contrast, insignificant results showed no relationship of perceived risk from COVID-19 infection and perceived efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination with attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Results for mediating effect showed the significant negative mediating effect of attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination between Islamic religiosity, perceived behavioural control, halal consciousness, perceived side effect, social influence, subjective norm, group conformity and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination. While results showed the insignificant mediation of attitude towards COVID-19 between perceived risk from COVID-19 infection, perceived efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination and intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies are required to compare the attitude and intention among the temporary refusal group (those who will consider vaccination the future) and the permanent refusal group (those who will not consider vaccination the future). Comparing Muslim and non-Muslim groups can also explain differences in attitude and intention towards COVID-19 vaccination.Originality/valueThe area of acceptance and refusal of COVID-19 vaccination has been given limited attention in academic literature. Theoretically, this research has proposed a well-defined model to explain the attitude of Muslims towards COVID-19 vaccination. This model can helpf predict the attitude and intentions of Muslims towards vaccination or medicines. Moreover, this research is a unique contribution for the vaccination brands to consider the discussed factors before launching their brand in Muslim countries.

Exploring volunteer engagement in a mega sport events: the role of functional attitudes

ABSTRACT Research Questions Primary research questions include: (1) What are the salient attitudes of volunteers that influence their engagement intention and (2) Do extra-role behaviors and emotional attachment mediate their relationship with the event? Methods We used a face-to-face survey design and collected 271 use cases from volunteers recruited during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Results and Findings The results of structural equation modeling indicate that value-expressive and social adjustive attitudes were positively correlated with extra-role behavior. Value-expressive, utilitarian, and knowledge showed a significantly positive effect on emotional attachment. Furthermore, emotional attachment and extra-role behavior played a significant mediator role in explaining the relationships between functional attitudes and volunteer engagement. Implications The results shed light on volunteer literature through an extended understanding of functional attitude theory in the context of volunteer engagement. Sport managers could use the findings to clearly understand relevant volunteers’ attitudes to predict their extra-role behavior and future volunteering intention. Such efforts allow managers to carefully articulate promotional message when recruiting volunteers.

Mediating role of hedonic and utilitarian brand attitude between eWOM and purchase intentions: a context of brand fan pages in Facebook

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to adopt stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory to reveal the impact of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on buying intentions of young consumers in the presence of hedonic brand attitude (HBA) and utilitarian brand attitude (UBA) as mediators, among smartphone customers in the context of brand fan pages in Facebook.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a single cross-sectional design to survey a sample of 326 young online customers present in leading smartphone brand fan pages on Facebook in India. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and replies were recorded on a Likert scale (five-point). The data was subjected to structural equation modelling for model and hypotheses testing.FindingseWOM has a significantly positive influence on the buying intentions of the young. Both HBA and UBA partially mediate the influence of eWOM on buying intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examines only the personal-oriented functions of attitude and does not investigate the role of social dimensions of attitudes. Its scope is confined to smartphones in the consumer electronics segment and only Facebook among social networking sites.Practical implicationsA theoretical contribution to eWOM literature is made by studying it under the lens of S-O-R theory and functional theory of attitudes. Measurement of two different dimensions of attitude, i.e. hedonic and utilitarian, may facilitate managers to comprehend the source of variance in consumers’ decision-making behaviour in the online context.Originality/valueThe only study to explore brand attitude as a mediator in its multi-dimensional form, in the context of social eWOM.

Unveiling motivation for luxury fashion purchase among Gen Z consumers: need for uniqueness versus bandwagon effect

ABSTRACT As Gen Z consumers become an important target segment for the luxury fashion industry, it is crucial to deepen the understanding of their luxury consumption motivations. Based on the functional theories of attitudes, this study examined the impacts of both the need for uniqueness and the bandwagon effect on the multi-functions of attitudes and purchase intentions toward luxury fashion brands. Using a structural equation modelling technique, data provided by 486 college students revealed that the bandwagon effect exhibited a substantial direct impact on their purchase intentions and an indirect impact mediated by the hedonic function of attitude. While our results also support the positive influence of the need for uniqueness on attitudes and purchase intention, it does highlight the greater importance of the bandwagon effect in the context of the luxury brand. Our findings offer marketing insights and implications that enhance luxury brand consumption among Gen Z consumers.

Talking about my generation: How values shape luxury consumption

Literature suggests that when shopping for luxury goods, consumers arbitrate between genuine and fake luxury goods, with younger consumers being more likely to arbitrate in favor of luxury fakes because of their lower income and different values. We challenge this alleged influence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country where access to luxury can be controlled for, and generations differ in values following 1990s’ meteoric takeoff. Drawing on the functional theories of attitudes, a qualitative study shows that luxury consumption does not serve the same psychological functions for the pre-boom (born before 1990) and the post-boom generational cohorts in the UAE. As such, it demonstrates the power of values when explaining the trade-off between genuine and fake luxury goods, as values can explain both a current negative influence of age on counterfeit consumption in Western countries and a positive one in the Middle East. The findings are interesting for public policy makers and managers operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The Online Experience of Luxury Consumers: Insight into Motives and Reservations

Several research efforts provide insight into the corporate online strategies of luxury brands. However, little research has focused on how consumers perceive the luxury online experience. This research aims to understand the underlying motivations and reservations towards online luxury purchase. The perceived online experience of luxury consumers is examined within the framework of the functional theory of attitudes, rooted in the work of Katz (1960) and Shavitt (1989). An exploratory approach yielded a typology of five motivations: independent browsing, personalized communication, accessibility, and convenience; and three reservations: purchase of unfamiliar brands, lack of spontaneity and uninspiring online retail environments. This research contributes a much needed consumer perspective of luxury online retail to the existing literature. The findings have resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the online shopping luxury experience. Theoretically, the findings support the functional theory of attitudes and the influence of both hedonic and utilitarian dimensions on the online luxury experience. More practically, this work shows that recognition of the underlying motivations and reservations of online luxury consumers informs marketers and brand managers on how to adapt their online presence and initiatives.

Regulatory focus and consumption of counterfeit luxury goods: Roles of functional theories of attitudes and perceived similarity

Four studies show that promotion (vs. prevention) focus leads to greater counterfeit consumption, and that social functions of attitudes and perceived similarity form a chain mediation underlying these effects. Study 1 links chronic regulatory focus to counterfeit consumption behavior in both China and South Korea. Study 2 replicates Study 1′s findings using primed regulatory focus and a behavioral measure of counterfeit preference. Study 3 tests the effect of regulatory focus on counterfeit consumption in a different context and demonstrates the mediating roles of social functions of attitudes and perceived similarity. Study 4 examines the boundary condition of social functions of attitudes: When social-adjustive function is made salient (compared to a control condition), prevention-focused consumers’ counterfeit consumption is elevated, whereas promotion-focused consumers’ counterfeit consumption is unaffected. However, when value-expressive function is made salient (compared to a control condition), promotion-focused consumers’ counterfeit consumption is reduced, whereas prevention-focused consumers’ counterfeit consumption is unaffected.

Consumers' Implicit Motivation Of Purchasing Luxury Brands: An EEG Study.

PurposeThis study aims to explore consumers’ implicit motivations for purchasing luxury brands based on the functional theories of attitudes by using event-related potentials (ERPs).MethodsBrand authenticity and logo prominence were used to modulate the social-adjustive function and value-expressive function, respectively. Twenty right-handed healthy female undergraduates and graduates participated in an experiment that has a 2 brand authenticity (genuine/counterfeit) × 2 brand prominence (prominent logo/no logo) design. In the experiment, participators browsed different luxury handbags with different brand authenticity and logo prominence, and then reported their purchase intentions on a five-point scale. Meanwhile, EEGs were recorded from the subjects throughout the experiment. In the analysis process, three ERP components, which can, respectively, reflect the cognitive conflict (N200), emotional conflict (N400) and motivational emotional arousal (LPP) during the evaluation of marketing-related stimuli, were mainly focused.ResultsFor counterfeit brands, the no logo condition elicited significant larger N200 amplitude, marginally significant larger N400 amplitude and significant smaller LPP amplitude than the prominent logo condition. However, for genuine brands, this modulation effect of logo prominence cannot be found. These results imply that consumers’ implicit social motivations for purchasing luxury brands come from the satisfaction of at least one social goal. When one goal cannot be satisfied, consumers will more expect the satisfaction of another one. If this expectation is violated, it seems to be unexpected and unacceptable. Thus, greater anticipation conflict (N200) and emotion conflict (N400) will be induced, and the purchase motivation (LPP) cannot be aroused.ConclusionConsumers’ preferences for luxury brands are based on the satisfaction of their social goals. These social goals always coexist and perform as compensation with each other. The dissatisfaction of one social goal would promote their expectation of the satisfaction of another social goal.