Symbolic Benefits Research Articles

Hey Alexa … examine the variables influencing the use of artificial intelligent in-home voice assistants

Artificial Intelligent (AI) In-home Voice Assistants have seen unprecedented growth. However, we have little understanding on the factors motivating individuals to use such devices. Given the unique characteristics of the technology, in the main hands free, controlled by voice, and the presentation of a voice user interface, the current technology adoption models are not comprehensive enough to explain the adoption of this new technology. Focusing on voice interactions, this research combines the theoretical foundations of U> with technology theories to gain a clearer understanding on the motivations for adopting and using in-home voice assistants. This research presents a conceptual model on the use of voice controlled technology and an empirical validation of the model through the use of Structural Equation Modelling with a sample of 724 in-home voice assistant users. The findings illustrate that individuals are motivated by the (1) utilitarian benefits, (2) symbolic benefits and (3) social benefits provided by voice assistants, the results found that hedonic benefits only motivate the use of in-home voice assistants in smaller households. Additionally, the research establishes a moderating role of perceived privacy risks in dampening and negatively influencing the use of in-home voice assistants.

Plastic loyalty – Investigating loyalty card programs for a Finnish hotel chain

Few studies of hotel loyalty programs, particularly field studies, examine basic questions such as the need for loyalty programs or their effects on hotel choice. Other gaps in loyalty program research include business versus leisure travelers, travel frequency and multiple loyalty program memberships. This case study extends loyalty program research by asking business and leisure customers of a Finnish hotel chain, without a loyalty program, what hotel attributes and loyalty program features appeal to them. Examining the 1315 responses highlighted significant differences between leisure and business travelers as well as the importance of travel frequency. The results suggest that the chain should consider intangible and symbolic benefits (e.g. upgrades and late check-outs), which would cost less than discounts or other tangible benefits. The chain might also consider developing a customer community offering emotional benefits and an interactive forum for targeted marketing and customer involvement in service development.

Posting photos of luxury cuisine online: an exploratory study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the motives for posting or sharing food photos using social media, focussed within the context of fine dining (FD) restaurants.Design/methodology/approachEthnographic fieldwork was conducted in France by combining analysis of qualitative diary research and transcripts of focus group discussions.FindingsThe motivation to take food images can be broadly categorised according to experiential (hedonism, altruism and passion collecting) and symbolic (social status, uniqueness, self-esteem and self-presentation) benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited by its relatively small sample size and the inability to consider the direct influences of demographic variables and attitudes to FD and social media. Moreover, the cultural context of the study needs to be considered as the study took place in France.Practical implicationsUser-generated images are increasingly an integral aspect of the holistic dining experience. Luxury restaurants need to leverage the opportunities of user-generated content. The FD experience needs to be visually captured and expressed. This can include both tangible and intangible attributes.Originality/valueAlthough the literature has provided a comprehensive overview of social media behaviour, the efficacy of a gastronomic perspective is limited. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate consumer-generated postings of images of food within the luxury restaurant classification.

Pilgrim routes as contested spaces in Norway

Many of today’s pilgrim routes are not only conceived of as religious thoroughfares. They are also seen as historical and cultural routes and are embraced by heritage polices and the tourism industry. It follows from this that contemporary pilgrim routes are endowed with many meanings and expectations, both in the public and private spheres. While much research has focused its attention on the diversity of motives, experiences and symbolic meaning processes among those who embark on journeys along pilgrim routes, less attention has been paid to the varieties of stakeholders involved. By exploring how different types of stakeholders engage with a recently reinvented pilgrim route in Norway, it is shown how this route represents a contested space. Among various stakeholders involved in the development and the management of the pilgrimage, as well as stakeholders who take an interest in the material and symbolic benefits one could possibly draw from it, there are disagreements on what kind of heritage pilgrimage should represent. The differing approaches are basically represented by those who want to promote religious motivations, traditionalist outdoor recreation interests and stakeholders who primarily want to develop and market the pilgrim route in a touristic context. While distinctions between categories such as pilgrims and tourists, or vacationers and religious travellers, are becoming more and more blurred, opposing and partly intersecting discourses among stakeholders tend in this case to result in the upholding of these kinds of distinctions. This implies that travellers along pilgrim route are not left to themselves with their experiences and practices. While some stakeholders take an interest in what pilgrims are doing, in the sense that they want to profit from it, others are concerned about questions of whom a pilgrim is and for whom a pilgrim route is for.

Examining the Relationship between Consumption of Counterfeit Apparel and Construction of Self-Identity: A Study of Pakistani Women

The production, sale, and purchase of counterfeit apparel are illegal and unethical and in most cases are secret activities. Despite a number of campaigns to discourage piracy of various merchandise, the fashion industry in Pakistan is unable to weed out this bug from the markets. This study intends to examine the association between the consumption of counterfeit goods and the construction of self-identity. The paper, drawing upon thirty-six detailed interviews with female participants who owned both branded apparel and their copies, argues that the purchase and consumption of counterfeit apparel provides real and symbolic benefits to consumers, which contributes to the creation of their identity and projection of their desired social self-image. Participants described three important benefits that can be enjoyed through the consumption of counterfeit apparel: to be efficient by utilizing limited resources to the fullest; to have fun by going through risk, enjoyment and adventure; and to mislead others by hiding the reality of their clothes. Research findings indicate that In addition, when consumers of counterfeit apparel successfully accomplish these goals, they are able to construct a confident self-identity through which they portray themselves as savvy consumers to others. The present study can enrich and update the existing body of knowledge regarding the consumption of counterfeit products. It can also enable apparel manufacturers to tap into the psyche and motivations of consumers who purchase counterfeit apparel and too can provide them with guidelines to attract and retain consumers.

Pengaruh Program Loyalitas terhadap Kesetiaan Konsumen pada Industri Halal di Yogyakarta

This study aims to examine the effect of perceived benefits of loyalty programs, which include: financial benefits, social benefits, hedonic benefits, symbolic benefits of loyalty programs in the Halal Industry. This study also examined the effect of loyalty programs on brand loyalty. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach, namely by conducting surveys, online with a sample of 200 respondents. The data in this study were processed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis version 21. The results showed that the financial benefit variables, social benefits, symbolic benefits had a significant positive effect on loyalty programs. While the hedonic variable on loyalty programs shows a negative relationship. This study also confirms the significant positive effect of the loyalty program on brand loyalty.

How cities can attract highly skilled workers as residents: the impact of city brand benefits

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of city brand benefits (cost efficiency, job chances, social life, recreation and self–brand connection) on highly skilled, potential residents’ attitudes toward the city brand.Design/methodology/approachA literature analysis and qualitative study inform a conceptual model, which is tested with structural equation modelling using 354 evaluations of the six largest German cities by 294 highly skilled, potential residents, in terms of their perceptions of city brand benefits and attitudes.FindingsSocial life and self–brand connection positively affect the city brand attitudes of highly skilled, potential residents. In contrast, cost efficiency, job chances and recreation do not affect these attitudes.Research limitations/implicationsThe relevance of city brand benefits might be specific to a country or culture, so further research should test the conceptual model in other settings, including smaller cities. Further studies might compare the relevance of the effects for actual and potential residents.Practical implicationsSocial life emerged as the most important city brand benefit, so cities must ensure they offer and communicate a rich social life. Cities also should identify and communicate congruent characteristics between the city and the self-concepts of relevant target groups.Originality/valueThis study identifies relevant and irrelevant city brand benefits for highly skilled, potential residents. In addition, it establishes self–brand connection as symbolic benefit that previous research into potential residents has not considered.

ANALISIS PERAN FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS, SYMBOLIC BENEFITS, EXPERIENTIAL BENEFITS DAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SEBAGAI PEMBENTUK LOYALTY INTENTION PADA CUSTOMER THE BODY SHOP (TELAAH PADA: THE BODY SHOP DI WILAYAH JAKARTA)

The purpose of this research was conducted to identify the effect of functional benefits, symbolic benefits, experiential benefits and customer satisfaction towards loyalty intention from the customer who use The Body Shop.With a high market demand on cosmetics nowadays, producers are required to compete to meet costumer's expectations. This research was a quantitative descriptive research. There were 153 respondents which were gathered by convenience sampling.The results showed that functional benefits, symbolic benefits and experiential benefits had a positive and significant affect toward customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this research also showed that customer satisfaction had a positive and significant effect on loyalty intention.Keywords: loyalty intention, customer satisfaction, symbolic benefits, functional benefits, experiential benefits.

All Male Panels? Representation and Democratic Legitimacy

AbstractWhat does women's presence in political decision‐making bodies signal to citizens? Do these signals differ based on the body's policy decisions? And do women and men respond to women's presence similarly? Though scholars have demonstrated the substantive and symbolic benefits of women's representation, little work has examined how women's presence affects citizens' perceptions of democratic legitimacy. We test the relationship between representation and legitimacy beliefs through survey experiments on a nationally representative sample of U.S. citizens. First, we find that women's equal presence legitimizes decisions that go against women's interests. We show suggestive evidence that this effect is particularly pronounced among men, who tend to hold less certain views on women's rights. Second, across decision outcomes and issue areas, women's equal presence legitimizes decision‐making processes and confers institutional trust and acquiescence. These findings add new theoretical insights into how, when, and for whom inclusive representation increases perceptions of democratic legitimacy.

Antecedents to the adoption of augmented reality smart glasses: A closer look at privacy risks

Numerous research studies and corporate press releases highlight the potential of a new form of wearable device appearing on the technology landscape: augmented reality smart glasses (ARSGs), i.e., digital eyeglasses that integrate virtual information into the user's field of vision. Yet research knows very little about this nascent technology. Therefore, the authors develop and empirically test a theoretical model to assess ARSG usage. Core findings are that expected utilitarian, hedonic, and symbolic benefits drive consumers' reactions to ARSGs. The results also show that the extent to which ARSGs threaten other people's, but not one's own, privacy can strongly influence users' decision making. A qualitative second study identifies multiple explanations for this surprising privacy finding. Theoretical and managerial implications conclude.

축제 핵심프로그램의 감성편익과 상징편익이 축제애착도와 충성도에 미치는 영향 연구

축제 핵심프로그램의 감성편익과 상징편익이 축제애착도와 충성도에 미치는 영향 연구

"Building Insurance Brand Image In The Sme Sector In Poland - An Empirical Study "

The source of the distinctive offer are: product design, its features, technology of production, consumer services and a well-known brand appreciated by consumers. Branded products are perceived by consumers as remarkable, that are not able to be substituted by the goods offered by competitors. The brand and its image provide the customer with an emotional or symbolic benefits that are essential in building strong relations between a company and its clients. The similar mechanism is observed on the insurance market. PZU SA has been the best known Polish insurance company indicated by SMEs for the period 2012-2017. It is worth to mention that its spontaneous brand awareness is over 90%. For these reasons PZU SA can be perceived as a good example of the business model for other insurance companies. The aim of this paper is to identify the most important factors that affect the image of insurance companies present on the Polish market. Basing on the association tests the authors also tried to discover the specific image of each company. The method of direct interview was used to collect data from respondents representing the SME sector (survey method: direct interview (PAPI)). For each of the groups, the sampled group is representative. To present results independently from the number of employees shown in the report as SMEs IN TOTAL (weighted data in total), a system of weightings was developed to allow obtaining results for the entire market. The sampling was done randomly using a list of companies drawn up by the Main Statistical Office (GUS). The algorithm for selecting companies to represent the SME sector was developed by a specialist from Qualifact company. Companies were chosen with the use of systematic draw technique. Targeting the examined population according to the section (production, construction, trade, hotels / restaurants, transport, financial intermediation, real estate, education, others) and province, guaranteed appropriate proportion of the number of companies representing different economic sectors.

Digital subsistence entrepreneurs on Facebook

Digital entrepreneurs are usually presented as young, urban, well-educated individuals working for innovative start-ups. In sharp contrast with this “hipster” view, this research identifies digital subsistence entrepreneurs as a new type of entrepreneurs that recently appeared in developed countries. To do so, it investigates buy-and-sell activities on Facebook groups using a multi-method approach involving in-depth interviews, netnography, and participatory observation. The findings indicate that digital subsistence entrepreneurs' activities pertain to survival entrepreneurship rather than transformative entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, they satisfy more than purely financial needs, also providing hedonic (spending time with family, creating), relational (meeting new people) and symbolic benefits (raising self-esteem, redefining roles at home and in society). This research also shows that subsistence entrepreneurs' rebirth in developed countries is founded on the structural, cognitive and relational forms of social capital that are grounded in peer-to-peer platforms digital features. It thus offers interesting contributions and implications for public policy makers engaged in the regulation of the sharing economy.

Does brand experience translate into brand commitment?: A mediated-moderation model of brand passion and perceived brand ethicality

In today's increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace, achieving brand commitment is one of the ultimate goals for brands. Considering the heightened importance and relevance of brand's ethical perception and its symbolic benefits, the present research examines the impacts of perceived brand ethicality on brand passion and brand commitment. A conceptual framework was tested using structural equation modeling with responses from 273 apparel shoppers collected by using a structured questionnaire. We find evidence of mediating-moderation effect in which the moderating power of perceived brand ethicality is eliminated in the presence of full mediator, brand passion. Interestingly, in studying the “mediated-moderation” links, we also find the dampening effects of perceived brand ethicality at play. The results of this paper have theoretical contributions and implications for managers.

농촌체험마을 브랜드편익이 브랜드 애착 및 브랜드 충성도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between brand benefit, brand attachment, and brand loyalty. Based literature review, consumer’s brand benefit, attachment and loyalty were discussed. The empirical data were collected from 345 questionnaires of rural tourism destination visitors who participated in Gyeonggi-do. As the result of the study are as follow, it showed that symbolic benefits, functional benefits, and experiential benefits have a significant effect on brand attachment and brand loyalty. The academic product of the study is to suggest rural tourism brands to understand what brand benefits make the users perceived more attached and loyalty to the brand. Furthermore it could provide rural tourism marketers with a guideline to rural-tourism brand’s development and marketing strategy on business level. More theoretical and practical implication were discussed in the conclusion section.

Using Websites to Recruit Franchisee Candidates

Unlike other interorganizational relationships, such as joint ventures, franchisors commonly display information on their websites with the objective of attracting franchisee entrepreneurs and having them sign standardized contracts. This paper analyses, for the first time, how franchise brands disclose both functional and symbolic benefits and their effect on franchise chain growth. Our empirical study, based on an in-depth analysis of 106 websites, suggests that both types of benefits are intertwined in advertising franchise opportunities. Information on financial requirements, contact facilities and recruiting processes are positively related to franchise chain growth, whereas information on business potential (financial expectations) is negatively related to growth. Moreover, information on continuous assistance is relevant for service-type franchisee candidates. Finally, our observations show that information available in all the categories is far from exhaustive and that influential information is frequently absent from franchisor websites.

Markanın Algılanan Globalliği / Yerelliği Markanın Kredibilitesini ve Algılanan Kaliteyi Etkiler mi Bu Etkide Kredibilitenin Aracılık, Etnosentrizmin Düzenleyici Rolünün İncelenmesi - Does Perceived Brand Globalness and Localness Affect Brand Credibility and Perceived Quality Investigating the role of Brand Credibility as a Mediator and Consumer Ethnocentrism as a Moderator on This Relationship

Whether local or global, brands sometimes prefer to emphasize their globalness and sometimes their localness. Indeed, what is important is how consumers are perceiving their brand status: Local or global? Empirical studies show that consumers perceive global brands stronger in functionality and quality, more successful in expressing symbolic benefits and more successful in projecting their identity. The purpose of the paper is to identify the impact of perceived brand globalness / localness on perceived quality and the mediating role of brand credibility in this relation, among consumers of Turkish. The results showed that perceived brand globalness affected perceived quality via brand credibility, it did not have direct affect, in other words there was a full mediation. On the other hand, perceived brand localness did not have any effect on perceived quality either directly or non-directly. The paper also investigates the moderation role of consumer ethnocentrism on the relationship between perceived brand globalness / localness and brand credibility. The moderating role of consumer ethnocentrism between perceived brand globalness / localness and perceived quality has been demonstrated. The weaker the consumer ethnocentrism, the stronger relationship between perceived brand globalness and brand credibility. The higher the consumer ethnocentrism, perceived brand globalness did not have any effect on brand credibility.

Gender Interview on Functional Design, Hedonist, Symbolic Benefits for Motorcycle Buying Decision

Automatic motorcycle purchases increase over time. The purpose of research to determine the cause of consumers buy automatic gear motorcycle (matic) whether because of price, design, or benefits (functional, hedonic, symbolic). To lead consumers more focused, conducted qualitative research using interviews to matic owners in 4 large cities are evenly distributed between male and female motorcycle buyers. The result is all respondents interviewed buy matic because of design. Functional benefits had already in accordance with manufacturer specified, hedonic benefits because it looks sporty, symbolic benefits because it comes with gender colors. Interesting designs make motorcycle owners buy without looking at prices as the main reference. Implications for management to produce matic many variants that buyers got more choice.

Paisaje natural y envejecimiento saludable en el lugar: el caso del Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey (México)

<p>La investigación analiza los factores del paisaje natural cotidiano que favorecen el envejecimiento saludable en el lugar y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores residentes en los límites del Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey (México). La metodología ha consistido en la utilización de métodos como fotovoz y mapas mentales aplicados a grupos de discusión por personas mayores, encuestas y Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Los resultados indican que la exposición a elementos naturales del paisaje, como árboles y flores, contribuye al envejecimiento saludable en el lugar, favoreciendo las actividades cotidianas, como relaciones sociales y ocio, mejoran la percepción de la salud y disminuyen las necesidades de ayuda. Asimismo, se muestra que el paisaje natural cotidiano, como elemento simbólico de la identidad ambiental, está asociado a la presencia de recuerdos y vivencias del parque, frecuencia de visitas, grado de conservación de la vegetación autóctona, la proximidad al parque, la práctica de ocio y las relaciones sociales. También, el estudio confirma la importancia de las implicaciones de los paisajes naturales en la calidad de vida de la población, en especial, de las personas mayores, por sus beneficios terapéuticos y simbólicos. Además, se propone impulsar esta línea investigación y generar políticas sostenibles de calidad de vida para favorecer el desarrollo y protección de los paisajes naturales en la región.</p>

Facilitation of consumer loyalty toward branded applications: The dual-route perspective

Although many brands develop mobile applications (apps) to build relationships with consumers, most branded apps fail to retain consumers’ loyalty. This study examines the facilitation of consumer loyalty toward branded apps (continuance intention, in-app purchase intention, and word-of-mouth intention) from the dual-route perspective. One route is the affective (relationship) route, where brand benefits (functional benefits, experiential benefits, symbolic benefits, and monetary benefits) drive parasocial interactions between consumers and the brand, which, in turn, influences branded app loyalty. The other route is the utility route, where system characteristics (system quality and information quality) affect perceived usefulness, which, in turn, facilitates branded app loyalty. An online survey was conducted, and the research model was empirically tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings support the dual-route perspective according to which both affective and utilitarian paths facilitate branded app loyalty. The key theoretical contribution of this study is that it moves beyond the utilitarian path and finds the affective (relationship) path to give a more complete picture of the facilitation of consumer loyalty in the branded app context. A strategy is provided to suggest to practitioners how to design branded apps to facilitate consumer loyalty.