Advances in Advertising Research Vol VII Bridging The Gap Between Advertising Academia and Practice 1st Edition George Christodoulides
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European Advertising Academy
George Christodoulides
Anastasia Stathopoulou
Martin Eisend Editors
Advances in
Advertising
Research (Vol. VII)
Bridging the Gap between Advertising
Academia and Practice
European Advertising Academy
Advances in
Advertising
Research (Vol. VII)
Bridging the Gap between Advertising
Academia and Practice
Editors
George Christodoulides Martin Eisend
London, UK Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
Anastasia Stathopoulou
London, UK
Springer Gabler
© Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden 2017
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part
of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations,
recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission
or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or
dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this
publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt
from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this
book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the
authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained
herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
Preface V
Fabian A. Geise
Integration of Consumers into New Product Development by Social
Media-Based Crowdsourcing – Findings from the Consumer Goods
Industry in Germany 15
Mototaka Sakashita
Communicating through Brand Websites to Create Unique Brands 57
Eeva-Liisa Oikarinen
The Moderating Role of Congruence between Humor and Fun
Climate of the Company on the Effects of Humor in Internet Job Ads 167
1 Introduction
Social network sites (SNS) provide their users with new online information
sources. The information is actively created and distributed by consumers for
consumers, with the intention to inform, enrich and enlighten one another about
products, brands, services and more (Liu et. al., 2013; Deighton and Kornfeld,
2009). This information has been perceived to be trustworthy (Foux, 2006),
personal and with minimum cost, allowing the decision-making process to be
more effective (Chai et al., 2010) and improve the consumers' decision-making
process (Wang et Al., 2012; Constantinides et al., 2013).
Consumers, search for information on SNS, confront two types of information
sources: Non-commercial sources which are based on information created by
consumers on a personal profile or groups of interest and Commercial sources,
which are business originated and delivered through brand page or social
advertising tools. These diverse sources raise some important questions. What
influences consumer's choice? Why in some cases do consumers turn to non-
commercial sources, while in other cases the consumers turn to commercial
sources? This study attempts to answer these questions and enhance our
understanding of what motivates consumers' search behavior on SNS. The study
focuses on values the consumer receives from the information as motivating
factors in her / his information source selection.
The literature offers various studies on user information seeking behavior on
SNS in general (Lampe et al, 2012; Gray et al., 2013; Morris et al., 2010);
However, only few studies were conducted in the context of consumer’s search
behavior (Mikalef et al., 2013; Xiang and Gretzel, 2010). Furthermore, to the
best of our knowledge, there are no studies that integrate information values as
mediating factors in consumer’s selection of information sources on SNS. Thus,
there is a need for academic attention here and empirical evidence is needed to
enhance our understanding of the subject.
The current study goals are twofold. First, to apply and check the UTAUT
model (Venkatesh et al., 2003; Gefen et al., 2003; Shin and Kim, 2008) as a
theoretical base for consumer adoption of SNS as a tool for information search.
Second, to verify the suggestion that the values the consumer receives from the
information affect the consumer's search behavior and are mediating factors
influencing the consumer's choice of information sources on SNS. The suggested
values are: Economic Value (EV), Psychological Value (PV) and Social Value
(SV). In the current study, we propose a conceptual framework, test it
empirically, and present related conclusions and managerial implications.
2 Literature Review
Consumers are exposed to ads and brand pages on SNS. By "Liking" a brand
page, the consumers can be exposed to information and special offers created by
a business company. In addition, a consumer can directly post SMQA and get a
personal response from the company.
H1: To the extent that consumers are interested in increasing their EV they will
turn to both commercial information sources and non-commercial information
sources on SNS.
people they know, and 70% rely on the opinions of persons writing on the
Internet, while only 33% rely on Internet ads. The non-commercial sources on
SNS provide reliable information on products and services (Mangold and Folds,
2009) as they are based on recommendations and opinions of friends and
acquaintances (Oeldorf-Hirsch et al, 2014; Morris et al, 2010). Following their
suggestions, consumers will look for various information sources to reduce
uncertainty and thereby reduce their perceived risk. Hereby, the hypothesis:
H2: To the extent that consumers are interested in increasing their PV they will
turn to both commercial information sources and non-commercial information
sources on SNS.
Social value refers to the social benefits users receive when connecting to
others via SNS (Deng et al., 2010).This value is located in the feeling of
belonging to a certain group (Deng et. al., 2010) and the need for a cognition
with those who share the same norms, values and interests (Giao et. al., 2015).
SNS offer SV by providing services that enable conversations and information
sharing, along with the possibility of gaining social approval, expressing
opinions, and influencing others (Gangadharbatla, 2008). Many researchers have
examined different aspects of the values a person gets from using Facebook,
including the desire to meet new people (Ellison et al., 2011), self-expression
(Lin and Lu, 2011; Hart et al., 2008), entertainment and even having fun
(Venkatesh et. al, 2012; Sledgianowski and Kulviwat, 2009). Accordingly, we
assume that consumers can reach SV via non-commercial information sources
and not via commercial sources on SNS. Therefore the following hypothesis:
H3: To the extent that consumers are interested in increasing their SV, they will
turn to non-commercial information sources and not to commercial information
sources on SNS.
3 Methodology
3.1 Sample
age of 33. The education level of the majority of the participants was above high
school (94%), with an average or above-average income (68%).
3.2 Measurement
The survey instrument consisted of multiple items that were partly gathered
from prior studies and partly designed to measure the study's new constructs.
The items for the UTAUT model’s variables (including Performance
expectancy, Hedonic motivation, Social Influence, Facilitating conditions, Effort
Expectancy, Habit, and Behavioral intention) were adopted from Venkatesh et
al. (2012). Use behavior item scales were phrased to capture the commercial
(advertisement and Brand page) and non-commercial (personal profile and
groups) sources of consumer’s information search in SNS. Typical items in the
scales were “I am interesting in coupons and marketing suggestion, I receive
from brand pages in my personal profile” for commercial sources scale, and “I
am posting a question or asking for opinion from friends in my personal profile”
for non-commercial sources scale. For consumer’s values, the EV items were
gathered from Deng et al. (2010), Ailawadi et al. (2003) and Sweeney and
Soutar (2001). SV items were gathered from Deng et al. (2010) and Sweeney
and Soutar (2001). PV items were gathered from Ailawadi et al. (2003) and
Sweeney and Soutar (2001). All scales’ items were modified to suit the SNS
environment. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with
different statements. A seven-point Likert scale was used, ranging from 1 =
strongly disagree, to 7 = strongly agree. Demographic data were also collected.
4 Results
Variable Mean SD 2 3 4 5 6
1. BI 4.36 1.21 .535** .529** .563** .771** .616**
2. Commercial Sources 3.35 1.12 1.00 .556** .595** .638** .516**
3. Non Commercial Sources 4.21 1.20 -- 1.00 .606** .642** .543**
4. PV 3.76 1.62 -- -- 1.00 .768** .647**
5. EV 3.75 1.69 -- -- -- 1.00 .664**
6. SV 3.14 1.73 -- -- -- -- 1.00
Notes: N = 212; ** < .01
To examine the relationships among the constructs, two path analyses were
conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). First, the UTAUT model
was tested on SNS’ information search. The overall fit statistics (goodness of fit
measures) exhibit an acceptable level of fit (χ2 value (2) = 4.24, p = .12 (χ2/df,
less than 3); CFI = .998; NFI = .996; RMSEA = .073), indicating that the path
model is valid. This fit indicates an adequate application of UTAUT model to
SNS’ information search environment. Next, the suggested framework was
tested, while the two sources (Commercial and Non-commercial) were put
together as dependent variables. The overall fit statistics (goodness of fit
measures) exhibit an acceptable level of fit (χ2 value (33) = 49.01, p = .04
(χ2/df, less than 2); CFI = .991; NFI = .974; RMSEA = .048), indicating that the
path model is valid. The path model, regression standardized coefficients, and
their significance are illustrated in Figure 1.
The model depicts the direct and indirect paths toward the dependent
variables (The sources). As seen in Figure 1, Behavioral Intention (BI) has no
direct relationships, neither with the commercial sources nor with the non-
commercial sources. The relationships (β=.48 with Commercial sources and
β=.47 with Non-commercial sources) are indirect through the mediation of the
values. BI has a direct and positive effect on PV (β=.26), a direct effect on EV
(β=.58) and direct effect on SV (β=.59). Further, PV has direct and positive
effect on Commercial sources (β=.26) and on Non-commercial sources (β=.24).
EV has direct and positive effect on Commercial sources (β=.44) and on Non-
commercial sources (β=.33). However, SV has direct and positive effect only on
Non-commercial sources (β=.15), while the relationship with Commercial
Consumer Values as Mediators in Social Network Information Search 9
sources is indirect (β=.26) and through the relationships with PV (β=.49) and
EV (β=.31). Accordingly, hypotheses H1, H2 and H3 are accepted. Table 2
summarizes the relationships among variables.
The goals of this study were first, to empirically test the UTAUT model in the
context of consumer information search behavior on SNS. And second, to
suggest a theoretical framework integrating three types of values, EV, PV and
SV, as mediators towards information sources on SNS.
The results indicate that the UTAUT model (Venkatesh et al., 2003) is
applicable to the SNS information search context. Furthermore, the findings
show that the consumer’s expected values mediate information search behavior
in SNS and this mediation differs according to the information sources.
Commercial sources of information are mediated by EV and PV. This means
that the consumer applies to commercial sources, since he / she expects to
receive some deal or special marketing offer, or reduce uncertainty in buying
decision process. Nevertheless, non-commercial sources are mediated through
all values. This means the consumer applies to non-commercial sources for
different reasons, including SV such as philanthropy, self-expression and social
approval.
should provide added value supporting the interests and the community’s
common values, e.g. "Nike" developed an application that helps consumers keep
track of their sports activities and share their progress and activity with their
community. In addition, the brand should cultivate its loyal customers, turning
them into ambassadors who will share brand knowledge and experiences with
their community and warmly recommend the brand. This type of information
provides consumers psychological value, it is perceived to be more credible and
helps reduce their perceived risk. Furthermore, it gives economic value by
saving consumers time and money. Additionally, it will be highly beneficial to
integrate these values by distributing brand benefits via opinion leaders.
The current study has limitations that should be addressed in future research.
First, this study has limited the empirical testing to one SNS channel
(Facebook). Future research should further examine the current study’s
framework on varied digital SNS channels, such as Twitter and WhatsApp, to
enhance generalization possibilities. Second, though it is a common practice, the
convenience sample of the current study’s web-based survey could be another
limitation which needs to be addressed in future research. For increased
generalization, the study framework should be further tested under more
representative sample settings.
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Integration of Consumers into New Product Development by
Social Media-Based Crowdsourcing – Findings from the
Consumer Goods Industry in Germany
Fabian A. Geise
1 Introduction
Successful new products are crucial for growth and the strengthening of a
company’s competitiveness. However, not every new product launch succeeds
on the market, i.e. the potential economic success is set against the risk of a new
product failure. The flop rates are up to 90 percent depending on the industry
(Gourville, 2006; Cooper, 2001; Crawford, 1987). The main reason for new
products failing to establish themselves is often that new offers do not fit the
needs of the customers (Reichwald and Piller, 2009, 128f.). This has been
proven in many empirical studies (Gruner and Homburg, 2000; Hanna et al.,
1995; von Hippel, 1986). These studies also show another relevant issue, that it
is necessary to integrate customers’ needs as early as possible into the process of
new product development (NPD), i.e. into the stages “search for new product
ideas” and “evaluation of ideas” (Kotler and Keller, 2012, 597; Bogers et al.,
2010). The question here is how customers can be deeply integrated into the
early stages of the development process of new products.
An effective strategy for integrating customers is the so-called open
innovation approach. The key assumption for open innovation is the fact that
innovation-related knowledge is omnipresent in the company’s environment, i.e.
this knowledge is held by various actors – in particular by suppliers and buyers
in the case of industrial goods and consumers in the case of consumer goods
(Spithoven et al., 2012; Gassmann et. al., 2010; Chesbrough, 2006; Prahalad and
Ramaswamy, 2004). Therefore, companies who work with an open innovation
strategy view customers as a valuable resource for new product ideas. Hence, the
challenging task is to integrate this knowledge systematically into the company’s
innovation management process.
The expansion of the internet to Web 2.0 offers companies the ideal
opportunity to realize open innovation strategies with customers on a new level
of collaboration (Chakravorti, 2010). This applies in particular for companies in
the consumer goods industry. A promising procedure is to use social media like
Facebook, blogs, brand communities, etc. On these virtual platforms you can
typically access many people outside the company cost-efficiently and quickly.
In doing so, innovation processes are outsourced to a crowd, thus to a plurality
THE SEA
By Barry Cornwall
RIGHTEOUS WRATH
By Henry Van Dyke
—Outlook.
TO THE SIERRAS
By J. J. Owen
SUNSET
By Ina Coolbrith
SOMETHING TO LOVE
By William Bansman
BROTHERHOOD
By Edwin Markham
MORNING
By Edward Rowland Sill
SLEEP
By Elizabeth Barrett Browning
LABOR
By Frank Soule
Despise not labor! God did not despise
The handicraft which wrought this gorgeous globe,
That crowned its glories with yon jeweled skies,
And clad the earth in nature’s queenly robe.
He dug the first canal—the river’s bed,
Built the first fountain in the gushing spring,
Wove the first carpet for man’s haughty tread,
The warp and woof of his first covering.
He made the pictures painters imitate,
The statuary’s first grand model made,
Taught human intellect to re-create,
And human ingenuity its trade.
Ere great Daguerre had harnessed up the sun,
Apprenticeship at his new art to serve,
A greater artist greater things had done,
The wondrous pictures of the optic nerve.
There is no deed of honest labor born
That is not Godlike; in the toiling limbs
Howe’er the lazy scoff, the brainless scorn,
God labored first; toil likens us to Him.
Ashamed of work! mechanic, with thy tools,
The tree thy ax cut from its native sod,
And turns to useful things—go tell to fools,
Was fashioned in the factory of God.
Go build your ships, go build your lofty dome,
Your granite temple, that through time endures,
Your humble cot, or that proud pile of Rome,
His arm has toiled there in advance of yours.
He made the flowers your learned florists scan,
And crystallized the atoms of each gem,
Ennobled labor in great nature’s plan,
And made it virtue’s brightest diadem.
Whatever thing is worthy to be had,
Is worthy of the toil by which ’tis won,
Just as the grain by which the field is clad
Pays back the warming labor of the sun.
’Tis not profession that ennobles men,
’Tis not the calling that can e’er degrade,
The trowel is as worthy as the pen,
The pen more mighty than the hero’s blade.
The merchant, with his ledger and his wares,
The lawyer with his cases and his books,
The toiling farmer, with his wheat and tares,
The poet by the shaded streams and nooks,
The man, whate’er his work, wherever done,
If intellect and honor guide his hand,
Is peer to him who greatest state has won,
And rich as any Rothschild of the land.
All mere distinctions based upon pretense,
Are merely laughing themes for manly hearts.
The miner’s cradle claims from men of sense
More honor than the youngling Bonaparte’s.
Let fops and fools the sons of toil deride,
On false pretensions brainless dunces live;
Let carpet heroes strut with parlor pride,
Supreme in all that indolence can give,
But be not like them, and pray envy not
These fancy tom-tit burlesques of mankind,
The witless snobs in idleness who rot,
Hermaphrodite ’twixt vanity and mind.
O son of toil, be proud, look up, arise,
And disregard opinion’s hollow test,
A false society’s decrees despise,
He is most worthy who has labored best.
The scepter is less royal than the hoe,
The sword, beneath whose rule whole nations writhe,
And curse the wearer, while they fear the blow,
Is far less noble than the plow and scythe.
There’s more true honor on one tan-browned hand,
Rough with the honest work of busy men,
Than all the soft-skinned punies of the land,
The nice, white-kiddery of upper ten.
Blow bright the forge—the sturdy anvil ring,
It sings the anthem of king Labor’s courts,
And sweeter sounds the clattering hammers bring,
Than half a thousand thumped piano-fortes.
Fair are the ribbons from the rabbet-plane,
As those which grace my lady’s hat or cape,
Nor does the joiner’s honor blush or wane
Beside the lawyer, with his brief and tape.
Pride thee, mechanic, on thine honest trade,
’Tis nobler than the snob’s much vaunted pelf.
Man’s soulless pride his test of worth has made,
But thine is based on that of God himself.