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MKT 201
MKT 201
that a consumer has before making a purchasing decision. It involves factors such as attitudes,
beliefs, values, and past experiences that influence how a consumer perceives and evaluates
products or services. This process starts with a consumer's initial exposure to a product or
brand and continues through the stages of information search, evaluation of alternatives, and
ultimately the purchase decision. Understanding the predisposition process helps marketers
tailor their strategies to effectively influence consumer behavior at each stage of the decision-
making process
*Evaluation criteria in consumer behavior refer to the standards or factors that consumers use
to assess and compare different products or brands when making a purchasing decision. These
criteria can vary depending on the specific product category, individual preferences, and
situational factors. Common evaluation criteria include:
1. Price: The cost of the product relative to the perceived value and budget of the consumer.
2. Quality: The level of excellence or superiority of the product in terms of durability, reliability,
and performance.
3. Brand reputation: The perception of the brand's reliability, trustworthiness, and credibility in
delivering quality products or services.
5. Design and aesthetics: The visual appeal, style, and design elements of the product that
influence consumer perception and preference.
6. Convenience: The ease of use, accessibility, and availability of the product, including factors
such as location, packaging, and delivery options.
7. Social and environmental responsibility: The extent to which the product or brand aligns with
the consumer's values regarding sustainability, ethics, and social impact.
8. Reviews and recommendations: Feedback, ratings, and testimonials from other consumers or
experts that influence the consumer's perception and decision-making.
Consumers typically weigh these evaluation criteria differently based on their priorities,
preferences, and situational factors, ultimately leading to their selection of a particular product
or brand. Marketers often study and leverage these evaluation criteria to design and position
their products effectively in the market to meet consumer needs and preferences.
*In consumer behavior, attitude refers to a consumer's overall evaluation or feelings towards a
particular product, brand, service, or company. Attitudes are formed based on a combination of
beliefs, feelings, and behavioral intentions, shaped by past experiences, social influences, and
individual characteristics.
Attitudes play a significant role in consumer decision-making processes, as they influence how
consumers perceive and respond to marketing stimuli, such as advertisements, product
information, and brand messaging. Positive attitudes towards a product or brand are more likely
to result in purchase intentions and actual buying behavior, while negative attitudes may lead to
avoidance or rejection of the product.
1. Cognitive component: This involves beliefs and perceptions about the attributes, features,
and benefits of a product or brand. For example, believing that a certain brand of running shoes
is durable and high-quality.
2. Affective component: This refers to the emotional or affective reactions associated with the
product or brand. It includes feelings of like, dislike, excitement, trust, or satisfaction. For
instance, feeling happy and satisfied when using a particular brand of smartphone.
Marketers often seek to understand and influence consumer attitudes through various
marketing strategies, including advertising, product positioning, brand image, and customer
experiences. By shaping positive attitudes towards their products or brands, marketers aim to
drive consumer preference and loyalty, ultimately leading to increased sales and market
success.
*Personality in consumer behavior refers to the unique set of characteristics, traits, and
behaviors that distinguish individuals from one another and influence their consumption
choices and preferences. Just like in everyday life, personality in consumer behavior
encompasses a range of psychological traits that shape how individuals perceive, interpret, and
respond to marketing stimuli, products, and brands.
1. **Traits**: Personality traits are enduring patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that are
relatively consistent over time and across different situations. Examples of traits relevant to
consumer behavior include extroversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness,
agreeableness, and neuroticism.
2. **Self-concept**: This refers to how individuals perceive themselves and their identity,
including their values, beliefs, and self-image. Consumers may choose products and brands that
reflect or reinforce their self-concept, helping to express their identity to themselves and others.
3. **Lifestyles**: Lifestyles encompass the way individuals live and spend their time, including
their interests, activities, and consumption patterns. Consumers with similar lifestyles may
exhibit similar consumption preferences and behaviors, as their choices align with their shared
values and priorities.
Understanding the role of personality in consumer behavior helps marketers develop more
effective marketing strategies, including product design, brand positioning, advertising
messaging, and customer engagement initiatives. By appealing to consumers' personality traits
and self-concepts, marketers can create stronger emotional connections with their target
audience and foster brand loyalty and advocacy.
In the purchasing process within an organization, there are several key role players involved,
each contributing to different aspects of the procurement process. Some of the essential role
players include:
5. **Suppliers/Vendors**: Suppliers are external entities that provide goods or services to the
organization. They play a vital role in the purchasing process by responding to requests for
proposals, submitting bids, negotiating contracts, and delivering products or services as per
agreed-upon terms and conditions.
6. **Legal Department**: The legal department ensures that purchasing contracts and
agreements comply with applicable laws and regulations. They review and draft contracts,
assess legal risks, and provide guidance on contractual matters to protect the organization's
interests.
7. **Quality Assurance/Quality Control**: These departments are responsible for ensuring that
purchased goods or services meet quality standards and specifications. They may conduct
inspections, audits, and testing to verify product quality and compliance with contractual
requirements.
By effectively coordinating the efforts of these role players, organizations can streamline the
purchasing process, minimize risks, control costs, and ensure the timely acquisition of goods
and services to support their operational needs.
List and Explain the Characteristics of consumer behavior according to Peter and
Olson(1990)
Peter and Olson (1990) identified several characteristics of consumer behavior, which are
fundamental aspects that influence how consumers make decisions and interact with the
market. Here are the characteristics along with brief explanations:
2. **Complex**: Consumer behavior is complex due to the multitude of factors that influence
individuals' decision-making processes. These factors include psychological, social, cultural,
economic, and situational influences, which interact in intricate ways to shape consumer
choices.
3. **Varied**: Consumer behavior varies across individuals, groups, cultures, and contexts.
Different consumers may exhibit varying preferences, attitudes, and behaviors based on their
unique characteristics, experiences, and environmental influences. Similarly, consumer behavior
may differ across cultures and societies due to cultural norms, values, and traditions.
4. **Interdisciplinary**: Consumer behavior draws upon insights from various disciplines such
as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and marketing. It involves understanding
the psychological processes underlying consumer decision-making, as well as the social and
cultural factors that shape consumer behavior within broader societal contexts.
These characteristics highlight the complexity and dynamic nature of consumer behavior,
emphasizing the need for marketers to adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to
understanding and influencing consumer choices and preferences. By considering these
characteristics, marketers can develop more effective strategies to engage with consumers and
meet their needs in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Several factors influence the dynamics and performance of industries within the market. These
factors can vary depending on the specific industry and market conditions, but some common
ones include:
1. **Economic Conditions**: Economic factors such as GDP growth, inflation rates, interest
rates, and unemployment levels significantly impact industry markets. Strong economic
conditions generally lead to increased consumer spending and business investment, benefiting
most industries, while economic downturns can have the opposite effect.
4. **Market Demand and Trends**: Consumer preferences, demographic shifts, and societal
trends influence market demand for products and services. Industries must monitor and adapt
to changing consumer preferences to remain competitive and meet market demand effectively.
9. **Supplier and Distribution Networks**: The availability, reliability, and cost of inputs, as well
as the efficiency of distribution channels, impact industry operations and competitiveness.
Industries must manage relationships with suppliers and distributors to ensure the timely and
cost-effective delivery of goods and services to consumers.
By understanding and responding to these influencing factors, industries can adapt to changing
market conditions, mitigate risks, seize opportunities for growth, and maintain a competitive
edge in the marketplace.
"Organization market" and "industry market" are terms often used in the context of marketing
and business to describe different segments of the market.
1. **Organization Market**:
- The organization market refers to the market for goods and services purchased by
organizations (businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations) to support their
operations and fulfill their needs.
- This market includes purchases made for business purposes, such as raw materials,
components, equipment, technology, office supplies, and professional services.
2. **Industry Market**:
- The industry market refers to the broader market environment in which businesses operate
and compete within a specific industry or sector.
- This market encompasses all the organizations, suppliers, customers, competitors, and other
stakeholders involved in producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services within a
particular industry.
- Industry markets may include multiple segments or niches, each with its own unique
characteristics and requirements.
Certainly! Here are concise definitions of consumer behavior according to each scholar:
- Defined consumer behavior as the study of how individuals' psychological processes, such
as perception, cognition, and motivation, influence their responses to marketing stimuli and
purchasing decisions.
- Defined consumer behavior as the examination of how individuals' interactions with products
and services shape their experiences, preferences, and behaviors within the marketplace.
- Defined consumer behavior as the analysis of individuals' buying behaviors, preferences, and
decision-making processes, with a focus on understanding market segments, consumer
motivations, and purchase patterns.
- Defined consumer behavior within the context of his hierarchy of needs theory, which
suggests that individuals' purchasing decisions are driven by their desire to satisfy physiological,
safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs.
- Defined consumer behavior as the result of the interaction between individual characteristics
(e.g., personality, attitudes) and environmental factors (e.g., social influences, situational
context) within a dynamic field.
- Defined consumer behavior as the examination of how individuals' choices and decisions
deviate from traditional economic models due to biases, bounded rationality, and social
influences, as explored within the field of behavioral economics.
What is buying behavior and consumer behavior and highlight their differences ?
Buying behavior and consumer behavior are closely related concepts in the field of
marketing, but they have distinct meanings and implications:
1. **Buying Behavior**:
- Buying behavior refers specifically to the actions and decision-making processes that
individuals or organizations engage in when purchasing goods or services.
- It focuses on the observable behaviors and actions taken by buyers, such as researching
products, comparing prices, evaluating alternatives, making purchase decisions, and engaging
in post-purchase activities.
2. **Consumer Behavior**:
- It includes not only the buying behavior of consumers but also the underlying
psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence their decision-making
processes and consumption patterns.
- It involves studying both the conscious and subconscious processes that drive
consumer choices and behaviors, including cognitive processes, emotional responses, and
social influences.
**Key Differences**:
1. **Scope**: Buying behavior focuses specifically on the actions and behaviors associated
with purchasing decisions, while consumer behavior encompasses a broader understanding of
individuals' behaviors, attitudes, and motivations within the marketplace.
3. **Analysis Depth**: Buying behavior tends to analyze observable actions and decisions
made during the purchase process, while consumer behavior delves deeper into the underlying
motivations, attitudes, perceptions, and cognitive processes that shape those actions.
The evolution of marketing can be understood through several distinct phases, each
characterized by shifts in business practices, technological advancements, societal changes,
and consumer behaviors. Here's an overview of the major evolutions of marketing:
- During this era, businesses focused primarily on maximizing production efficiency and
economies of scale to meet the high demand for basic goods.
- The key marketing strategy was mass production and distribution, with little emphasis
on customer preferences or differentiation between products.
- As competition increased and markets became more saturated, businesses shifted their
focus to product quality, features, and innovation.
- Businesses leverage a mix of advertising, public relations, direct marketing, social media,
content marketing, and other channels to create cohesive and seamless customer experiences.
- The advent of digital technologies, including the internet, social media, mobile devices,
and data analytics, has transformed marketing practices.
- Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of online tactics, including search engine
optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, social media marketing,
and content marketing, enabling businesses to reach and engage with consumers in more
targeted and personalized ways.
- With growing concerns about sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical
business practices, businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable marketing strategies.
These evolutions reflect the dynamic nature of marketing and its ongoing adaptation to
changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and societal trends. By
understanding these shifts, businesses can adapt their marketing strategies to remain
competitive and effectively meet the needs of today's consumers.
4. **Values and Beliefs**: Personal values, beliefs, and attitudes play a significant role in
shaping consumer behavior. These factors influence how individuals perceive products, brands,
and marketing messages and can guide their decision-making processes.
5. **Motivation**: Motivation refers to the internal needs, desires, and goals that drive
consumer behavior. Consumers are motivated to satisfy various needs, such as physiological,
safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs, which can influence their purchasing
decisions.
8. **Cultural and Social Influences**: Cultural norms, values, customs, and social influences
from family, friends, peers, and reference groups can impact consumer behavior. Consumers
may conform to societal norms and seek social approval or follow the preferences of influential
individuals or groups.
These individual factors interact in complex ways to shape consumer behavior, making it
essential for marketers to understand the unique preferences, motivations, and decision-making
processes of their target audience. By considering these factors, marketers can develop more
targeted and effective marketing strategies to engage with consumers and meet their needs
effectively.
2. **Motivation**: Motivation involves the internal needs, desires, and goals that drive
consumer behavior. Consumers are motivated to satisfy various needs, such as physiological
(e.g., hunger, thirst), safety (e.g., security, protection), social (e.g., belongingness, affiliation),
esteem (e.g., status, recognition), and self-actualization (e.g., personal growth, fulfillment)
needs, which can influence their purchasing decisions.
3. **Learning and Memory**: Learning refers to the process through which individuals
acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience and exposure to marketing stimuli.
Consumers learn from their interactions with products, brands, and advertising messages,
which can shape their preferences, attitudes, and decision-making processes over time.
Memory plays a role in storing and retrieving information related to past experiences and
learning, influencing consumers' brand recall, product evaluations, and purchase decisions.
4. **Attitudes and Beliefs**: Attitudes are individuals' overall evaluations or feelings toward
particular products, brands, or companies, while beliefs are individuals' perceptions or opinions
about the attributes, features, and benefits of products or brands. Consumers' attitudes and
beliefs influence their preferences, intentions, and behaviors, guiding their choices and
decisions in the marketplace.
Group factors refer to the social influences and interactions that shape individuals' behavior
within groups or social contexts. These factors play a significant role in influencing consumer
behavior by affecting individuals' perceptions, attitudes, preferences, and purchasing decisions.
Here are some key group factors that influence consumer behavior:
1. **Reference Groups**: Reference groups are groups of people that individuals compare
themselves to or aspire to be like. These groups can include family members, friends,
colleagues, peers, and celebrities. Consumers may seek to conform to the norms, values, and
preferences of their reference groups, leading to the adoption of certain products, brands, or
behaviors that are perceived as socially desirable or acceptable.
2. **Family**: Family is one of the most influential reference groups in consumer behavior.
Family members, including parents, siblings, spouses, and children, can influence individuals'
attitudes, beliefs, and purchasing decisions through direct communication, role modeling, and
socialization processes. Family dynamics, roles, and relationships can shape consumers'
product choices, brand preferences, and consumption patterns.
4. **Culture and Subculture**: Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values, norms,
customs, and traditions of a society, while subculture refers to smaller groups within a society
that share distinct cultural characteristics. Cultural and subcultural influences shape
consumers' tastes, preferences, and behaviors by providing shared meanings, symbols, and
rituals associated with products, brands, and consumption practices.
5. **Social Networks and Online Communities**: Social networks and online communities
play an increasingly important role in influencing consumer behavior. Individuals interact with
peers, influencers, and communities through social media platforms, forums, and online
communities, seeking advice, recommendations, and validation for their purchasing decisions.
Word-of-mouth recommendations, user reviews, and social endorsements can significantly
impact consumers' perceptions and choices.
6. **Opinion Leaders and Influencers**: Opinion leaders are individuals who are perceived
as knowledgeable, influential, and credible sources of information within their social networks
or communities. Influencers are individuals who have a large following on social media
platforms and can sway consumer opinions and behaviors through their content and
recommendations. Consumers may look to opinion leaders and influencers for guidance, advice,
and product recommendations, affecting their purchasing decisions.
7. **Group Dynamics and Peer Pressure**: Group dynamics, including conformity, social
influence, and peer pressure, can influence individuals' behavior within group settings.
Consumers may conform to group norms, attitudes, or behaviors to gain acceptance, avoid
social rejection, or maintain harmony within their social circles. Peer pressure can influence
consumers' product choices, brand preferences, and consumption behaviors, particularly
among adolescents and young adults.
By understanding these group factors, marketers can develop more effective marketing
strategies that leverage social influences, group dynamics, and peer interactions to influence
consumer behavior positively. Building relationships with key reference groups, engaging with
influencers, and creating social proof through testimonials and user-generated content can help
marketers connect with consumers on a deeper level and drive brand engagement and loyalty.
Role of consumer in marketing ?
The role of consumers in marketing is central and multifaceted. Consumers play several
crucial roles that influence the effectiveness of marketing strategies and ultimately drive the
success of businesses. Here are some key roles of consumers in marketing:
2. **Feedback and Input**: Consumers provide valuable feedback and input to businesses
through various channels, such as surveys, reviews, social media, and customer service
interactions. This feedback helps businesses understand consumer preferences, identify areas
for improvement, and develop products and services that better meet consumer needs.
3. **Brand Advocacy**: Satisfied customers often become brand advocates who promote
and recommend products or services to others. Word-of-mouth recommendations, testimonials,
and positive reviews from satisfied customers can be powerful marketing tools that influence
other consumers' purchasing decisions and build brand credibility and loyalty.
6. **Demand Forecasting**: Consumer behavior data and insights are used by businesses
for demand forecasting and market analysis. By analyzing past purchasing patterns, trends, and
consumer preferences, businesses can anticipate future demand, adjust inventory levels, and
optimize production and distribution processes to meet consumer needs more effectively.
Overall, consumers are active participants in the marketing process, shaping demand,
providing feedback, influencing brand perception, and driving innovation. By understanding and
engaging with consumers effectively, businesses can build stronger relationships, create value,
and achieve sustainable growth in the marketplace.
1. **Needs and Wants**: Consumers have inherent needs and wants that drive their
purchasing behavior. Needs are essential requirements for survival and well-being, such as food,
shelter, and clothing, while wants are desires for products or services that satisfy specific
preferences or aspirations.
4. **Social Influences**: Social factors, including family, friends, peers, and reference
groups, exert a strong influence on consumer behavior. Consumers may seek social approval,
conform to group norms, or emulate the behaviors and preferences of influential individuals or
groups, shaping their consumption choices and brand preferences.
5. **Cultural and Subcultural Influences**: Cultural values, norms, beliefs, and traditions
influence consumer behavior by providing shared meanings, symbols, and rituals associated
with products, brands, and consumption practices. Subcultures within society, such as ethnic
groups, age cohorts, or social classes, may have distinct cultural norms and consumption
patterns that influence consumer behavior.
7. **Motivation and Goals**: Consumers are motivated by internal needs, desires, and goals
that drive their behavior. Motivations such as achieving status, gaining social approval,
satisfying curiosity, or fulfilling personal values and aspirations influence consumers' product
choices, brand preferences, and consumption behaviors.
8. **Attitudes and Beliefs**: Consumers' attitudes and beliefs toward products, brands,
companies, and marketing messages influence their purchasing decisions. Positive attitudes
and favorable beliefs can lead to stronger brand loyalty and repeat purchases, while negative
attitudes or misconceptions may deter consumers from buying certain products or brands.
10. **Personal Values and Identity**: Consumers' personal values, beliefs, and self-concept
influence their consumption choices and brand preferences. Consumers may align their
purchases with their values, identity, and desired self-image, seeking products or brands that
reflect their personality, lifestyle, or ethical principles.
These reasons for consumer behavior highlight the complex interplay of individual, social,
cultural, and psychological factors that shape how consumers think, feel, and act in the
marketplace. By understanding these reasons, businesses can develop more effective
marketing strategies and tailor their offerings to meet the diverse needs and preferences of
their target audience.
Studying models of consumer behavior provides valuable frameworks and insights into the
complex dynamics of how consumers think, feel, and act in the marketplace. These models
offer systematic approaches to understanding the various factors that influence consumer
behavior and help businesses develop effective marketing strategies. Here are some reasons
why studying models of consumer behavior is important:
2. **Identifying Key Influencing Factors**: Consumer behavior models identify the key
factors that influence consumer behavior, such as personal characteristics, social influences,
cultural factors, and situational variables. By understanding these influencing factors,
businesses can develop targeted marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience
and address their specific needs and preferences.
Certainly! Consumer behavior has both advantages and disadvantages for businesses and
marketers. Let's explore them:
**Advantages:**
5. **Risk Mitigation**: Consumer behavior research helps businesses mitigate risk and
uncertainty in the marketplace by making more informed decisions. By understanding consumer
preferences, market dynamics, and competitive pressures, businesses can reduce the risk of
product failures, marketing missteps, and missed opportunities, leading to more successful
outcomes.
**Disadvantages:**
4. **Impulse Buying**: Impulse buying behavior occurs when consumers make unplanned
and spontaneous purchases without much prior deliberation or consideration. Consumers
engage in impulse buying behavior when they are influenced by situational factors such as sales
promotions, product displays, or peer pressure, leading them to make impulsive decisions
based on immediate desires or emotions. Examples include buying snacks at the checkout
counter or purchasing items on a whim while browsing in-store or online.
5. **Brand Loyalty**: Brand loyalty behavior occurs when consumers consistently prefer
and purchase a specific brand or product over others within the same category. Consumers
exhibit brand loyalty behavior when they have a strong emotional connection or attachment to a
brand, perceive it as offering superior quality or value, or identify with its image or values. They
may actively seek out their preferred brand, even if other alternatives are available.
6. **Switching Behavior**: Switching behavior occurs when consumers switch from one
brand or product to another within the same category. Consumers engage in switching behavior
when they are dissatisfied with their current choice, seek better value or features, or are
influenced by external factors such as price discounts or promotions. Examples include
switching between different brands of smartphones, soft drinks, or personal care products
based on changing preferences or circumstances.
These are just a few examples of the types of consumer behavior observed in the
marketplace. Consumer behavior can be influenced by a wide range of factors, and individuals
may exhibit different types of behavior depending on the specific context, product category, and
their own personal preferences and motivations.