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Marketing mix strategy plays an important role and serves as a road map for achieving organizational and marketing objectives. An effective marketing mix in the food brand segment strengthens the product's image, recognition, perception and market share by offering superior value to its customers. The purpose of this case study was to review the marketing mix strategy of a local spice brand with a focus on the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) customers. The case revolved around many questions, encompassing several aspects related to brand marketing, marketing mix strategies, communication and brand distribution, and the company's core values and vision and its alignment with the mission. The data for this case study were acquired from secondary sources. The information set highlighted the marketing mix and raised questions regarding the underlined challenges faced by the brand for penetrating and maintaining its presence in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research reveals the presence, in online survey data, of a key pattern documented in psychology lab research: the Mirror Effect. The Mirror Effect occurs when unfamiliar stimuli are unexpectedly recognized as accurately as familiar stimuli, or more accurately. Using a set of familiar and unfamiliar words (as determined by lexical frequency), we first report that we can robustly replicate psychology lab research in an online survey, detecting the Mirror Effect. We then apply the same analytical approach to surveying consumer recognition of everyday brands (supermarkets, banks and car brands). We find that unfamiliar brands can be recognized with the same level of accuracy as familiar brands, and this effect is stronger than age and gender memory biases present in the data. However, we detect a boundary condition for branded apps, which are extremely unfamiliar brands competing in highly fragmented marketplaces, so very few get downloaded or used. For these digital brands, we find a Concordant Effect, as most respondents find it difficult to recognize highly unfamiliar branded apps (i.e., those with fewer than 5000 downloads). The Mirror Effect re‐emerges for highly experienced app users. These results demonstrate the implications of a generalizable empirical pattern from cognitive psychology for branding and advertising theory. The outcomes of this research also translate into practical guidelines for brand performance measurement via online surveys, mitigating recognition memory bias for the development of marketing strategies based on more accurate interpretation of empirical evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aims to examine the challenges of developing a global business-to-business (B2B) offering from an emerging economy (Chile) during an internationalization endeavor. This study analyzes the development and management of an offering evolving from local to global. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected via an in-depth interview (105 min). Findings: The interviewee presented a mixed of interesting marketing and/or marketing-related decisions (e.g. marketing–sales interface and marketing capabilities development) that support the internationalization of a firm and consequently its offering. Research limitations/implications: The data represent a practical, ongoing rationalization of the events perceived by a manager. New theory can emerge from further exploring identified research opportunities. Practical implications: The findings suggest that an emerging economy firm can gradually transition toward a multinational condition by coordinating a series of marketing and/or marketing related decisions, where the CMO (i.e. maximum marketing authority in the organization) plays an essential role. Originality/value: This study brings the voice of practitioners to an academic environment and serves as an innovative effort to analyze B2B practitioners' reality from a scholarly perspective. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first one of the new series "Practitioners Insights" in the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) with the focus of social media marketing as the predictor of the performance. The research was carried out in Dodoma City whereas a crosssectional research design with involvement of 84 staff selected proportionately from MFIs’ strata was employed. Key informants were managers of the MFIs who were purposively selected. Data were collected using questionnaire and interviews. Analysis of qualitative data was undertaken by using adopting content analysis. Regarding quantitative data, application of descriptive statistics in form of percent, frequency and cases of occurrence in multiple responses fashion was carried out that was followed by further econometric analysis using and logit model to determine the performance of MFIs as contributed by social media as marketing strategies. The results indicated that WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook statistically were significant (p < 0.05) with positive relationship with increase in sales. The conclusion made from this research is that social media as marketing strategies positively influence the performance of MFIs. Serious investment in the usage of social media in marketing MFIs and their activities should be maximized for optimal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional foods and drinks benefit human health beyond adequate nutritional effects. The rising popularity of functional beverages (FBs) is associated, among others, with their convenience and capacity to meet consumer needs. This research study aimed to explore the predictors of consumers' intentions toward functional beverages FBs and develop guidelines for how producers and retailers could develop adequate strategies regarding the products. The online questionnaire survey examined consumers' willingness to purchase (WTP) FBs in three categories: (i) yogurts, kefirs; (ii) isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic drinks; (iii) smoothie drinks, and fruit/vegetable cocktails. The questionnaire considered consumers' values, attitudes, and intentions toward FBs. A four-stage hierarchical multiple regression was undertaken. Predictors of WTP products from the selected groups differed. Women were more willing to buy fruit and vegetable-based FBs than men. Reward from using functional foods was the strongest predictor of consumers' WTP dairy FBs and sports drinks. We suggest conducting an experimental study in the future, which should allow us to best determine cause-and-effect relationships between values and attitudes and WTP FBs. Food habits are essential determinants of consumer intentions toward FBs; hence, we suggest promoting healthy nutrition habits within public–private partnerships. Retailers that offer health foods and employ societal retailing may disclose this information in sustainability reporting. The originality of this study resides in designing a model for assessing consumers' attitudes and intentions toward FBs belonging to three selected categories. Previous studies were usually focused on the functional food market in Asian countries. We examined consumers' WTP FBs in a European country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the relationship among green marketing practices, leadership commitment, and environmental performance specifically within Jordan's pharmaceutical industry. It explores the impact of green marketing strategies on the competitive advantage of leading green companies in Jordan. The limitations of this study focused on the Jordanian market, and its findings are not generalizable to other countries due to market contrasts. A quantitative approach was employed to address the research question of "to what extent" these strategies contribute. The theory of the resource‐based view (RBV) was applied to this topic because it suggests that a firm's competitive advantage and performance are primarily determined by its unique resources and capabilities. The research instrument consists of 9 factors clarifying the role of green marketing strategies in improving the competitive edge of leading green companies in Jordan. The population of this study includes all implementing managers of Jordanian leading green companies, while the sample of this study consists of 32 implementing managers. After distributing the scale to the participants of this study, their responses were collected and discussed carefully. Then, their responses were analyzed by using SPSS statistical tests. The results show a significant positive correlation between green marketing strategies and competitive edge. This indicates that leading Jordanian green companies actively gain "green marketing" initiatives to gain and maintain a competitive advantage in the market. The study concludes that embracing green marketing is crucial for Jordanian green companies to compete effectively and achieve sustained success. Novelty or originality in this research looks for specific statements that indicate to a novel theoretical approach, a new methodology, or an innovative application of existing theories, or a unique data. This adds new ideas to the knowledge of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kirkuk Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Weaving is a fabric-making technique whose raw material is fiber or yarn. Weaving is one of the forms of art that not only has aesthetic, but also has functional value in fulfilling daily needs. This study aims to see the effect of e-marketing orientation on strategic business performance mediated by e-trust in the weaving industry in Lima Puluh Kota Regency and Payakumbuh City. This study uses a quantitative approach, analyzed using the SEM-PLS method with a sample size of 36 people. The results showed that e-marketing orientation has a negative and insignificant influence on strategic business performance. Emarketing orientation has a positive and significant influence on e-trust. E-trust has a positive and significant influence on strategic business performance. E-marketing has a positive and significant influence on strategic business performance through the mediating role of e-trust. The implication of this research is that the potential of e-trust with e- marketing is an effective strategy in improving strategic business performance and achieving success in an increasingly competitive digital environment. So it is necessary to have a good understanding of e-marketing technology by paying attention to e-trust aspects and integrating it into marketing and operational strategies to achieve strategic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of rapid growth of the cosmetics industry in Indonesia can be seen from the increase in the number of cosmetics companies and product exports. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of social media-based digital marketing and brand image on buying interest in ESQA local cosmetic products. The method used is quantitative with descriptive and associative approaches. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and literature studies, with a population of generation Z in Sukabumi City and a sample of 180 respondents. Data analysis used multiple correlation, coefficient of determination, F test, multiple linear regression, and T test. The results showed that digital marketing and brand image have a significant influence on purchase intention. The multiple correlation coefficient of 0.907 shows a very strong relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The coefficient of determination of 82,3% shows the significant contribution of digital marketing and brand image to purchase intention. The F test shows the significant effect of the independent variables simultaneously on purchase intention. Multiple linear regression shows that each unit increase in digital marketing and brand image increases purchase intention by 0.398 and 0.679, respectively. The T test shows that digital marketing and brand image partially have a significant effect on buying interest in ESQA products. In conclusion, effective digital marketing strategy and strong brand image are very important in increasing purchase intention of local cosmetic products, especially ESQA, among generation Z in Sukabumi City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Ekonomi Manajemen Sistem Informasi (JEMSI) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Jurnal Ekonomi Manajemen Sistem Informasi (JEMSI) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to conduct a theoretical prediction study exploring the effectiveness of different content marketing strategies in expanding the second-hand market for fashion brands, comparing the costs and risks involved in these strategies in practice. Design/methodology/approach: First, the expert interview method is employed to extract the content marketing strategies of the fashion second-hand market. Then, a descriptive space that is able to identify various fashion brand images is established. Then, experts' perceptions of the relationships between content marketing strategies and fashion brand image dimensions are obtained through a subjective evaluation procedure. Data of semantic evaluation were quantified and analyzed using the fuzzy logic method. Findings: When fashion brands expand to the second-hand market, they not only need to focus on improving the individual differentiation of products but also give priority to the quality of products and services and the overall customer experience. Exploring the "social impact strategy" will become an important direction for the development of fashion brands in the future. Originality/value: The research methodology employed herein exhibits a noteworthy degree of novelty. This study introduces a pioneering theoretical prediction approach utilizing fuzzy logic, marking the inaugural exploration of this emerging and captivating dimension within the context of the study. Simultaneously, the study provides comparative results among content marketing strategies for expanding the fashion second-hand market, offering guidance for market expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the analysis of the preferences of different customer generations in Slovakia in the field of marketing communication and its influence on consumer behaviour. Currently, marketing communication is an integral part of company strategies and has a key influence on how customers choose products or services. With the increasing importance of the generational segmentation of customers, understanding their individual preferences and tendencies in communication becomes an essential prerequisite for success. In this paper, we explore how preferences differ between Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z, and how these preferences influence their consumer behaviour. Based on the analysis of primary and secondary data, the main trends and preferences of generations in the field of marketing communication were identified. This paper provides useful information that can be used by companies in the creation and implementation of marketing strategies. At the same time, the paper enables a better understanding of the dynamics of consumer behaviour in the context of generational preferences and will help identify opportunities for improving marketing activities and more effective communication with target groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influencer marketing has been lauded as one of the most thriving marketing strategies within the contemporary marketing landscape. Nonetheless, numerous opportunities and challenges within the influencer marketing sphere remain to be probed, and its trajectory is somewhat ambiguous in light of emerging technologies and changes in consumers' consumption patterns. This article delves into the subject matter through the prisms of influencer marketing effectiveness, ethical considerations, societal implications, and the future development of influencer marketing. Within each section, the article provides a snapshot of the current state of understanding and delineates potential avenues for future research. In essence, the article offers a nuanced take on the influencer marketing phenomenon, examining its bright and dark sides to business and society, thereby serving as a springboard to spark scholarly and practical interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of the 4Ps of Marketing in an organization's growth strategy, limited research was found to examine the 4Ps' impact on a politician's capabilities and consumer/voter satisfaction. On the contrary, much attention has been given to the resource-based view tool (RBV); a tool that utilizes a firm's valuable resources and dynamic capabilities to strengthen performance and achieve customer satisfaction. Via an online questionnaire, this research collected data from U.S. elected politicians. Using principal components regression, the researchers aim to apply specific dynamic capabilities in politics via the 4Ps Marketing Strategy. Important implications are drawn from this study, and suggestions for future studies are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in machine learning technology has truly impacted our lives by tailoring many of our daily experiences to be seamless and intuitive. This innovation has brought about changes in day-to-day routines; from suggesting music based on our emotions to offering recommendations for places to visit or meals to try out. This special issue explores various Machine Learning technologies. Among some are Machine Learning advances that improve human interaction, predict user behaviours, analyse user reviews, and optimize high-risk investments like Bitcoin trading. These technologies enhance user experiences, help businesses refine marketing strategies, and provide quick insights from vast amounts of information, elevating AI to new heights. With the rise of transformation into advanced technologies taking prominence in our lives, we expect to see these machine learning innovations being integrated across many sectors and uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Marketing Science & Inspirations is the property of Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: In a society that encourages consumption, attributes such as exclusivity and social recognition are important in what is intended to be restricted to a certain exclusive segment. Luxury is something that is more desirable than necessary. This study develops and tests a model that analyses the brand loyalty–risk relationship in the luxury watch market. Design/methodology/approach: To test the proposed research model, a sample of 306 international consumers and enthusiasts of luxury brand watches was collected. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings: The results show that perceived quality has a negative indirect influence on brand risk and brand trust has a strong direct negative effect on brand risk. However, the findings also show that in the luxury market, the greater the affection for the brand, the greater the risk perceived by consumers. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted in a single market, luxury watches and the sample includes both enthusiasts and consumers of the luxury brands. Practical implications: Managers should be aware of the double-edged role of brand affect on brand risk. The quality of a brand and the trust in its promise decrease the risk to the consumer. Originality/value: This pioneering study is one of the first to approach an underexplored topic as is the case of the risk associated with a brand in the context of the luxury goods market. Moreover, it relies on an international sample composed of consumers from several countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas, Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas is the property of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aims to explore the impact of financial technology (fintech) and behavioral intention on financial inclusion, specifically focusing on the role of digital marketing as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach: Using a quantitative research design, this study collected data from 638 respondents in the province of Punjab, Pakistan to investigate the relationship between variables. Findings: The results indicate that both behavioral intention and fintech have a positive and favorable effect on financial inclusion. Furthermore, the study reveals that digital marketing acts as a mediating factor between financial inclusion and both behavioral intention and fintech. These findings underscore the significance of using effective digital marketing strategies to facilitate financial inclusion through fintech platforms. Policymakers should prioritize the adoption of fintech innovations and supportive regulatory frameworks while implementing comprehensive digital marketing strategies to promote financial inclusion. Originality/value: This research contributes to the existing body of literature by presenting empirical evidence that highlights the interconnectedness of fintech, behavioral intention, digital marketing and financial inclusion. By harnessing the potential of fintech and digital marketing, financial institutions can bridge the gap between underserved populations and formal financial services, thereby promoting economic growth and reducing inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Dong handicrafts of Sanjiang, rooted in the cultural heritage of the Dong ethnic group face challenges in retaining their market relevance while preserving their traditional characteristics. Despite their cultural and historical significance, these handicrafts struggle to meet the growing demands of the modern cultural and creative industries, leading to declining sales. This study examines the traditional handicrafts of the Dong community in China. It produces a theoretical framework that can be applied to revitalize them by focusing on three key areas: product development, craft branding and marketing strategies. The paper specifically explores traditional practices such as textile dyeing, wooden architecture construction, and silver craftsmanship, highlighting their cultural and economic importance in contemporary contexts. This research employs a case study method. Data collection process involved gathering and analyzing information from academic journals, government reports, and published magazines. It concludes that the marketability of Dong handicrafts could be enhanced through the development of innovative craft branding strategies that integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern design and technologies while safeguarding their cultural heritage. By employing insights from product development branding and marketing strategies, the paper proposes solutions to revitalize and sustain Dong handicraft traditions in the face of modernization and globalization. The research confirms that traditional Dong handicrafts, despite facing challenges from modernization, globalization, and technological advancements, can be revitalized through the strategic application of product development, branding and marketing frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Management & Business Research (2521-4306) is the property of Chinese Management Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the proliferation of live streaming commerce, there is growing evidence that impulse buying within a live shopping context is occurring. In consideration of the interactive nature of live streaming commerce, this paper proposes an interaction–immersion model to investigate factors affecting impulse buying behaviour. The proposed research model assesses the effects of different kinds of interaction (the person–environment interaction, the para-social interaction with streamers, the para-social interaction with other participants) on interaction immersion, and the subsequent response, i.e., impulse buying behaviour of customers. The proposed model is validated using survey data from 358 users of live shopping. The results show that the three dimensions of interaction have positive and significant effects on customers' interaction immersion, which can affect impulse buying behaviour positively and significantly. Also, streamer attractiveness can positively moderate the effect of interaction immersion on impulse buying behaviour. These findings highlight the vital role of interaction and immersion in encouraging impulse buying behaviour, which can shed light on the design of a better live shopping platform and marketing strategies of sellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Çankırı Karatekin University Journal of the Faculty of Economics & Administrative Sciences is the property of Cankiri Karatekin University, Faculty of Economics & Administrative Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To study the interactions among trading strategies and their profitability from an ecological perspective. Methods: A market ecosystem model is established, and simulations are conducted to examine the interactions and profitability of trading strategies in different market ecologies. Results: Strategies compete with themselves, and different time-window trend strategies exhibit competition and predator–prey relationships. Value and trend strategies demonstrate both symbiosis and predator–prey relationships. The profitability of a strategy depends on the balance of supporting and inhibiting effects, with greater supporting effects leading to higher maximum profit and market capacity, while greater inhibiting effects result in losses. The model suggests that fundamental analysis has a larger market capacity than technical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper examines power user behavior and the design of marketing strategies, using a case study of Smart Community A. We explore how advanced analytical models are used to enhance energy efficiency and user services. First, we apply spectral clustering to refine user segmentation and identify distinct electricity consumption patterns among different groups. Then, the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) analyzes user behavior, uncovering shifts in consumption habits and enabling personalized service offerings. Next, the ARIMA model predicts electricity consumption trends, guiding grid scheduling and resource allocation. Based on these analyses, we develop targeted marketing strategies, such as dynamic pricing and energy-saving incentives, which boost user engagement and reduce energy usage. Through an IoT and big data-driven interactive marketing platform, we enhance user experience and foster a culture of energy conservation. Finally, a feedback mechanism ensures continuous improvement and maximizes the effectiveness of the marketing strategies.

The marketing literature has long recognized the positive relationship between advertising spending and sales at the firm level. However, this literature overlooks country-level heterogeneity of both the advertising channel and retail format evolution, limiting global managers' understanding of the heterogeneity and evolution of advertising channels and retail formats across country markets and, therefore, managers' ability to effectively formulate a global marketing strategy that adjusts for such differences. The authors call for a glocal approach when considering the association between ad spend by media channels and retail format sales at the country level, accounting for country institutional environments. They explore this topic using a 29-country, seven-year unbalanced panel data set. The authors find that there is substantive heterogeneity in ad spend by media channels and retail format sales across countries. Further, they find that changes in ad spend in specific media channels are positively associated with changes in related retail format sales at the country level, whereas the associations between changes in ad spend in media channels with unrelated retail format sales are more nuanced. The findings are informative to international marketing managers navigating the complex and ever-evolving retail landscape and highlight the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs actor-network theory to examine the dynamics of destination marketing in Hokkaido, Japan, where countless films are shot. It is among the first to adopt the local/global network framework in tourism studies, and examine tourism processes through the mobilization, interaction, and disintegration of networks. Networks are understood vis-à-vis actors, and not by the static notion of "power over," but through the dynamic enactment of the notion of "power to." The findings show that networks exercise power within them instead of top-down control, and can help practitioners market destinations successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The segregation of consumption between the Russian- and Estonian-speaking populations residing in Estonia has been common knowledge in the popular imagination, mass media publications, and academic papers. Rather than undertaking an impossible mission to identify whether these narratives are true, in this article, I show how this repertoire of stories has fostered special marketing strategies and document the emergence of a special marketing niche of companies promising to teach how to market products to mainstream or minority consumers based on their presumed mental differences. Deriving from ethnographic fieldwork, I demonstrate how mythologies about ethnic segregation in consumption paradoxically result in integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National government programmes tackling complex social problems have adopted a macro-social marketing approach, with resultant campaigns increasingly containing a partnerships element. However, a lack of academic literature regarding partnerships in macro-social marketing exists, particularly the 'why' of partnerships in national behaviour change interventions. Using a case study methodology, data were collected through three methods (participant observation, document analysis and semi-structured interviews) and analysed using thematic analysis. This paper offers a greater theoretical understanding of why partnerships are used in national social marketing programmes. The findings uncover a new way of conceptualising partnerships in macro-social marketing: holistically as a strategic concept that supports system-wide behaviour change. The findings further reveal that, as a concept, partnerships can play a strategic role in the long-term development and delivery of solutions to tackle complex social problems. Two types of partnerships—strategic partnerships and signposting (tactical) partnerships—are identified and defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's technology-enabled customer with instant access to a global marketplace has led to firms facing intense competition from around the world. As a result, customer engagement has emerged as an important marketing strategy and for more than a decade has fueled intense attention from academe and professionals. However, despite this focus, there is a paucity of research considering customer engagement in a cross-cultural context. This exploratory study provides empirical clarification as to whether culture at a national level impacts the manifestation of specific customer engagement behaviors exhibited by customers engaged with a brand. A conceptualization of customer engagement behaviors according to Hofstede's six dimensions of culture is presented, and a netnographic study focusing on an online brand community reveals that while national culture exerts no impact on the behaviors of engaged customers, the culture associated with a brand does. These findings serve as a foundation for future academic inquiry and present the opportunity for managers to foster and nurture a brand culture that encourages customer engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]