• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.11 no.8
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• pp.7-19
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• 2020

Purpose: Prior studies rarely investigated the effects of the Word of Mouse (WoM) information on consumers' motivation and willingness to purchase a product. Furthermore, few scholars have studied how word-of-mouth information works and they fail to find consistent results. Research design, data and methodology: This study uses a multivariate regression model to investigate the influence of WoM on consumer attitudes and consumer decision-making. It categorizes the quality of WoM into source level and acceptance level, to analyze its influence from a new perspective. A total of 400 surveys were completed, resulting in 336 usable questionnaires for analysis. It was collected in 14 cities from all regions in China. This study constructs a theoretical model of WoM influence on consumers' purchase willingness based on a systematic review of the related literature on WoM quality, perceived value, customer trust, and consumers' purchase willingness. Results: Empirical results reveal that the Internet WoM (consumer's source level and acceptance level) indirectly affects consumer behavior by influencing consumer attitudes. Conclusions: This study provides practical significance and value for merchants to develop better WoM marketing and to establish the reliability of WoM websites. Companies should consider online WoM from the perspective of consumers, thereby improving existing marketing strategies.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.23-30
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• 2016

Purpose - As socially responsible consumption increases, green marketing emerges as a new philosophy in marketing. A number of companies are now putting forth green marketing strategies. But there is no single definition of "green brand" that can be used interchangeably. In this paper, we attempt to explore the meaning for "green brand," especially in Information and Technology products. Research design, data, and methodology - The author developed qualitative and quantitative research design. In particular, the paper approaches this topic from the Asian consumers' perspective and applies ethical concepts to green brand research. For this, Chinese and Korean consumers were used as consumer segmentation variables to investigate their ethical perspectives. Results - Qualitative research showed that there are several attributes and benefits we need to consider for green brand. Quantitative study showed positive correlations of the two variables: the higher the consumer ethics are, the more they prefer green brands. Conclusions - The current study shows that consumers clearly have a certain propensity toward green brand equity. Thus, marketers should consider the consumers' evaluation about green brands. This paper also proposes that ethics have a close relationship with green brand equity, and companies may use ethics in marketing strategy management.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.37-47
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• 2019

Purpose - It is well known that chemyon, referred to by Westerners as face, naturally penetrates the daily life of Asians and influences their cognition, emotion, and behavior. Studies related to chemyon have been conducted in marketing and consumer behavior fields (e.g., luxury products or brands, service failure and recovery, brand preferences, consumer decision making, wedding ceremony, gift giving). A bulk of studies demonstrate that chemyon influences consumption behavior in Asian consumers. Although chemyon significantly influences consumption behavior of Asian consumers, it is also a cultural phenomenon that is not completely explained within the Western viewpoint. Whereas a number of researchers have approached cross-cultural studies of Asian and Western consumers, a limited number of studies have examined it from the perspective of chemyom. The purpose of this study is to compare the phenomenon that chemyon (face) not only affects the consumption behavior of Asia and the West universally (pan-culturally), but also distinctively (culture-specifically). That is, the purpose of this study is to describe that chemyon (face) is not only a culture-specific phenomenon but also a universal phenomenon in the consumption behavior of Asian and Western consumers, even though the extent that chemyon (face) impacts consumption behavior is differentiated. This study aims to understand commonalities and differences between Asian and Western consumption behavior in terms of chemyon (face), and to suggest how to enhance marketing effectiveness in a global market based on understanding the consumption behavior of Asia and the West. Research design, data, and methodology - Using systematic literature review and meta-analysis, this study investigates consumption behavior of Asian and Western consumers from the perspective of chemyon (face). Systematic literature review was used to compare face (chemyon) consumption of Western consumers with that of Asian consumers. To verify systematic literature review, meta-analysis was also accomplished. Results - First, the influence of face (chemyon) on consumption behavior is observed in Western consumers as well as Asian consumers. Second, Asian consumers are more influenced by face (chemyon) than Western consumers. Conclusions - Overall, chemyon (face) can affect the consumption behavior of Asians as well as the consumption behavior of Westerners.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.945-958
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• 2009

This study is to examine the factors affecting success of business withhigh accomplishments in customer recognition and financial aspect in the fashion industry. In addition, through survey on consumers and interviews on industry officials who concerned fashion brand, perceived success factors were compared between consumer and industry groups. This study selected a total of 20 brands, which were 5 brands per 4 categories(e.g., women, men, sports and casual wear), with high customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in consumer's perspective and high revenues, revenue growth, and profit rate in 2004 in a financial perspective. The survey on consumer group and interviews on officials in industry were conducted simultaneously. One thousand respondents were obtained from survey on consumers and 40 respondents were obtained from interviews on industry officials. Multiple regression analysis and t-test were used for data analysis via the SPSS 12.0 program. The result of this study was as following. From a consumer perspective, respondents recognized that both consumer satisfaction and brand revenues were positively related to brand factors of consumer, product and marketing. From an industry's perspective, consumer, product and marketing factors affected consumer satisfaction as a brand success factor. In comparison of perception difference in brand success factors between consumer and industry groups, industry group was more likely to concern about the importance of brand success than consumers. In addition, the consumer group perceived the most highly consumer factor as a brand success factor, followed by product and marketing and external environment factors, while industry group did in order of consumer, marketing, product, and external environment factors, which indicated significant difference in perceptions of the two groups. Through this study on consumer satisfaction to improve positive and amicable buying behavior and comparative analysis on difference of perception of consumers and industry on factorsfor financial ability and revenue increase, the foundation for strategy establishment of brand distinction in fashion industry can be provided.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.7-17
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• 2021

Purpose: Studies on social exclusion from a sensory perspective are rather limited in state-of-the-art literature, especially in exploring the relationship between social exclusion and shape preference from a sensory marketing perspective. The present study aims to explore the effect of social exclusion on consumers' shape preference (angular vs. rounded) and the underlying mechanism. Research design, data and methodology: The relationship between social exclusion and consumers' shape preference was investigated in Study 1 using a one-way between-subject design (being excluded vs. being included), and the mediation effect of sense of control has been examined in Study 2 via a between-subjects design (being excluded vs. being included) ×2 (angular vs. rounded). Both studies were conducted on the Credamo data platform in China, and evaluated by one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed socially excluded consumers prefer the product with angular design rather than socially included consumers, and this effect can be mediated by sense of control. Conclusions: This paper contributes academically for investigating the research area of the sense of control and explores the influence of the control needs of humans on consumer behaviors. Furthermore, it also clarifies new potential psychological role of shape preference - the recovery of the sense of control - to enrich the psychological mechanisms of shape preference.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.96 no.5
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• pp.533-538
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• 2007

This study was conducted in the spring of 2005 through personal interviews to examine the opinions of forest products manufacturers and consumers about the perspective of forest certification in South Korea and to characterize those consumers who expect the activation of a forest certification system in South Korea. Study results indicated that consumers showed more positive aspect for the activation of forest certification than forest products manufacturers. Respondents who had a negative view for establishing a forest certification system in South Korea pointed out a lack of customers' demand for certified wood products as the most important reason. Results also showed that, even when a forest certification system would be introduced as a possible policy for helping to attain sustainable forest management, it would take at least 5 to 10 years to establish a forest certification system in South Korea. To facilitate the establishment of the system, many respondents suggested that an increased public awareness of forest certification systems was the most required precedent condition, and government for manufacturers and forest management association for consumers had to certify forest management practices as a competent organization. A profile of consumers who expected the activation of a forest certification system would describe in relative terms as the highly educated female who interviewed in the city of Seoul and of the 20 age bracket. Although there were an increased public awareness and positive prospective of forest certification by consumers and forest products manufacturers, it is required to arouse much more interest of consumers about the system.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.77-87
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• 2015

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the current state of distribution terminology usage by retailers and consumers nationwide, and to suggest a practical improvement plan for its standardization. The Korean distribution industry is closely related to consumers' daily lives. However, in reality, there exists a gap among producers, distributors, and consumers in terms of the definition, understanding, and perception of the terminology. Therefore, standardizing this terminology is essential for more smooth communication. This paper suggests the necessity of committing overall research and survey activities to the actual conditions of using Korean distribution terminology by organizations and their respective management situations, and further, the necessity of probing the problem and its measures in line with the objective and mission of the "Fundamental Law of the Korean Language." Research design, data, and methodology - This study's scope is limited to wholesale and retail including some information systems. First, the study covers most written material including lexicons and glossary of distribution terminology, university textbooks and teaching material for national certificate of qualification, and related laws and ordinances. Second, the survey covers retailers' management situations by store format. The retailers used as the sample for the survey include department stores, discount stores, SSM, and convenience stores. Altogether, 20 specialists were interviewed in their respective sectors or retail formats. Finally, the project team surveyed a sample of 1,300 consumers nationwide on 50 distribution terms mainly used by consumers, including those about awareness, understanding, usage, and attitude. Results - In total, 1,249 terms are drawn through literature research including distribution terminology used in the related literature, glossary and lexicons, distribution terminology in textbooks, and legal terminology. A classified table comprises four large categories including general distribution, distribution marketing, distribution information, and merchandise. The results of the three-step research including literature survey, field survey of retailers, and consumer survey were advised to be screened by academia (retail associations, faculty etc.), retailers (major retail management by store format), retail specialists and consultants, consumers, and Korean linguists. In total, 1,300 questionnaires for 50 terms of the distribution terminology closely associated with consumers were distributed to subjects nationwide. Conclusions - The desired and expected results from this study are summarized from three perspectives as follows: First, from retailers' perspective, a new concept, or coinage of new terms of the distribution industry stems from advanced countries such as America and Europe. However, the original meaning and definition are diluted and distorted with changes in the language users' situations and context. This study provides basic guidelines for standardization of distribution terms used among various retail formats in most daily life situations that consumers encounter. Second, from the nation's perspective, this study suggests optimal choices of distribution terminology in the context of laws and ordinances regarding concerned Ministries. Last, from the consumers' perspective, this paper enables consumers to understand and use distribution terms properly in their daily life.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.123-128
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• 2014

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to reexamine the price fairness as practiced by low cost airlines, as a consumer has to experience such inconveniences as inferior airport transportation, extra fees on in-flight meals, and non-negotiable seats, and consumers evaluate such experiences keeping in mind their total costs. This evaluation includes price fairness and allows a reasonable and overall consideration of factors of low cost airlines. It tries to set up a measurement of the indicators consumers' perceptions of price fairness academically as it adapts price fairness to airline services which are renowned for price volatility. Research design, data, and methodology - The research proposes an alternative pricing strategy for the long term profit of low cost airlines after going over conflicts between the traditional theory of consumers' price perception mechanism and flexible fair policy of low cost airlines. It was meaningful when it relates to the early stage of the business, while it enhances the risks relating to the long term survival of low cost airlines. In addition, it is significant as it highlights the negative influences on consumers' perceptions of price fairness, as low cost airlines run on extremely low cost perspectives. Results - The results of the research provide insight into four perspectives, as consumers' perceptions of price fairness are influenced by the frequency and range of price changes and services. The first perspective is that it would lead to positive price evaluation when a low cost airline cuts prices frequently with little changes than one big change. It also would lead to the same result when it comes to necessary services. The second perspective is that one big increase of price would rather undermine the negative aspects of price changes than those of several smaller ones. The third perspective is that additional services would be good to consumers' perceptions of price fairness as compared to discount benefits with respect to the cost. Finally, a low cost airline should consider that consumers will change airlines or defer their flight schedule if the flight fares increase beyond their limits. Conclusions - Low cost airlines should reconsider their pricing policies for services that were provided free earlier. A consumer would not like discount benefits when made to pay for services that were, for long, free of charge. If a low cost airline can provide services with no charge, it should improve volumes if the costs are standardized and, moreover, should consider the charging fees. Alternatively, a consumer can choose between services and fair discount. Low cost airlines are implementing sales promotion strategies, as the competition is more intense than it used to be. In these days, they should regard services over sales promotion, as consumers may prefer to spend money on good premium services. Some differentiation in services could create a good market position for the airlines and, hence, good financial performance.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2491-2508
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• 2019

This research investigates the media consumers' behavior with behavioral economics perspective, especially regarding TV content viewers' behavior; how do online communications influence TV viewers' decision when choosing a new TV content among options. We focus on quantity and attribute of comments or reactions on the online news articles. We analyze that online communications data, which were generated before the first broadcast, affect the TV content consumers' choice for a new TV series. Here we identify a predicted utility, experienced utility and distinction bias in TV media consumption to find the effectiveness of the first viewing choice on whole TV series' episodes. To avoid the crucial influence by exogenous factors, such as season and social issue, the test was done with specific conditions. This research found that the total number of reactions to the comments by itself positively affects the audiences' decision-making behavior for a new TV content choice. This influence was regardless of favor/ non-flavor reactions. This study contributes to the literature on media economics and management by exploring the media content users' consuming behavior and making a first step for finding an important influencer on the media content consumption.

• Proceedings of the Korean DIstribution Association Conference
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.319-336
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• 2007