Jonathan A.J. Wilson

Shaping the Halal into a brand

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review current literature and practices concerning the usage and consumption of Halal, within marketing and branding. Following this, the paper is to both stimulate discussions and encourage further thinking within this field.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses inductive reasoning and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis. Evidence gathered from structured and systematic literature reviews – supported by existing empirical data, anecdotal evidence, personal observations and experience is also used.Findings – In business, the doctrine of what is Halal, has culminated in the creation of ingredient brands and in some cases forms of co‐branding. However, the Halals full potential has yet to be harnessed and there remain areas of dissonance and misunderstanding. Reasons offered by the authors are that current applications of brand theory unnecessarily restrict the term Halal and presuppose that there is one inte...

The challenges of Islamic branding: navigating emotions and halal

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges which the concept of halal presents – when attempting to understand how halal‐conscious consumers behave and what it takes to maintain an emotive, credible and authentic brand proposition.Design/methodology/approach – Interpretive phenomenological analysis and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis, were employed. Evidence supported by discussions and participant observation method, whilst attending Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum, 26‐27 July 2010, Said Business School, University of Oxford – in addition to the empirical data presented by keynote speakers.Findings – The author asserts that halal‐conscious consumers are risk averse, which drives discerning and high‐involvement behavioural traits. Furthermore, in the face of this, brand managers are still unclear how far they can push more emotionally led brand messages. Finally, the paper presents a halal decision‐making paradi...

Crescent marketing, Muslim geographies and brand Islam: Reflections from the JIMA Senior Advisory Board

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to bring together the thoughts and opinions of key members of the Journal of Islamic Marketings (JIMA) Editorial Team, regarding the recently branded phenomenon of Islamic marketing – in the interests of stimulating further erudition.Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopted an “eagle eye” method to investigate this phenomenon: Where attempts were made to frame general principles and observations; alongside a swooping view of key anecdotal observations – in order to ground and enrich the study. The authors participated in an iterative process when analysing longitudinal and contemporary phenomenological data, in order to arrive at a consensus. This was grounded in: triangulating individual and collective researcher findings; critiquing relevant published material; and reflecting upon known reviewed manuscripts submitted to marketing publications – both successful and unsuccessful.Findings – The authors assert that a key milestone in the study and practice of...

The rise of inconspicuous consumption

Abstract Ever since Veblen and Simmel, luxury has been synonymous with conspicuous consumption. In this conceptual paper we demonstrate the rise of inconspicuous consumption via a wide-ranging synthesis of the literature. We attribute this rise to the signalling ability of traditional luxury goods being diluted, a preference for not standing out as ostentatious during times of economic hardship, and an increased desire for sophistication and subtlety in design in order to further distinguish oneself for a narrow group of peers. We decouple the constructs of luxury and conspicuousness, which allows us to reconceptualise the signalling quality of brands and the construct of luxury. This also has implications for understanding consumer behaviour practices such as counterfeiting and suggests that consumption trends in emerging markets may take a different path from the past.

The new wave of transformational Islamic marketing: Reflections and definitions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, to reflect on the subject discipline of Islamic marketing and connecting activities in the Journal of Islamic Marketing. And, second, to capture key discussions and experiences, with the aim of refining definitions and approaches; in order to set a clear vision for scholarship in the field. Design/methodology/approach – Expert knowledge elicitation from literature, key practitioners and academics, whilst serving on the Editorial Advisory Board; using participant observation methods and the Socratic elenchus. Data were gathered whilst the author presented at conferences and held a series of guest lectures, over a two-year period in: India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and UK. Findings – The term “Islamic marketing” is still very new, and reflective of an emergent phenomenon which stretches across the Muslim world and beyond. It draws from established subject disciplines in Business and Management, but also reaches into areas of Islamic studies and other social sciences. Furthermore, its interest and applicability has garnered support from those regardless of any Islamic faith. As such, there are varying perspective and standpoints, which have raised discussions as to how this phenomenon should be defined and understood; and moving forward should be researched and served by practitioners. Originality/value – This paper gives consideration to a fan of opinions and the challenges faced, as are commonplace with any newly identified phenomenon. In addition, two models are offered as a basis for understanding how research can be undertaken, which has to balance two axes: Islamic studies and marketing; and Heterodoxy and orthodoxy.Purpose – The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to reflect on the subject discipline of Islamic marketing and connecting activities in the Journal of Islamic Marketing. And, second, to capture key discussions and experiences, with the aim of refining definitions and approaches; in order to set a clear vision for scholarship in the field.Design/methodology/approach – Expert knowledge elicitation from literature, key practitioners and academics, whilst serving on the Editorial Advisory Board; using participant observation methods and the Socratic elenchus. Data were gathered whilst the author presented at conferences and held a series of guest lectures, over a two‐year period in: India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and UK.Findings – The term “Islamic marketing” is still very new, and reflective of an emergent phenomenon which stretches across the Muslim world and beyond. It draws from established subject disciplines in Business and Management, but also re...

Assessing the implications on performance when aligning customer lifetime value calculations with religious faith groups and afterlifetime values – a Socratic elenchus approach

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is an established relationship marketing-centric approach to evaluating performance: based upon the significance of a customer, and what resources should be allocated towards maintaining relations - beyond short-term transactional views. The conceptual argument presented in this paper contributes one very simple, yet significant argument, which is both transactional and relational. Namely, a large portion of humanity believes in a life beyond current existence - the afterlife. Therefore, death in the psyche of such a person does not terminate benefit seeking, and there is value in the afterlife. The aim here is to refine value-based calculations, drawing from varying religious perspectives: reincarnation, heaven, and enlightenment, amongst others. A particular focus has been given to Islamic schools of thought and practices, as a test case and in response to market growth and interest trends. The method adopted uses a conceptual Socratic elenchus approach - drawing from interpretive phenomenological analysis and syllogisms, building on allegorical anecdotal evidence. The paper ends with a proposal for a four-step managerial decision model that may reformulate branding strategies, based upon maximising the sum of CLV and customer afterlife time value (CALV).

The Halal phenomenon – an extension or a new paradigm?

‘Halal’, an Arabic word from the Muslim holy book of the Qur’an, can be translated simply as meaning permissible, according to the teachings of Islam. However, the call to certify products and practices formally, and subsequently then label them has given rise to a new cultural phenomenon. Demands to carry overt labels and messages; and expectations as to what Halal is and should be are on the increase inside and outside of Muslim geographies across the globe. For economic and technological reasons, this is also transferring the domain of halal more and more to a vanguard of businesses; as opposed to being just a religious imperative driven by the clergy. Furthermore, the current landscape of the halal industry has arrived at a crossroads: where debates consider whether halal offers opportunities for product and brand extensions, rendering it as a niche marketing approach; or if in fact it presents the opportunity to create a new business paradigm. This article offers practitioners and academics an overview and insight into an industry that has been assessed as having a worldwide value of USD

Saipa Group, Iran – using strategic brand extensions to build relationships

2.3 trillion.

Islamic Arab hospitality and multiculturalism

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into how branding is used in an innovative manner, when looking to generate equity and strengthen stakeholder relations – by a global car manufacturing company, governed by Iranian Islamic law. Following this, suggested areas of discussion are offered, in the interests of stimulating new thinking and further knowledge – surrounding marketing and branding in a Muslim context; Iranian culture; and the differences between Arab and Persian‐centric approaches, towards an adherence to Islamic ethic.Design/methodology/approach – Inductive reasoning and syllogisms, as a basis for conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis. Evidence was gathered via in‐depth interviews, personal observations and experiences; as a result of meetings and the in‐house training of senior decision makers, over a three‐year period. This is further supported by anecdotal evidence; systematic literature reviews; and existing empirical data.Findings – In the face of ...

The role of Islamic marketing researchers: Scribes, oracles, trend spotters – or thought leaders? Setting the agenda

This ethnographic study in Qatar and United Arab Emirates addresses a particular Islamic consumptionscape as well as a related commodified practice: that of Arab hospitality. This much vaunted Arab virtue is examined in three contexts: home hospitality, commercial hospitality, and hospitality toward foreign guest workers and visitors. We find that home hospitality is largely extended inward and involves sharing in with close same-sex friends and family in a tournament of status, while hospitality toward foreigners is largely either nonexistent or outsourced to other foreigners. These patterns are explained in terms of hyper-ritualization of that which is most in doubt, namely, multiculturalism and patriarchal authority. We argue that this same pattern of hyper-ritualization may apply in other ritual contexts like American Thanksgiving celebrations.