Robert E. Pitts

Exploring the structure of ethical attributions as a component of the consumer decision model: The vicarious versus personal perspective

The managerial ethics literature is used as a base for the inclusion of Ethical Attribution, as an element in the consumers decision process. A situational model of ethical consideration in consumer behavior is proposed and examined for Personal vs. Vicarious effects. Using a path analytic approach, unique structures are reported for Personal and Vicarious situations in the evaluation of a sellers unethical behavior. An attributional paradigm is suggested to explain the results.

Consumers' evaluative structures in two ethical situations: A means-end approach

Abstract In this paper, we examine differences in consumers means-end chain knowledge structures that are developed during the evaluation of a sellers prior ethical/unethical behavior. Independent measures of personal list of values (terminal values) were obtained from undergraduate subjects prior to the presentation of one of two treatment scenarios. Reading one version, subjects made judgments regarding unethical business behavior, but were told that they were not personally affected by the misconduct. The second treatment group was told that they were victims of the unethical business behavior. The subjects were measured, post-treatment on ethical orientation (instrumental values) and ethical evaluation (consequence), and decision outcomes were taken using normal questionnaire techniques. These were analyzed using correlative statistical analysis. Comparisons revealed marked differences between means-end chain structures utilized when the ethical situation has personal versus social (nonpersonal) consequences to the subjects. This study suggests that means-end analysis may hold promise as a tool to better understand the process through which the individual utilizes chunks of associated information, or causal schema, in decision making.

The appropriateness of fear appeal use for health care marketing to the elderly: Is it OK to scare granny?

In this paper we explore the intersection of three topics which have historically been singled out for ethical consideration in advertising and marketing: the use of fear appeals, marketing to the elderly, and the marketing of health care services and products. Issues relevant to using fear appeals in promoting health care issues to the elderly are explored with a consumer psychologists theoretical view of fear appeals. Next the assumption of the elderly markets vulnerability and indicants of social or psychological function which would differentiate the elderly recipients of marketing communications are examined both in terms of function and ethical concerns.Overall, our review of the theoretical underpinnings of fear-based communication and the psychological characteristics does not indicate that the elderly of today are particularlyvulnerable. While the elderly are probably somewhat more dogmatic than younger consumers and perhaps view outcomes from the perspective of their age, there are no indications that their psychological responses to fear-based appeals differ significantly from those of younger consumers.

The relationship between selected socioeconomic variables and measures of arson: A cross-sectional study

This article examines the relationship between arson and selected sociological factors. Factor analysis was applied to 14 socioeconomic factors to produce the composite factors of social climate, income structure, economic climate and social structure. These four sociological factors were used as the independent variables in a series of multiple regressions with five arson-related measures. Statistically significant regression models were determined at the state level for property loss (total fires), number of fires and number of arsons. Findings indicate that poorer, more rural states have the lowest arson rates while arson is greatest in more urban states with correspondingly higher levels of violent crime. Social structures leading to criminal activity rather than poverty or general economic factors appear most related to arson in a given state.

A realist view of marketing ethics

ing through its advertising and sales activities is necessarily manipulative; it stimulates the worst instincts and desires in mankind. In other words, marketing is inherently unethical. Yet, most marketing experts would argue that marketing is driven by competitive market forces that reflect societal needs. They claim that marketing activities are not inherently unethical for they satisfy consumer demands.

Patterns of Adoption and Implementation of the Marketing Concept in The Banking Industry

Clusters banks according to their adoption and implementation of the marketing concept. Data collected from approximately 90 banks from a 15-state area are reported. Comparisons are made between the four clusters as to structural implementation and adoption of the concept and performance and environment.