Ronald D. Hampton

Gettysburg re-imagined: the role of narrative imagination in consumption experience

We investigate the role of imagination in the consumption experience and we theorize the ways in which important collective narratives are (re)imagined at storyscapes – consumption spaces where narratives are the focal object of consumption. We ground our empirical investigation in the historical narrative of the American Civil War and we explore ethnographically the ways in which this historical episode is (re)imagined and articulated in tourism at Gettysburg. Our research provides an alternative account to mental imagery theory that is based on restrictive cognitive conceptions of imagination and expands narrative-based theories of consumption experiences. We argue that the workings of imagination in tourism sites are inextricably linked to the production of cultural imaginaries, that is, socially important narratives invested with collective values; we illustrate the process through which cultural imaginaries are co-constructed at storyscapes; we develop theoretically the concept of consumer imagination; and we make a case for consumer imagination as a social process.

The Cross-National Market in Human Beings

Human trafficking, as defined here, is moving human beings across borders for the purpose of enslaving them. Human trafficking may be in the sex trade, forced labor or service, extraction of body parts, or other forms of exploited labor or debt bondage. The market is believed to be extensive, with its own distribution channels, pricing systems, and other market functions. The purposes of this article are to present an understanding of cross-border human trafficking as a marketing system, to explicate the societal effects of that system, and to show how the extent of cross-border trafficking may be estimated, using as an example several countries where it is believed to be a substantial problem. Additionally, we seek to show that cross-border human trafficking may be a much more serious problem than what is visible to governments.

Centralization and information acquisition by in-house market research departments

Abstract Certain types of organizations acquire more information than they use. Research has shown that centralization impedes the use of market research. Yet, no investigation has been done regarding the way information is acquired in centralized organizations. This study concludes that centralization promotes the usage of external vendors for the acquisition of market research information. We suggest that the way information is acquired will affect the way it is used and that intended uses will affect the way information is acquired. Organizational structure is a significant factor in determining information acquisition and usage behavior of the firm. Knowledge of these relationships will help managers to design, structure, and manage the market research function in the organization.

Dual Diffusion: Analysis and Implications for Sales Force Management

Retail resistance to an innovation can hamper its supply to consumers, thereby influencing product adoption behavior. Given this, a dual diffusion process consisting of both retail and consumer adoption is more appropriate in today’s dynamic marketplace. Sales emphasis by manufacturers can strongly influence retail and consumer adoption behaviors, which would be reflected in the shapes of their respective patterns. In this paper, we examine the nature of retail adoption and its impact, both positive and negative, on consumer adoption. Following this, we present a strategic framework that lays out the sales management implications of the dual diffusion process.

Determinants of Perceived Institutional Expertise: Investigating the Contribution of Products, Personnel, and Internal States

This conceptual paper investigates whether consumers perceive that institutions have expertise. The perception of institutional expertise is thought to arise from impressions about product-related and personnel-based factors. Institutional expertise is postulated to contribute to an increased intention to patronize and purchase, and enhanced reputation (see Figure 1).