UNIT 2: CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT AND DECISION MAKING [CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR CH-2]
2.1 Consumer Involvement
Definition:
Consumer involvement is the level of concern or interest a consumer exhibits during the purchase process, influenced by financial, social, physical, and psychological risks.
Types of Involvement:
Low Involvement:
Routine purchases with minimal effort (e.g., buying groceries).- Example: Regularly buying toothpaste without researching brands.
High Involvement:
Decisions requiring research due to high risks or cost (e.g., buying a car or house).- Example: Evaluating multiple models and brands before purchasing a car.
Factors Affecting Involvement:
Personal Relevance:
A product that aligns with an individual’s needs or values.- Example: A fashion enthusiast investing time in choosing a trendy outfit.
Financial Risk:
Higher involvement when the purchase involves significant expenditure.- Example: Buying a house.
Social Risk:
Concern about social judgment.- Example: Choosing an elegant dress for a wedding.
Physical Risk:
Impact on health or safety.- Example: Selecting quality tires for a car.
Psychological Risk:
Internal conflict with values.- Example: Avoiding products not aligned with environmental ethics.
2.2 Nature of Involvement
Definition:
Involvement is the interest generated by the perceived relevance of a product/service, influenced by the intensity and persistence of the decision-making process.
Properties:
Intensity:
Level of effort and research involved.- High: Thorough research (e.g., luxury watches).
- Low: Minimal effort (e.g., snacks).
Persistence:
Duration of concern during decision-making.- Short-term: Temporary (e.g., buying a movie ticket).
- Long-term: Enduring (e.g., choosing an insurance plan).
Focus on Marketing Mix:
Consumers may focus on:- Product features.
- Price comparisons.
- Brand reputation.
- Promotional offers.
2.3 Antecedents of Involvement
Definition:
Factors influencing the level of consumer involvement before the decision-making process.
Antecedents:
Personal Factors:
Individual traits like lifestyle, values, and social class.- Example: A health-conscious person researching organic products.
Product Stimuli:
Features, benefits, and risks of the product.- Example: Higher involvement in choosing between brands of electronics with varying features.
Situational Factors:
The context or occasion for the purchase.- Example: Being more cautious when buying gifts for a close friend vs. routine shopping.
Social Influences:
Peer Pressure:
Shopping with friends or colleagues can raise awareness about brand/image.- Example: Buying premium gadgets to match social expectations.
Social Visibility:
Higher involvement when a product will be publicly used.- Example: Choosing an outfit for an important business meeting.
Decision-Making Continuum
Routine Response:
- Low involvement.
- Familiar products require minimal research (e.g., snacks).
Limited Problem Solving:
- Moderate involvement.
- Some research needed for unfamiliar brands.
- Example: Buying fashion items based on trends.
Extensive Problem Solving:
- High involvement.
- Significant research and evaluation.
- Example: Choosing a university for higher studies.
2.4 Effect of Involvement on Decision Making
2.4.1 Information Search
- Definition: Consumers look for additional information after identifying a need.
- Process: May involve heightened attention (e.g., noticing ads) or active searching.
- Example: A person exploring car options by watching ads, visiting showrooms, or discussing with friends.
2.4.2 Information Processing
- Definition: Transforming and analyzing information to make it useful for decision-making.
- Explanation: Includes any observable change, like comparing product features.
- Example: A consumer comparing laptop specifications (e.g., RAM, processor speed) online.
2.4.3 Information Transmission
- Definition: Sending processed information from one person or place to another.
- Methods: Can be ancient (verbal communication) or modern (emails, social media).
- Example: A company sharing product details through emails or advertisements.
2.4.5 The Purchase Decision
- Definition: Mental process leading to the selection of a product or brand.
- Types:
- Routine purchases: Less critical (e.g., toothpaste).
- High-stakes purchases: Major impact (e.g., buying a house).
- Example: Deciding between iPhone and Samsung after evaluating pros and cons.
2.4.6 Post-Purchase Behaviour
- Definition: Thoughts, feelings, and actions after a purchase.
- Key Focus: Ensuring satisfaction to encourage repeat purchases.
- Example: A customer feeling satisfied after buying a high-quality product, leading to brand loyalty.
2.5 Levels of Involvement
Continuum of Involvement:
High Involvement (Extensive Problem Solving - EPS)
- Details: High effort, internal & external information sources, and consideration of multiple brands/sellers.
- Example: Researching extensively before buying a car.
Moderate Involvement (Limited Problem Solving - LPS)
- Details: Moderate effort with limited information search.
- Example: Buying a mid-range phone after a quick comparison.
Low Involvement (Routine Problem Solving - RPS)
- Details: Minimal effort, habitual decisions, often based on brand loyalty.
- Example: Purchasing daily-use items like milk or bread.
Key Points:
- Effort Required: High in EPS, moderate in LPS, low in RPS.
- Brand Loyalty: High in RPS, lower in EPS.
- Cognitive Dissonance: Strong in EPS, minimal in RPS.
- Product Types:
- High involvement: Specialty goods (e.g., luxury cars).
- Low involvement: Convenience goods (e.g., snacks).
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