Module 1
Module 1
CONCEPTUALIZING INVOLVEMENT
Before we explore the three types of decision-making, we need to first ask why different
consumers may approach the same choice situation from very different perspectives. One
reason is the consumer’s level of involvement in the decision. Involvement is a person’s
perceived relevance of the object based on their inherent needs, values, and interests. We
use the term object in the generic sense to refer to a product, brand, ad, or purchase
situation. Figure 2.2 illustrates how we can conceptualize the construct of involvement in 2-2
terms of its antecedents and possible results.
TYPES OF INVOLVEMENT
Product
Message
Situational
FIGURE 2.4 FIVE TYPES OF PERCEIVED RISK
This figure illustrates the five types of risk along with purchases that are likely to be associated with
each form of risk. Monetary risk is associated with high-ticket items like a car purchase. Functional
risk is associated with products that must perform in order to satisfy. Pharmaceutical products are
an example of product choices associated with physical risk. Symbolic goods tend to be associated
with social risk. Personal luxuries can be associated with psychological risks.
INVOLVEMENT AND TYPES OF
14-1
DECISION MAKING
Low-purchase involvement High-purchase involvement
NATURE OF DISCREPANCY
Difference between the consumer’s desired and perceived conditions
Problem recognized
Satisfaction
Search decision initiated
TYPES OF INFORMATION SEARCH
Prepurchase search:
Directed searches: consumer searches for information that will help solve a specific
problem.
Browsing: consumer has no immediate intent to buy.
Accidental search: consumer is not actively looking for information, but take note of
information that is presented in an attractive, persuasive manner.
Post-purchase search: evaluating other options in the marketplace after the
purchase.
Ongoing search: staying current with marketplace developments.
INFORMATION SOURCES FOR A PURCHASE DECISION
Information
sources
Specific Alternatives
alternative considered, but not
purchased purchased
HOW MANY CRITERIA DO CONSUMERS USE?
Functional attributes:
merchandise, prices, credit
policies, store layout, etc.
SATISFACTION
DISCONFIRMATION
DISSATISFACTION
PERFORMANCE
FEELINGS
Different ways to react to
dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction
Ways to react to Dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction
Take no action
Take Action
Switch to
Complain to substitutes Warn
store or Stop buying friends
Alter Initiate legal
manufacturer that brand
lifestyle Action: Consumer
Courts
Effect on seller/manufacturer
Crib but continue to use : least harmful, occasional bad
mouthing. A case of a non reactive customer : case of lazy to
change or lack of options 1
Stop buying the brand, Switch, Convince friends not to use: extremely harmful,
long term effect will lead to negative WOM publicity
Initiate legal action: Brings to the public notice instantaneously- Hence most
harmful 4
5
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MARKETER
NO ACTION
LOW
WARN
PRIVATE
ACTION
BOYCOTT MEDIUM
SEEK REDRESS
PUBLIC
SEVERE
ACTION
LEGAL
ACTION