The dynamic nature of marketing constructs

Lars Bergkvist () and Martin Eisend ()
Additional contact information
Lars Bergkvist: Zayed University
Martin Eisend: European University Viadrina

Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 2021, vol. 49, issue 3, No 7, 541 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study proposes an ideal, four-stage model of construct evolution (emergence → conceptualization → competition → consensus) to explain construct development over time. An in-depth analysis of conceptualizations of two constructs, market orientation (MO) and customer-based brand equity (CBBE), however, reveals different evolutionary stages and trajectories that deviate from the ideal model. The final stage for MO and CBBE is fragmentation, not consensus, characterized by customized operationalizations and variable construct definitions. A supplementary analysis of need for cognition (NFC) and involvement constructs provides additional support. For example, the final stage of NFC is dominance, characterized by nearly complete reliance on standard definitions and operationalizations. Conceptual research, formal measure development, and differing types of constructs all can influence the evolution of constructs. These findings have deep implications for marketing research: Diverse definitions and operationalizations can impede knowledge accumulation. This article proposes guidelines for improving research practices and managing constructs across evolutionary stages.

Keywords: Marketing research; Knowledge accumulation; Definition; Operationalization; Market orientation; Brand equity; Involvement; Need for cognition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11747-020-00756-w Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:joamsc:v:49:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s11747-020-00756-w

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.springer ... gement/journal/11747

DOI: 10.1007/s11747-020-00756-w

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science is currently edited by John Hulland, Anne Hoekman and Mark Houston

More articles in Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().