Schiffman And Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
Schiffman and Kanuk 2007 consumer behaviour provides a comprehensive
framework for understanding how consumers make decisions, process information, and
develop preferences in the marketplace. Their seminal work, often cited in marketing and
consumer psychology, offers valuable insights into the factors that influence purchasing
patterns and how businesses can leverage this knowledge to better serve their target
audiences. This article explores the core concepts of Schiffman and Kanuk’s model, its
relevance today, and practical applications for marketers and businesses seeking to
understand and influence consumer behaviour effectively.
Introduction to Schiffman and Kanuk’s Consumer Behaviour
Model
Schiffman and Kanuk’s 2007 model of consumer behaviour is grounded in the idea that
consumer decisions are influenced by a combination of psychological, social, and
environmental factors. Their approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the
consumer’s internal motivations and external influences to predict and influence
purchasing decisions accurately.
Core Concepts of Consumer Behaviour According to Schiffman
and Kanuk
1. The Decision-Making Process
Schiffman and Kanuk outline a five-stage process that consumers typically follow when
making purchase decisions:
Problem Recognition: The consumer identifies a need or problem that requires a1.
solution.
Information Search: The consumer seeks information about possible solutions or2.
products that can satisfy the need.
Evaluation of Alternatives: The consumer compares different products or brands3.
based on features, benefits, and costs.
Purchase Decision: The consumer selects a product and makes a purchase.4.
Post-Purchase Behaviour: The consumer evaluates their satisfaction, which5.
influences future decisions and brand loyalty.
Understanding these stages helps marketers tailor their strategies to influence consumers
at each point of the decision-making process.
2
2. Internal and External Influences
Schiffman and Kanuk highlight that consumer behaviour is shaped by a blend of internal
factors such as motivation, perception, learning, and attitudes, and external factors
including culture, social class, family, reference groups, and marketing stimuli.
Internal Factors:
Motivation: The driving force behind consumer needs and wants.
Perception: How consumers interpret information and stimuli.
Learning: Changes in behaviour resulting from experience.
Attitudes and beliefs: The predispositions that influence responses.
External Factors:
Cultural influences: Norms, values, and traditions.
Social influences: Family, friends, and social networks.
Marketing mix: Product, price, place, and promotion strategies.
These influences interact dynamically to shape consumer preferences and actions.
Key Theories and Models in Consumer Behaviour
Schiffman and Kanuk’s work integrates several important theories that help explain
consumer behaviour, including:
1. The Hierarchy of Needs
Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy, this theory suggests that consumers have innate needs
arranged in a pyramid—from physiological needs to self-actualization—that influence their
purchase priorities.
2. The Learning Theory
This theory emphasizes that consumer behaviour is learned through processes such as
classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.
3. The Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Planned Behaviour
These models propose that behavioural intentions, influenced by attitudes and subjective
norms, predict actual behaviour.
Implications for Marketing Strategies
Understanding Schiffman and Kanuk’s consumer behaviour model enables marketers to
develop targeted strategies that effectively influence consumer decisions.
3
1. Segmentation and Targeting
By analyzing internal and external influences, businesses can segment markets based on
consumer needs, preferences, and behaviours, allowing for more precise targeting.
2. Positioning and Messaging
Marketers can craft messages that resonate with consumers’ motivations and
perceptions, addressing their needs at different stages of the decision process.
3. Product Development
Insights into consumer learning and preferences guide product innovation to meet
evolving needs and preferences.
4. Enhancing Customer Experience
Focusing on post-purchase behaviour, companies can implement strategies to increase
satisfaction and foster loyalty through excellent service, follow-up, and engagement.
Modern Relevance of Schiffman and Kanuk’s Model
While Schiffman and Kanuk’s work was published over a decade ago, its principles remain
highly relevant in today’s digital age. The proliferation of online information, social media,
and e-commerce platforms has transformed how consumers search for information,
evaluate options, and share their experiences.
Digital Consumer Behaviour
The core stages of decision-making now often occur across digital channels, where
consumers:
Access vast amounts of product information via websites, reviews, and social media.
Engage in online comparisons and seek peer opinions.
Make purchases through e-commerce platforms or mobile apps.
Share post-purchase feedback instantly, influencing others’ behaviours.
Marketers must adapt by leveraging digital marketing strategies such as search engine
optimization (SEO), social media advertising, and content marketing to influence
consumers effectively.
Practical Applications for Marketers
Applying Schiffman and Kanuk’s framework can lead to more effective marketing
campaigns. Here are some practical ways businesses can utilize these insights:
4
1. Conducting Consumer Research
Gather data on consumers’ needs, motivations, and influences through surveys, focus
groups, and online analytics.
2. Personalization and Customization
Use insights into the decision-making process to personalize recommendations and offers,
increasing relevance and engagement.
3. Content Marketing
Create informative and persuasive content that guides consumers through each stage of
their journey, from awareness to post-purchase.
4. Building Brand Loyalty
Focus on post-purchase satisfaction by providing excellent customer service, loyalty
programs, and engaging follow-up communications.
Conclusion
Schiffman and Kanuk’s 2007 consumer behaviour model remains a foundational
framework for understanding how consumers make decisions and interact with markets.
By examining internal motivations and external influences through their detailed stages of
decision-making, marketers can craft strategies that resonate with target audiences,
foster loyalty, and drive sales. In today’s digital environment, their principles continue to
offer valuable guidance in designing effective marketing campaigns that adapt to
changing consumer habits and technological advancements. Understanding and applying
these concepts not only benefits businesses seeking competitive advantage but also
enhances consumers’ experience by providing them with relevant, timely, and
personalized offerings. As markets evolve, Schiffman and Kanuk’s insights serve as a
timeless reminder of the complex yet predictable nature of consumer behaviour.
QuestionAnswer
What are the main concepts
introduced by Schiffman and
Kanuk in their 2007 work on
consumer behavior?
Schiffman and Kanuk's 2007 work emphasizes
understanding consumer decision-making processes,
the influence of psychological, social, and cultural
factors, and the importance of consumer research in
developing effective marketing strategies.
How does Schiffman and Kanuk
describe the decision-making
process in consumer behavior?
They outline a five-stage process: problem
recognition, information search, evaluation of
alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase
behavior, highlighting the complexity and variability
of consumer choices.
5
What role do psychological
factors play in consumer
behavior according to Schiffman
and Kanuk?
Psychological factors such as motivation, perception,
learning, beliefs, and attitudes significantly influence
consumer preferences and purchasing decisions,
shaping how consumers interpret and respond to
marketing stimuli.
How do social and cultural
influences impact consumer
behavior in Schiffman and
Kanuk's model?
Social influences like family, friends, and social
networks, along with cultural norms and values,
affect consumer attitudes and behaviors by shaping
perceptions, preferences, and buying habits.
What is the significance of
consumer research in Schiffman
and Kanuk's framework?
Consumer research is crucial for understanding
consumer needs, preferences, and behaviors,
enabling marketers to develop targeted strategies
and improve product offerings to better satisfy
consumers.
How do Schiffman and Kanuk
address the importance of post-
purchase behavior?
They highlight that post-purchase behavior influences
future buying decisions, brand loyalty, and word-of-
mouth, making it vital for marketers to ensure
customer satisfaction and manage post-purchase
interactions.
What are the key differences
between traditional and modern
consumer behavior theories
discussed by Schiffman and
Kanuk?
Traditional theories focus on rational decision-
making, while modern approaches incorporate
psychological, social, and emotional factors,
recognizing that consumer behavior is often complex
and influenced by subconscious motives.
How can marketers apply
Schiffman and Kanuk's insights
to develop effective marketing
strategies?
By understanding the consumer decision process,
psychological and social influences, and post-
purchase behavior, marketers can tailor their
messaging, improve customer engagement, and
foster brand loyalty through targeted campaigns and
personalized experiences.
Schiffman and Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour is a seminal work that has significantly
influenced the understanding of consumer decision-making processes. As one of the
foundational texts in marketing and consumer psychology, this book offers comprehensive
insights into how individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to marketing stimuli in their
environment. The authors, Leslie Lazar Kanuk and Leon G. Schiffman, meticulously dissect
the complex nature of consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding
consumer needs, motivations, and habits to develop effective marketing strategies. Their
work remains a cornerstone for students, academics, and practitioners seeking to grasp
the intricate dynamics that drive consumer choices in a competitive marketplace. ---
Overview of Schiffman and Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
Schiffman and Kanuk's 2007 edition of Consumer Behaviour builds upon previous
iterations by integrating contemporary examples and research findings relevant at the
Schiffman And Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
6
time. This edition aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world
applications, making it particularly valuable for practitioners seeking practical insights.
The book covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the psychological and social influences
on consumer behavior to the technological transformations impacting modern markets. It
emphasizes a holistic approach, considering both internal psychological factors and
external environmental influences. The authors advocate a consumer-centric perspective,
emphasizing that successful marketing strategies are those that understand and
anticipate consumer needs. Their approach combines behavioral theories with empirical
data, providing readers with tools to analyze consumer patterns systematically. The book
also discusses emerging trends such as digital marketing, social media influence, and the
increasing importance of consumer empowerment in decision-making processes. ---
Core Concepts in Consumer Behaviour
1. The Consumer Decision-Making Process
One of the central themes in Schiffman and Kanuk’s work is the detailed examination of
the consumer decision-making process. They break down this process into several stages:
- Problem Recognition: Consumers identify a need or a problem that requires resolution. -
Information Search: Consumers seek information from internal sources (memory) and
external sources (advertisements, friends, online reviews). - Evaluation of Alternatives:
Consumers compare different products or brands based on attributes such as price,
quality, and features. - Purchase Decision: The choice of product or service is made. -
Post-Purchase Behavior: Consumers evaluate their satisfaction, which influences future
purchasing decisions and word-of-mouth communication. Pros: - Provides a clear
framework for understanding how consumers make choices. - Highlights the importance of
post-purchase satisfaction for brand loyalty. Cons: - The process can vary significantly
across different products and cultural contexts, which the framework may oversimplify.
2. Internal and External Influences
The book emphasizes that consumer behavior is affected by a combination of internal
psychological factors and external social influences. - Internal Factors: Motivation,
perception, learning, and attitudes. - External Factors: Culture, social class, reference
groups, family, and situational influences. Features: - Offers detailed explanations of how
motives drive behavior. - Illustrates the role of perception in shaping consumer
preferences. - Explores social influences like peer pressure and cultural norms. Pros: -
Helps marketers identify key levers to influence consumer decisions. - Recognizes the
complexity of consumer motivations. Cons: - External influences can be unpredictable,
making strategic targeting challenging. ---
Schiffman And Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
7
Psychological Foundations of Consumer Behavior
1. Motivation and Needs
Schiffman and Kanuk delve deeply into the role of motivation, proposing models such as
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to explain consumer priorities. They argue that
understanding underlying needs is crucial for developing effective marketing messages.
Features: - Explains how different products satisfy different levels of needs. -
Demonstrates that consumer needs are dynamic and influenced by personal and cultural
factors. Pros: - Facilitates segmentation and targeting strategies. - Encourages marketers
to align offerings with consumer motivations. Cons: - Motivation can be complex and
multi-faceted, making it difficult to pinpoint exact needs.
2. Perception and Learning
Perception, as discussed by Schiffman and Kanuk, is the process by which consumers
interpret sensory stimuli. The book emphasizes how perception influences brand
recognition and preference. Features: - Describes perceptual processes such as selective
attention, distortion, and retention. - Discusses learning theories like classical and
instrumental conditioning. Pros: - Highlights the importance of branding and packaging. -
Provides insights into how consumers form brand associations. Cons: - Perceptual biases
can vary widely among individuals, complicating marketing efforts. ---
Social and Cultural Influences
1. Culture and Subculture
The authors emphasize that culture shapes consumer behavior profoundly. They explore
how cultural values influence perceptions of products, services, and marketing messages.
Features: - Differentiates between core cultural values and subcultural variations. -
Discusses the importance of adapting marketing strategies to cultural contexts. Pros: -
Enhances cross-cultural marketing effectiveness. - Encourages cultural sensitivity and
relevance. Cons: - Cultural assumptions can lead to stereotyping if not approached
carefully.
2. Reference Groups and Family
Reference groups, including family, friends, and social networks, significantly impact
consumer choices. Schiffman and Kanuk analyze how group membership and social
influence guide purchasing behavior. Features: - Explores normative and informational
influence. - Examines the role of opinion leaders and social media personalities. Pros: -
Demonstrates the power of word-of-mouth and influencer marketing. - Offers strategies to
Schiffman And Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
8
leverage social proof. Cons: - Influence can be fickle and difficult to predict. ---
Technological and Modern Trends
While the 2007 edition predates the explosion of social media and mobile technology,
Schiffman and Kanuk acknowledge the rising importance of digital environments. They
discuss how technology alters traditional consumer behavior patterns. Features: -
Highlights the importance of online reviews, e-commerce, and digital advertising. -
Addresses the shift toward consumer empowerment through access to information. Pros: -
Provides a foundation for understanding digital marketing’s role. - Encourages integration
of traditional and digital strategies. Cons: - Limited coverage of the latest technological
developments, given the publication date. ---
Critical Analysis and Impact
Schiffman and Kanuk’s Consumer Behaviour (2007) is highly regarded for its
comprehensive coverage and clarity. Its systematic approach helps students and
practitioners understand the complexities of consumer decision-making. The book’s
strength lies in its balanced integration of theory and practical insights, making it
accessible yet academically rigorous. Strengths: - Extensive coverage of psychological
and social factors. - Practical frameworks for analyzing consumer behavior. - Rich
examples that illustrate key concepts effectively. Limitations: - Some concepts may be
somewhat dated in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. - The models can oversimplify
the nuanced ways consumers behave in diverse cultural contexts. Impact: The influence
of Schiffman and Kanuk’s work extends beyond academia into practical marketing
applications. It has shaped curricula, informed marketing campaigns, and guided
research, making it an essential resource for understanding consumer behavior. ---
Conclusion
In conclusion, Schiffman and Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour remains a foundational
text that offers valuable insights into the complex world of consumer decision-making. Its
detailed exploration of psychological, social, and environmental influences provides a
robust framework for understanding how consumers think, feel, and act. While some
aspects may require supplementation with more recent research—especially given
technological advances—the core principles laid out in the book continue to underpin
effective marketing strategies. For anyone seeking a thorough grounding in consumer
behavior, Schiffman and Kanuk’s work offers both theoretical depth and practical
relevance, making it a timeless resource in the field of marketing and consumer
psychology.
consumer behavior, Schiffman and Kanuk, 2007, marketing, consumer decision-making,
consumer psychology, buyer behavior, marketing research, consumer insights, marketing
Schiffman And Kanuk 2007 Consumer Behaviour
9
strategies, consumer motivation