Author, as appears in the article.: Ginieis, Matias Valor, Carmen Papaoikonomou, Eleni
Department: Gestió d'Empreses
URV's Author/s: Ginieis Iribarren, Matías Carlos
Keywords: Quality Qualitative methods Knowledge Information management Information Impact Green Experiences Ethical consumption Diaries Decision-making Consumption Complexity Choice Behavior Barriers
Abstract: Purpose - Although the role of information has been previously studied in the ethical consumer literature, practices related to information searches and interpretation have not been fully examined in relation to ethical consumption. The purpose of this paper is to explore the search and use of information by ethically oriented consumers in order to understand the problems involved in this process, and how ethical consumers address them by adopting a number of practices.
Design/methodology/approach - Using a qualitative approach and diaries, the paper explores how consumers carry out their informational search and interpretation over an 11-week period.
Findings - First, insights are provided about the specifics of information search and the contexts, timing and use of information. Second, the information management practices used by participants to navigate the problems they encounter are identified. These practices are discussed in relation to the maximizing vs optimizing approach adopted by the participants.
Practical implications - New technologies, such as mobile applications and geo-localization, could overcome some of the problems inherent to information searches identified in this study. The use of social networks may also prove particularly interesting for companies and NGOs that target ethically oriented consumers.
Originality/value - Information search and the use and interpretation of information are part of the efforts undertaken by ethical consumers, but they have not been the focus of past research. This study provides empirical evidence on consumer practices employed to circumvent the problems found in a context of information asymmetries, and the gradual development of consumer skills in relation to ethical information searches and management. It shows how information search and management shapes the practice of ethical consumption.
Thematic Areas: Management science and operations research Management Interdisciplinar General business,management and accounting Engenharias iii Economia Ciencias sociales Business, management and accounting (miscellaneous) Business Administração, ciências contábeis e turismo Administração pública e de empresas, ciências contábeis e turismo
licence for use: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/
Author's mail: matias.ginieis@urv.cat
Author identifier: 0000-0003-4459-2899
Record's date: 2020-12-18
Papper version: info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersion
Papper original source: Management Decision. 56 (3): 652-669
APA: Papaoikonomou, Eleni; Valor, Carmen; Ginieis, Matias; (2018). Looking for info? Understanding ethical consumer information management using a diary approach. Management Decision, 56(3), 652-669. DOI: 10.1108/MD-11-2016-0761
Licence document URL: https://repositori.urv.cat/ca/proteccio-de-dades/
Entity: Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Journal publication year: 2018
Publication Type: Journal Publications
Repositori URV