Jan Brace-Govan | Monash University (original) (raw)

Papers by Jan Brace-Govan

Research paper thumbnail of Beyond Poverty: Social Justice in a Global Marketplace

Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, May 1, 2011

The social justice paradigm, developed in philosophy by John Rawls and others, reaches limits whe... more The social justice paradigm, developed in philosophy by John Rawls and others, reaches limits when confronted with diverse populations, unsound governments, and global markets. Its parameters are further limited by a traditional utilitarian approach to both industrial actors and consumer behaviors. Finally, by focusing too exclusively on poverty, as manifested in insufficient incomes or resources, the paradigm overlooks the oppressive role
that gender, race, and religious prejudice play in keeping the poor subordinated. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Market orientation and marketing in nonprofit organizations. Indications for fundraising from Victoria

International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, vol. 16, pp. 84-98

The effectiveness of a market orientation has been established in other parts of the world. Using... more The effectiveness of a market orientation has been established in other parts of the world. Using a modified replication study of 401 nonprofit organizations from Victoria, this research took some initial steps to assess fundraising and marketing activities. Studies in Australia have usually focused on only one part of the Third Sector. This study takes a different view and uses a criteria sampling method to survey all 11 sections named by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The self-reported data of fundraising activities showed that there were several choices available to all nonprofit organizations that can lead to an improvement in organizational performance. Results suggest that should nonprofit organizations have knowledge generating systems that evaluate their performance, this will improve outcomes for them. Even though organizational size is strongly linked to fundraising performance, there are key drivers that can aid even small organizations in their efforts.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and Religious Settlement: Families, hijabs and identity

Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2000

ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to an... more ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to another and becomes incorporated into the religious economy of the new place. In this process, both the migrating religion and the society in which it settles are changed. This process, described in detail by several studies, results in an increase in religious diversity necessitating new strategies to negotiate this diversity in everyday life. Using census data to describe the general picture and in-depth interviews to provide personal detail, this paper focuses on the role of women in religious settlement and the negotiation of religious diversity. Most studies have focused on organisational features of the settlement of religious groups and the management of religious diversity resulting in a male-dominated perspective. The processes by which women negotiate religious settlement and form identities differ from those of men and are often complicated by conflicting expectations held of them by themselves, their partners, their religious organisation and the society into which they are settling.

Research paper thumbnail of General Practitioners and Online Continuing Professional Education: Projected Understandings

Educational Technology & Society, 2004

Continuing professional education seems to be particularly suited to the online environment with ... more Continuing professional education seems to be particularly suited to the online environment with opportunities to communicate anywhere anytime. This appears to be convenient and time efficient for the busy working professional. The views of practising professionals were sought and form the basis of this paper. Primary care physicians at two locations, who actively pursue continuing education, discuss the role of information technology in their daily professional practice and give their views about online education. This professional group is a good example of how a particular interaction style is significant to the collective cultural mores of a group. The paper concludes that these group preferences need to be taken into account when designing continuing education and some suggestions are made for design.

Research paper thumbnail of MARKET ORIENTATION IN VICTORIAN NONPROFIT ORGANISATIONS

The third sector is currently the focus of much government and business attention. Increasing res... more The third sector is currently the focus of much government and business attention. Increasing research activity has focussed on its management both here and overseas. A consistent theme has been the difficulty of directly transferring the commercial experience onto the third sector context. However, there is little Australian-specific information about marketing in nonprofit organisations.

Research paper thumbnail of Weighty matters: control of women's access to physical strength

Sociological Review, 2004

This paper gives an account of the social forces exerted to contain women's interest and access t... more This paper gives an account of the social forces exerted to contain women's interest and access to weightlifting, and a muscular strength usually associated with masculinity. Weightlifting can create formidable physical strength but without the visible, physical displays of body building. The significance of weightlifting women's lack of visibility is important and alters the social dynamic of their experience of physical strength. The study relies on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 elite women weightlifters. They recount how disciplined, different and empowered they perceive themselves to be. Drawing together the weightlifting women's illuminative epiphanic moments revealed the close association of strength with force and, the social expectation that, not only is powerful physicality used to dominate others, but it is also expected to be male. Women's access to domination is contained through the gendered nature of gym space and a masculine approach to training. Strength training is not only a source of selfidentity, but it is also a site of collective experience and enforced norms of affective behaviour. The paper concludes that it is important for women to be supported in their challenge in this arena.

Research paper thumbnail of A method to track discussion forum activity: The Moderators' Assessment Matrix

Internet and Higher Education, 2003

There is a difference between the conventional social cues utilised by teachers in face-to-face c... more There is a difference between the conventional social cues utilised by teachers in face-to-face classes and the textual cues of the online environment. It can be difficult for teachers to monitor students' interactions in a text-based discussion forum, particularly if an online discussion is successful and has significant amounts of text to digest. Using a focused, evaluative literature review, a method was developed for moderators to track three kinds of interaction needed in educational, online discussions for business students. The Moderators' Assessment Matrix gives moderators a framework through which to sort information about learning activity. Summaries of information tracked with this matrix could support professional practise by offering a means for self-reflection, a guide for novice moderators, and a focal point for staff development. Furthermore, there is scope to incorporate this method into the instructional design phase. D

Research paper thumbnail of Maintaining Relevance to Anti-Consumption Values Through Ideology

Abstract Anti-consumption presents a challenge to marketers. Following on from Holt&#... more Abstract Anti-consumption presents a challenge to marketers. Following on from Holt's (1997) argument for a broader perspective on values, this paper supports his criticism that current thinking in marketing around values is too individually assigned. Noting the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Shifting Focus from the Mainstream to the Offbeat: Anti-Consumption's Contribution to Sustainable Change in Water Consumption

The consumption and use of water has become one of key challenges facing Australians this century... more The consumption and use of water has become one of key challenges facing Australians this century. The intense public debate surrounding water consumption has lead to the politicisation of many household activities. This politicisation of the self and daily life is a core aspect of new social movement theory (Kozinets and Handelman 2004; Taylor and Whittier 1992; Touraine 1977). This paper explores urban water consumers who source their water from alternatives other than mains water. Through interviews and newspaper analysis of these "offbeat" pioneering consumers, it can be seen how these anti-consumers have helped contribute to a cultural change in Melbourne's water consumption.

Research paper thumbnail of The duality of political brand equity

European Journal of Marketing, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and Religious Settlement: Families, hijabs and identity

Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2000

ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to an... more ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to another and becomes incorporated into the religious economy of the new place. In this process, both the migrating religion and the society in which it settles are changed. This process, described in detail by several studies, results in an increase in religious diversity necessitating new strategies to negotiate this diversity in everyday life. Using census data to describe the general picture and in-depth interviews to provide personal detail, this paper focuses on the role of women in religious settlement and the negotiation of religious diversity. Most studies have focused on organisational features of the settlement of religious groups and the management of religious diversity resulting in a male-dominated perspective. The processes by which women negotiate religious settlement and form identities differ from those of men and are often complicated by conflicting expectations held of them by themselves, their partners, their religious organisation and the society into which they are settling.

Research paper thumbnail of ORIENTATION MODULE' TO INCREASE EASE OF ACCESS TO ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Evidence from evaluation studies indicated that ensuring a smooth start to the semester would enh... more Evidence from evaluation studies indicated that ensuring a smooth start to the semester would enhance the experience of online learning for both students and staff. The development and evaluation of an 'Orientation Module', that combined technical and social purposes, is reflected on here. The module was found to significantly increase the ease with which students accessed their online learning environment.

Research paper thumbnail of SERVICE INNOVATION IN E-EDUCATION: PRACTICING WHAT WE PREACH

All too often the realm of marketing theory seems to sit somewhere apart from that of marketing p... more All too often the realm of marketing theory seems to sit somewhere apart from that of marketing practice. The following paper presents the experiences of a team of academics who applied Services Marketing principles to the delivery of postgraduate online marketing education in an Australian university. This involved focussing on risk reduction and trust building, prior to and during the service encounter. Emphasis was placed on the need for security, justice and self-esteem (Bowen and Schneider 1999). Research in the form of student surveys and interviews with e-moderators and support staff was undertaken. The results indicated that this focus led to students feeling more comfortable in the online environment, which in turn, enhanced their learning experience. Research outcomes included adopting this 'service focus' for future semesters, replicating the research, which will enable longitudinal analysis, and a proposal to develop a 'virtual service centre' for online students.

Research paper thumbnail of The Development of Competent Marketing Professionals

Journal of Marketing Education, 2009

The process of transition from university undergraduate to business professional is a crucial sta... more The process of transition from university undergraduate to business professional is a crucial stage in the development of a business career. This study examines both graduate and employer perspectives on the essential skills and knowledge needed by marketing professionals to successfully perform their roles. From in-depth interviews with 14 graduates and 14 employers, it is apparent that the transition trajectory

Research paper thumbnail of Consumption of disposed goods for moral identities: A nexus of organization, place, things and consumers

Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 2009

A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the custome... more A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the customers were investigated to better understand the effect of the re-commodification of goods. The convivial retail space attracted customers through the promise of something special and different. Immersed in the space, customers' moral values aligned with a type of consumption that began with disposal. However, these consumers did not belong to a politically motivated collectivity but instead addressed personal moral identity projects. The organization achieved a moral layer to its identity through its interaction with the disposed of garments, but this moral intention was different from the customers. The charity retailer transformed discarded, donated goods through processes of selection and re-presentation. It was a highly professionalized commercial outlet whose intention was to raise funds and to model ethical business practices. The retail setting was pivotal and extensive observation, visual and interview data were taken at the site. The analysis revealed that the customers espoused a view of anti-consumption, which encompassed anti-corporatism. At the centre of this nexus of practices were the garments which were disposed of through donation, re-commodified by the charity organization for their specialized, immersive retail outlet and then purchased by consumers to address their individualized moral identity projects. It is concluded that all facets contributed to this nexus of disposal practices, although the garments had a significant linking and facilitating role to play, and that further investigation is required. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the customers were investigated to better understand the effect of the re-commodification of goods. The convivial retail space attracted customers through the promise of something special and different. Immersed in the space, customers' moral values aligned with a type of consumption that began with disposal. However, these consumers did not belong to a politically motivated collectivity but instead addressed personal moral identity projects. The organization achieved a moral layer to its identity through its interaction with the disposed of garments, but this moral intention was different from the customers. The charity retailer transformed discarded, donated goods through processes of selection and re-presentation. It was a highly professionalized commercial outlet whose intention was to raise funds and to model ethical business practices. The retail setting was pivotal and extensive observation, visual and interview data were taken at the site. The analysis revealed that the customers espoused a view of anti-consumption, which encompassed anti-corporatism. At the centre of this nexus of practices were the garments which were disposed of through donation, re-commodified by the charity organization for their specialized, immersive retail outlet and then purchased by consumers to address their individualized moral identity projects. It is concluded that all facets contributed to this nexus of disposal practices, although the garments had a significant linking and facilitating role to play, and that further investigation is required.

Research paper thumbnail of Experiential Consumption in Second Hand Clothes Shopping

ABSTRACT An observational study of a charity retailer showed how a nonprofit organisation utilize... more ABSTRACT An observational study of a charity retailer showed how a nonprofit organisation utilized a retail space to create a specific consumption experience. Key to this experience was a consistent sense of style. The experience was linked to a commitment to values determined by the parent nonprofit organisation's political commitment. The interaction between clothing and the consumer, the uniqueness of every single item, the ethical stand expressed by the retail outlet on behalf of the nonprofit organisation, and the fact that second hand clothes shopping is a sustainable form of consumption, turned the consumer's shopping experience into a treasure hunt for fashionable values.

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of the Gift Wrap Stall at Christmas

The pressure to wrap a gift can cause anxiety for the giver. At Christmas, many shopping centres ... more The pressure to wrap a gift can cause anxiety for the giver. At Christmas, many shopping centres have gift wrap stalls to assist their customers with the wrapping. In this paper we explore the purpose of a gift wrap stall and the role it plays in Christmas gift shopping. Data were collected through observation as it allowed insights into the phenomena that could not otherwise be obtained. Findings include the nature of a gift wrap stall, the mood surrounding the gift wrap stall, the types of gifts wrapped, the level of decision making involved, the role of the staff and issues relating to trust, the waiting times for gift wrapping, the giver's gift wrap skills, and enquiries into the gift wrap service. This research makes an insightful contribution to a novel topic in the field of consumer behaviour as it allows us to better understand gift wrapping and its role in gift exchange.

Research paper thumbnail of What's in a Name? A Comparative Analysis of Surf and Snow Brand Personalities

This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets,... more This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets, key companies, with distinctive brand names, market specifically to their respective subcultures. Each brand embodies an individuated personality, markets according to ...

Research paper thumbnail of What's in a name? A comparative analysis of surf and snow brand personalities

This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets,... more This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets, key companies, with distinctive brand names, market specifically to their respective subcultures. Each brand embodies an individuated personality, markets according to ...

Research paper thumbnail of Beyond Poverty: Social Justice in a Global Marketplace

Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, May 1, 2011

The social justice paradigm, developed in philosophy by John Rawls and others, reaches limits whe... more The social justice paradigm, developed in philosophy by John Rawls and others, reaches limits when confronted with diverse populations, unsound governments, and global markets. Its parameters are further limited by a traditional utilitarian approach to both industrial actors and consumer behaviors. Finally, by focusing too exclusively on poverty, as manifested in insufficient incomes or resources, the paradigm overlooks the oppressive role
that gender, race, and religious prejudice play in keeping the poor subordinated. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Market orientation and marketing in nonprofit organizations. Indications for fundraising from Victoria

International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, vol. 16, pp. 84-98

The effectiveness of a market orientation has been established in other parts of the world. Using... more The effectiveness of a market orientation has been established in other parts of the world. Using a modified replication study of 401 nonprofit organizations from Victoria, this research took some initial steps to assess fundraising and marketing activities. Studies in Australia have usually focused on only one part of the Third Sector. This study takes a different view and uses a criteria sampling method to survey all 11 sections named by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The self-reported data of fundraising activities showed that there were several choices available to all nonprofit organizations that can lead to an improvement in organizational performance. Results suggest that should nonprofit organizations have knowledge generating systems that evaluate their performance, this will improve outcomes for them. Even though organizational size is strongly linked to fundraising performance, there are key drivers that can aid even small organizations in their efforts.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and Religious Settlement: Families, hijabs and identity

Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2000

ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to an... more ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to another and becomes incorporated into the religious economy of the new place. In this process, both the migrating religion and the society in which it settles are changed. This process, described in detail by several studies, results in an increase in religious diversity necessitating new strategies to negotiate this diversity in everyday life. Using census data to describe the general picture and in-depth interviews to provide personal detail, this paper focuses on the role of women in religious settlement and the negotiation of religious diversity. Most studies have focused on organisational features of the settlement of religious groups and the management of religious diversity resulting in a male-dominated perspective. The processes by which women negotiate religious settlement and form identities differ from those of men and are often complicated by conflicting expectations held of them by themselves, their partners, their religious organisation and the society into which they are settling.

Research paper thumbnail of General Practitioners and Online Continuing Professional Education: Projected Understandings

Educational Technology & Society, 2004

Continuing professional education seems to be particularly suited to the online environment with ... more Continuing professional education seems to be particularly suited to the online environment with opportunities to communicate anywhere anytime. This appears to be convenient and time efficient for the busy working professional. The views of practising professionals were sought and form the basis of this paper. Primary care physicians at two locations, who actively pursue continuing education, discuss the role of information technology in their daily professional practice and give their views about online education. This professional group is a good example of how a particular interaction style is significant to the collective cultural mores of a group. The paper concludes that these group preferences need to be taken into account when designing continuing education and some suggestions are made for design.

Research paper thumbnail of MARKET ORIENTATION IN VICTORIAN NONPROFIT ORGANISATIONS

The third sector is currently the focus of much government and business attention. Increasing res... more The third sector is currently the focus of much government and business attention. Increasing research activity has focussed on its management both here and overseas. A consistent theme has been the difficulty of directly transferring the commercial experience onto the third sector context. However, there is little Australian-specific information about marketing in nonprofit organisations.

Research paper thumbnail of Weighty matters: control of women's access to physical strength

Sociological Review, 2004

This paper gives an account of the social forces exerted to contain women's interest and access t... more This paper gives an account of the social forces exerted to contain women's interest and access to weightlifting, and a muscular strength usually associated with masculinity. Weightlifting can create formidable physical strength but without the visible, physical displays of body building. The significance of weightlifting women's lack of visibility is important and alters the social dynamic of their experience of physical strength. The study relies on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 elite women weightlifters. They recount how disciplined, different and empowered they perceive themselves to be. Drawing together the weightlifting women's illuminative epiphanic moments revealed the close association of strength with force and, the social expectation that, not only is powerful physicality used to dominate others, but it is also expected to be male. Women's access to domination is contained through the gendered nature of gym space and a masculine approach to training. Strength training is not only a source of selfidentity, but it is also a site of collective experience and enforced norms of affective behaviour. The paper concludes that it is important for women to be supported in their challenge in this arena.

Research paper thumbnail of A method to track discussion forum activity: The Moderators' Assessment Matrix

Internet and Higher Education, 2003

There is a difference between the conventional social cues utilised by teachers in face-to-face c... more There is a difference between the conventional social cues utilised by teachers in face-to-face classes and the textual cues of the online environment. It can be difficult for teachers to monitor students' interactions in a text-based discussion forum, particularly if an online discussion is successful and has significant amounts of text to digest. Using a focused, evaluative literature review, a method was developed for moderators to track three kinds of interaction needed in educational, online discussions for business students. The Moderators' Assessment Matrix gives moderators a framework through which to sort information about learning activity. Summaries of information tracked with this matrix could support professional practise by offering a means for self-reflection, a guide for novice moderators, and a focal point for staff development. Furthermore, there is scope to incorporate this method into the instructional design phase. D

Research paper thumbnail of Maintaining Relevance to Anti-Consumption Values Through Ideology

Abstract Anti-consumption presents a challenge to marketers. Following on from Holt&#... more Abstract Anti-consumption presents a challenge to marketers. Following on from Holt's (1997) argument for a broader perspective on values, this paper supports his criticism that current thinking in marketing around values is too individually assigned. Noting the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Shifting Focus from the Mainstream to the Offbeat: Anti-Consumption's Contribution to Sustainable Change in Water Consumption

The consumption and use of water has become one of key challenges facing Australians this century... more The consumption and use of water has become one of key challenges facing Australians this century. The intense public debate surrounding water consumption has lead to the politicisation of many household activities. This politicisation of the self and daily life is a core aspect of new social movement theory (Kozinets and Handelman 2004; Taylor and Whittier 1992; Touraine 1977). This paper explores urban water consumers who source their water from alternatives other than mains water. Through interviews and newspaper analysis of these "offbeat" pioneering consumers, it can be seen how these anti-consumers have helped contribute to a cultural change in Melbourne's water consumption.

Research paper thumbnail of The duality of political brand equity

European Journal of Marketing, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Gender and Religious Settlement: Families, hijabs and identity

Journal of Intercultural Studies, 2000

ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to an... more ABSTRACT Religious settlement refers to the process whereby a religion moves from one place to another and becomes incorporated into the religious economy of the new place. In this process, both the migrating religion and the society in which it settles are changed. This process, described in detail by several studies, results in an increase in religious diversity necessitating new strategies to negotiate this diversity in everyday life. Using census data to describe the general picture and in-depth interviews to provide personal detail, this paper focuses on the role of women in religious settlement and the negotiation of religious diversity. Most studies have focused on organisational features of the settlement of religious groups and the management of religious diversity resulting in a male-dominated perspective. The processes by which women negotiate religious settlement and form identities differ from those of men and are often complicated by conflicting expectations held of them by themselves, their partners, their religious organisation and the society into which they are settling.

Research paper thumbnail of ORIENTATION MODULE' TO INCREASE EASE OF ACCESS TO ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Evidence from evaluation studies indicated that ensuring a smooth start to the semester would enh... more Evidence from evaluation studies indicated that ensuring a smooth start to the semester would enhance the experience of online learning for both students and staff. The development and evaluation of an 'Orientation Module', that combined technical and social purposes, is reflected on here. The module was found to significantly increase the ease with which students accessed their online learning environment.

Research paper thumbnail of SERVICE INNOVATION IN E-EDUCATION: PRACTICING WHAT WE PREACH

All too often the realm of marketing theory seems to sit somewhere apart from that of marketing p... more All too often the realm of marketing theory seems to sit somewhere apart from that of marketing practice. The following paper presents the experiences of a team of academics who applied Services Marketing principles to the delivery of postgraduate online marketing education in an Australian university. This involved focussing on risk reduction and trust building, prior to and during the service encounter. Emphasis was placed on the need for security, justice and self-esteem (Bowen and Schneider 1999). Research in the form of student surveys and interviews with e-moderators and support staff was undertaken. The results indicated that this focus led to students feeling more comfortable in the online environment, which in turn, enhanced their learning experience. Research outcomes included adopting this 'service focus' for future semesters, replicating the research, which will enable longitudinal analysis, and a proposal to develop a 'virtual service centre' for online students.

Research paper thumbnail of The Development of Competent Marketing Professionals

Journal of Marketing Education, 2009

The process of transition from university undergraduate to business professional is a crucial sta... more The process of transition from university undergraduate to business professional is a crucial stage in the development of a business career. This study examines both graduate and employer perspectives on the essential skills and knowledge needed by marketing professionals to successfully perform their roles. From in-depth interviews with 14 graduates and 14 employers, it is apparent that the transition trajectory

Research paper thumbnail of Consumption of disposed goods for moral identities: A nexus of organization, place, things and consumers

Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 2009

A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the custome... more A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the customers were investigated to better understand the effect of the re-commodification of goods. The convivial retail space attracted customers through the promise of something special and different. Immersed in the space, customers' moral values aligned with a type of consumption that began with disposal. However, these consumers did not belong to a politically motivated collectivity but instead addressed personal moral identity projects. The organization achieved a moral layer to its identity through its interaction with the disposed of garments, but this moral intention was different from the customers. The charity retailer transformed discarded, donated goods through processes of selection and re-presentation. It was a highly professionalized commercial outlet whose intention was to raise funds and to model ethical business practices. The retail setting was pivotal and extensive observation, visual and interview data were taken at the site. The analysis revealed that the customers espoused a view of anti-consumption, which encompassed anti-corporatism. At the centre of this nexus of practices were the garments which were disposed of through donation, re-commodified by the charity organization for their specialized, immersive retail outlet and then purchased by consumers to address their individualized moral identity projects. It is concluded that all facets contributed to this nexus of disposal practices, although the garments had a significant linking and facilitating role to play, and that further investigation is required. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.A complex intersection of a charity organization, a retail space, vintage fashion and the customers were investigated to better understand the effect of the re-commodification of goods. The convivial retail space attracted customers through the promise of something special and different. Immersed in the space, customers' moral values aligned with a type of consumption that began with disposal. However, these consumers did not belong to a politically motivated collectivity but instead addressed personal moral identity projects. The organization achieved a moral layer to its identity through its interaction with the disposed of garments, but this moral intention was different from the customers. The charity retailer transformed discarded, donated goods through processes of selection and re-presentation. It was a highly professionalized commercial outlet whose intention was to raise funds and to model ethical business practices. The retail setting was pivotal and extensive observation, visual and interview data were taken at the site. The analysis revealed that the customers espoused a view of anti-consumption, which encompassed anti-corporatism. At the centre of this nexus of practices were the garments which were disposed of through donation, re-commodified by the charity organization for their specialized, immersive retail outlet and then purchased by consumers to address their individualized moral identity projects. It is concluded that all facets contributed to this nexus of disposal practices, although the garments had a significant linking and facilitating role to play, and that further investigation is required.

Research paper thumbnail of Experiential Consumption in Second Hand Clothes Shopping

ABSTRACT An observational study of a charity retailer showed how a nonprofit organisation utilize... more ABSTRACT An observational study of a charity retailer showed how a nonprofit organisation utilized a retail space to create a specific consumption experience. Key to this experience was a consistent sense of style. The experience was linked to a commitment to values determined by the parent nonprofit organisation's political commitment. The interaction between clothing and the consumer, the uniqueness of every single item, the ethical stand expressed by the retail outlet on behalf of the nonprofit organisation, and the fact that second hand clothes shopping is a sustainable form of consumption, turned the consumer's shopping experience into a treasure hunt for fashionable values.

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of the Gift Wrap Stall at Christmas

The pressure to wrap a gift can cause anxiety for the giver. At Christmas, many shopping centres ... more The pressure to wrap a gift can cause anxiety for the giver. At Christmas, many shopping centres have gift wrap stalls to assist their customers with the wrapping. In this paper we explore the purpose of a gift wrap stall and the role it plays in Christmas gift shopping. Data were collected through observation as it allowed insights into the phenomena that could not otherwise be obtained. Findings include the nature of a gift wrap stall, the mood surrounding the gift wrap stall, the types of gifts wrapped, the level of decision making involved, the role of the staff and issues relating to trust, the waiting times for gift wrapping, the giver's gift wrap skills, and enquiries into the gift wrap service. This research makes an insightful contribution to a novel topic in the field of consumer behaviour as it allows us to better understand gift wrapping and its role in gift exchange.

Research paper thumbnail of What's in a Name? A Comparative Analysis of Surf and Snow Brand Personalities

This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets,... more This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets, key companies, with distinctive brand names, market specifically to their respective subcultures. Each brand embodies an individuated personality, markets according to ...

Research paper thumbnail of What's in a name? A comparative analysis of surf and snow brand personalities

This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets,... more This paper performs a comparative analysis of niche brands. Within surfing and snowsport markets, key companies, with distinctive brand names, market specifically to their respective subcultures. Each brand embodies an individuated personality, markets according to ...