Marketing Information Systems & Ethics in Marketing Research
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Transcript Marketing Information Systems & Ethics in Marketing Research
Ethics and Organizational Issues
in Marketing Research
Marketing Research & Ethics
Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Marketing
Research
Company A gets poor response rates in its mail
surveys so uses fictitious letterhead labeled
“Public Opinion Research Inc.” (Misidentification)
80% of physicians recommend that consumers
use no margarine. Of the remaining 20%, a
majority recommend brand A. Brand A’s ads say - “Recommended by Physicians”
(Misinterpretation)
Marketing Research & Ethics
Examples of Ethical Dilemmas in Marketing
Research
ABC Marketing calls customers on the phone to “assess their
satisfaction with their current house.” After getting customer
opinions, ABC tries to “sell” customers the new siding. (Sales
disguised as research)
Company X is required by its state’s Public Service Commission
(PSC) to assess the impact of a rate increase on low income
customers. Company X’s research shows that low-income
consumers would be adversely affected by the rate change.
When asked by the PSC how the rate change would affect such
customers, Company X says they did no research to answer this
question. (Misrepresentation)
Marketing Research & Ethics
Should Researchers be Concerned About
Ethics -- YES!
Ethical practices enhance the public’s acceptance
of marketing research
Ethical practices can improve marketers’
sensitivity to their customers
Ethical practices can help forestall government
intervention and regulation
Marketing Research & Ethics
What Researchers owe Respondents
Duty not to engage in deceptive practices
Duty not to invade privacy
Duty to manifest concern for respondents
Marketing Research & Ethics
What Researchers owe Clients
Forthright research designs
Avoid unneeded research
Designs that fit the budget of the clients
Researchers’ responsibilities
No over billing
Confidentiality
Eliminate conflicts of interest
Marketing Research
What Researchers owe the Public
Accurate reporting
No incomplete reports
No misleading reports
Objective Reporting
Organizational Issues in MR
Gathering Marketing Research Information
Level 1: Organizations have a need for
information to help them make decisions
Level 2: Research Suppliers
Custom and syndicated research providers
Design and obtain needed studies
Level 3: Data Collectors
Field service organizations
Personal / Telephone interviewers
Focus group facilitators
Level 4: Respondents
Organizational Issues in MR
Marketing Research Successes
Works best when organizations have a
commitment to research (top management
commitment)
View research as in investment (not a cost)
Work with Level 2, 3, and 4 organizations as partners
Share mission, objectives, etc.
Watch for these danger signals
Magic techniques (there is no magic)
Guaranteed solutions (no guarantees – you are gathering
information to help make decisions)
Organizational Issues in MR
Marketing Research Successes
Watch for these danger signals (continued)
Price variance – cheapest may not be the best (but may not
be the worst)
Making research successful
Clear objectives
Build relationships with Levels 2, 3, and 4
View research as a process (one study may not get it done)