Abstract:Traditionally, researchers have relied on the “rational
choice” paradigm in studying organizational buying behaviour.
Shows that such reliance is inappropriate in the international setting.
By integrating insights from four theoretical perspectives that break
out of the rational choice model, ventures 14 propositions of importer
behaviour that shed useful light on the complex and messy process of
overseas vendor search. Also discusses managerial implications and
directions for further research.
This article identifies the implicit importer buying behavior model that is suggested by import decision studies and reviews contextual factors that distinguish international sourcing from its domestic counterpart. We then discuss the major shortcomings of the implicit model, namely, the failure to take into account the cognitive processes that influence vendor search and evaluation patterns. Drawing on the cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence literatures, this paper proposes an alternative model of importer buying behavior that explicitly accounts for the use of cognitive heuristics and presents a series of testable research propositions. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
This article identifies the implicit importer buying behavior model that is suggested by import decision studies and reviews contextual factors that distinguish international sourcing from its domestic counterpart. We then discuss the major shortcomings of the implicit model, namely, the failure to take into account the cognitive processes that influence vendor search and evaluation patterns. Drawing on the cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence literatures, this paper proposes an alternative model of importer buying behavior that explicitly accounts for the use of cognitive heuristics and presents a series of testable research propositions. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
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