This study compares differences in market mavenism between two generations: the young adult portion of Gen Z, born from approximately 1997 through 2012, to their Gen X parents, born from 1965 through 1980, using a field study of traits, shopping habits, and social media behaviors. Building on generational cohort theory, we conducted paired comparisons across generations and in mavens versus non-mavens.We found differences between mavens and non-mavens related to value consciousness, marketplace interfaces, status consumption, need for uniqueness, and social outcomes decision making. Significant differences were also found between GenZs and GenXs mavens when it comes to status consumption and social outcomes decision making. We also analyzed social media engagement by product category and platform and finally, suggest managerial implications.

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Purpose This paper aims to explore the influence of frontline employees’ (FLEs’) positive psychological capacities (PPCs) (optimism, hope, resilience and self-efficacy) on service recovery. Design/methodology/approach A model of FLE PPCs is tested using two studies: a field study (Nretail = 205; Nrestaurant = 160) and between-subject experimental design (Neducation = 206) in three service settings. Findings Results show that positive emotions mediate the relationship between PPCs and problem-solving adaptability, and that authenticity of positive emotions moderates the relationship between positive emotions and interactional justice. Surprisingly, problem-solving adaptability positively influences perceptions of distributive justice and interactional justice. A small interaction effect between positive emotions and problem-solving adaptability also was found. Research limitations/implications The dependent variable (problem-solving adaptability) was measured using an open-ended question evaluated by objective, independent raters rather than a self-reported structured metric, to minimize social desirability bias. Practical implications Given that the customer complaints to the Better Business Bureau in 2016 were close to one million, most of them occurring in the service sector, service firms need continuous research into improving service recovery. This study argues that firms can improve FLEs’ problem-solving adaptability behavior by training existing FLEs to strengthen PPCs, hiring FLEs that have strong PPCs and fostering positive emotions. Originality/value This is the first study that examines the effect of PPCs on service recovery outcomes. By incorporating PPCs as antecedents of positive emotions, this paper explains how FLEs can offer a better recovery rather than dictating what they ought to display and say. An explanation of how FLE PPCs influence customer outcomes via the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and emotion contagion theory is offered, highlighting a novel path/relationship between FLE positive emotions and problem-solving abilities, and extending emotion contagion to service recovery.

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