The purpose of the research reported here was to test empirically a conceptualization of brand associations that consists of three dimensions: brand image, brand attitude and perceived quality. A better understanding of brand associations is needed to facilitate further theoretical development and practical measurement of the construct. Three studies were conducted to: test a protocol for developing product category specific measures of brand image; investigate the dimensionality of the brand associations construct; and explore whether the degree of dimensionality of brand associations varies depending upon a brand's familiarity. Findings confirm the efficacy of the brand image protocol and indicate that brand associations differ across brands and product categories. The latter finding supports the conclusion that brand associations for different products should be measured using different items. As predicted, dimensionality of brand associations was found to be influenced by brand familiarity.

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Exchanges among firms operating in supply chains are complex due to relational embeddedness, i.e., the extent to which relationships, rather than economic rationality, govern firm‐to‐firm interactions. For many years interfirm relationships were assumed to be best managed via coercive tactics. However, for the last two decades much attention has been given in the literature to more relational forms of governance, and recent supply chain research examining relationship nature, magnitude, and type implies the need for an alternative symbiotic explanation for supply chain relationship effectiveness. To address this void in the literature, this article introduces the concept of interorganizational citizenship behaviors (ICB's). Based on a review of literature from multiple business domains, common types of ICB's are identified, and research hypotheses are developed and tested. Future research initiatives and implications for supply chain management practice are also provided.

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Beginning with Bowersox and Daugherty's (1987) influential work describing three unique logistics organizational forms, researchers have generally taken a theoretical typology approach to classifying logistics strategies, and attempts to validate the numerous proposed typologies have produced inconsistent and somewhat conflicting results. In an attempt to add clarity to this stream of research, the current article partially replicates and extends the previous studies using a more rigorous and data‐driven methodology, by developing an empirical taxonomy with firmlevel logistics activities used as clustering criteria. The results identify two primary logistics strategy types used by contemporary firms. The revealed strategies are somewhat parallel to two of the three strategic orientations proposed within the original Bowersox and Daugherty (1987) typology, but also elements suggested by other researchers, as well as new concepts introduced since the original work was published. Based on the results, implications of the revealed logistics strategy taxonomy are provided for managers, and foundations are laid for researchers seeking to undertake further inquiry in the area.

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Purpose This paper aims to explore the evolution of the service environment literature and speculates about future research in this area. This paper focuses on studies regarding how the interior and exterior environments of physical service settings (including retail stores) influence consumer response. Web atmospherics are not covered in this paper. In addition, while a number of studies have been conducted on retail and service atmospherics elements in other disciplines, such as environmental psychology and leisure and hospitality, the focus is on research published in marketing and consumer-related journals. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports the results of empirical studies; however, as there are few empirical studies on the effects of exterior environmental characteristics (e.g. storefronts) in marketing, two conceptual papers on this topic will be reviewed to set the stage for future research on exterior design. Findings Over the past 40 years, there has been a proliferation of articles on how service environments influence consumer responses. The review covers illustrative examples of articles in several categories of environmental topics. The areas for future research based on the review are suggested. Originality/value An up-to-date review of service environment research that is broad in scope is provided. The authors also propose 41 different research questions based on the review that services scholars can use to take this area of inquiry forward.

Business schools are frequently criticized for focusing too much attention on theories and concepts and not enough attention on communication, decision making, and other skills that are at least as important to career success as content knowledge. This article presents a six-step approach that has been used successfully to integrate skills training into an undergraduate marketing curriculum. The process is general and appropriate for other faculty groups considering systematic integration of skills training into their curricula.