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Mgr Elena Borgardt
ORCID: 0000-0002-1902-8754

Mgr Elena Borgardt

A graduate of doctoral studies at the University of Economics in Krakow. She is interested in understanding consumer behaviour through Means-End Chain Theory. Her recent works have focused on extending Means-End Chain Theory by integrating a self-concept approach and behavioural perspective model.

 
DOI: 10.33226/1231-7853.2021.10.1
JEL: M30, M31, M37

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the Means-End Chain (MEC) theory and self-concept based on the Typology of Consumer Value through a hybrid elicitation technique. The contribution of this study is its sequential exploratory strategy of mixed-method design. The data were obtained from eighteen highly involved participants in Focus-Group (FG) discussions through the hybrid elicitation technique. First, a hierarchical value map is constructed using LadderUX software based on the responses. Second, a quantitative analysis with the help of RStudio software is conducted. Finally, an agglomerated matrix revealing the interconnections between self-concept and MEC is presented. The study provides evidence for a relationship between MEC and self-concept and redesigns the existing MEC approach's interpretation. This paper's originality lies in enlarging MEC theory's latitude by integrating self concept as a micro-component. Thus, the MEC model becomes enhanced with individualism, symbolism, and experiential aspects. This approach provides a new consumer-centric perspective on existing MEC and opens new avenues for further research.

 

Keywords: laddering; Means-End Chain; self-concept; typology of consumer value; Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique