Information search and use in consumer decision making : an in-depth study of Chinese and North American consumers

This dissertation explores individuals' approaches to information search and use in consumer decision making in two dissimilar cultures: China and North America. The research consists of two exploratory studies designed to develop a deep description of information search and use in each of the two cultures studied. Since the two cultures are so different, the research also examined cultural dimensionality and the specific dimensions that appear to impact information search and use in each culture. In addition, the studies probed the implications of these findings for other stages of consumer decision making in Chinese and North American culture.The dissertation utilizes primarily qualitative approaches to investigate the topic in an interpretive fashion. Throughout the research, an emphasis is placed on a multi-method approach in an attempt to develop descriptions and theories of information search and use for the two cultures being investigated. The Chinese study was directed from a base in Beijing, China, and the North American study was directed from two bases in Montreal, Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts. The two studies each utilize three product categories chosen to maximize understanding of information search and use characteristics of each culture. The methods employed include focus groups and interviews, observation, content analysis, and store layout and product availability analyses.The contributions of this research are both theoretical and practical. The dissertation provides a deeply descriptive study of information search and use for two disparate cultures. In addition, the insights gained from the two separate studies should lead to a better understanding of the role culture plays in information search and use more generally. Moreover, the research should help managers to adapt their promotional efforts to the differing cultural needs of two disparate cultures, and to understand how differences in information search and use between cultures can impact other phases of the decision making process, such as the evaluation of alternatives and post-purchase satisfaction