Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Procter & Gamble is a large American company that specializes in distribution of consumer goods. Some of the products distributed by the company include foodstuff, cleaning agents, beverages, and personal care products. These products are expected to meet different needs of an individual.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be applied to define the preferences of consumers (Noel 2009, p. 124). The following diagram shows the Hierarchy of Needs, as observed by Maslow.
At the bottom are the most basic needs. Such needs are very important because an individual cannot exist without them. As one moves up the pyramid, the needs become secondary. Many individuals rarely reach the highest point, which is the self-actualization need.
As shown above, a number of products distributed by Procter and Gamble are basic implying that an individual cannot do without them. Food and beverages are meant to satisfy hunger and thirst. These are the most basic needs of a human being. The company should therefore consider increasing production of foodstuff and beverages because the two products are in high demand.
It is possible to change consumer needs because they grow over time. An individual may perceive a product like medicated soap to be a social need, especially if its cost is high. However, a marketer can change this perception through advertisements.
This would convince the consumer that the product is needed for the protection of skin. The product would no longer be a social need, but a safety need. This would definitely increase the sales of the company in the market.
Effects of Different Groups on Consumer Behavior
Consumer behavior is always shaped by different factors. A consumer would have a negative perception towards a certain product because of cultural practices or other social factors. Peer is known to be one of the leading determinants of an individual’s behavior. The way an individual behaves would be shaped by the group behavior.
The youth forms a market segment that is most influenced by peer pressure. An individual would buy a product based on how his or her peer feels about that particular product (Blythe 2008, p. 57). At this stage of development, the peers are very sensitive about what others think about them in society.
They would always strive to eliminate all forms of negative comments from their age mates. They would also wish to be viewed as trendy individuals. Religious groupings would also affect the behavior of a consumer. Because of their religion, Muslims would rarely buy pork.
Key Research Areas to Research on as a Marketer of Procter and Gamble
Research activities would focus on youths because they form a major market segment for this firm. The main interest would be to determine the factors that affect the behavior of youths in the market (Solomon 2010, p. 94). Moreover, the researcher would be interested in knowing how the emerging technologies affect the behavior of youths in the market.
From this research, the researcher would be hopeful of coming up with strategies that would make the company benefit from this market segment. This is because the market segment for youths has been growing steadily in the twenty-first century. Moreover, this market segment would be a surety for the firm’s sustainability.
Outline of a Marketing Research Proposal
In conducting this research, the outline will be simple but detailed. The research would focus on covering all the relevant details. It would take the following format:
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Methodology
- Data analysis
- Conclusion and recommendations
List of References
Blythe, J 2008, Consumer behavior, Thomson Learning, London.
Noel, H 2009, Consumer behavior, AVA Academia, Lausanne.
Solomon, M 2010, Consumer behavior: a European perspective, Prentice Hall, Harlow.