Thesis Statement
This paper assesses the significance of religion on customer selection by suggesting that devoting to a certain religious belief manipulates buying behavior considerably. This is in respect to two religious faiths, namely, Hinduism and Islam.
Introduction
Marketing literature indicates that religion is an important cultural element that manipulates both buying choices and behavior (Mokhlis, 2010). Though research has long identified the importance of spiritual value systems in both psychology and sociology, it has not so far recognized its function in buying study (Essoo & Dibb, 2004). While central values that provide communal distinctiveness are material in some cultures, religion has often granted the worth classification in which groups gather and in which their associates categorize themselves (Mokhlis, 2009). This religion aspect is known pretty well both historically and currently; therefore, it does not need to be explained more. The main categories to be assessed are religious affiliation and religious dedication in respect to Hinduism and Islam.
Discussion
The religious influence on community’s worth classifications and the effect of these worth classifications on customer conduct cannot be underrated. Therefore, religion manipulates the importance positioned on material being, the approach towards possessing, and utilization of commodities and services (Bailey & Sood, 1993). Occasionally, religious customs even forbid the application of some commodities and services, in general. For instance, Islam prohibits pork consumption, while Hindus are not allowed to eat beef. Religious affiliation, on the other hand, is the devotion of persons to a certain spiritual group, religious commitment, which is also known as religiosity. Additionally, religious affiliation is the extent to which beliefs, especially the religious values and principles, are embraced and practiced by a person (Mokhlis, 2010). In this regard, Muslims are considered comparatively hasty when it comes to shopping. They are also considered less enlightened about their buying. Hindus, on the other hand, are considered as coherent consumer group. Somehow, these outcomes fit with these groups’ religious attitudes. Muslims are considered to have a more philosophical view concerning life, while the inactive buying models assumed by the Hindus fit with their religious way of life (Essoo & Dibb, 2004).
When it comes to religiosity, an important feature of the Hindu religion is the approval of being intuitive into a particular social group, the anticipation, and enthusiasm to perform in accord with the standards of that social group. This shows a particular fatalism, or even powerlessness to transform things (Mokhlis, 2010). This fatalism and the significance of religious attitudes like self-discipline, composure, objectivity, and concern might show comparatively inert buying conduct. The outcome might be that pious Hindus do not bother to look for information to possess new commodities or to ask for excellent service or low costs. These attitudes could, to some extent, lead to inferior service and elevated costs (Bailey & Sood, 1993). When compared to Muslims, the consequences of their Islamic attitudes and performances affect the customer conduct. Religious Muslims suppose that the result of their actions is God determined, which might mean that religious Muslims could be better threat takers and pacesetters (Mokhlis, 2009). Thus, they might attempt novel products or novel trade supplies, since the result would depend on the determination of God rather than their individual doing. Due to similar motives, religious Muslims might have a minimal likelihood of engaging in looking for information, or be reactive to commercials (Bailey & Sood, 1993).
Conclusion
According to the research, religious affiliation and religiosity play a vital part in shopping conduct. However, religiosity tends to be stronger than religious affiliation (Essoo & Dibb, 2004), as the difference in shopping trends stems from religious level. Religious persons are more customary and conservative, perceptive, and grown-up. More so, casually religious persons tend to be trendier and more innovative. Muslim customers are more innovative and practical when it comes to shopping as compared to Hindus, who have an inert buying manner (Mokhlis, 2010).
References
Bailey, J. M., & Sood, J. (1993). The effects of Religious Affiliation on Consumer Behavior: A Preliminary Investigation. Journal of Managerial Issues. 5, 328-352.
Essoo, N., & Dibb, S. (2004). Religious Influences on Shopping Behavior: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Marketing Management. 20, 683-712.
Mokhlis, S. (2009). Relevancy and Measurement of Religiosity in Consumer Behavior Research. International Business Research. 2 (3).
Mokhlis, S. (2010). Religious Contrasts in Consumer Shopping Styles: A Factor Analytic Comparison. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly. 2 (1).