Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: van Rekom, J.
Author-Name-Last: van Rekom
Author-Name-First: Johan
Author-Name: Wierenga, B.
Author-Name-Last: Wierenga
Author-Name-First: Berend
Title: Means-End Relations
Abstract: Means-end relations are generally assumed to be hierarchical, and, by implication, asymmetrical. That is, if A is a means to achieve B, B is not at the same time also a means to achieve A. Literature casting doubt on this directedness of means-end relations is reviewed, and the hypothesis of means-end relations having direction is tested in two empirical studies. In these studies the means-end relations turn out to be symmetrical rather than asymmetrical. Means-end structures may therefore better be conceptualized as semantic networks rather than as straight hierarchies. Consequently, for the presentation and interpretation of the results from means-end studies, the emphasis should be on elements that derive from the network nature of the cognitive structure and not from the (possibly misleading) notions of hierarchy.
Creation-Date: 2002-04-08
File-URL: https://repub.eur.nl/pub/189/erimrs20020408084827.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
Series: RePEc:ems:eureri
Number: ERS-2002-36-MKT
Classification-JEL: C44, D21, M, M31
Keywords: consumer behavior, hierarchy, laddering, means-end relations, semantic relations
Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:189