Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
Meaning and Definition of Consumer Behaviour
At its core, Consumer Behaviour is the study of how individuals, groups, or organizations
select, buy, use, and dispose of goods, services, or ideas to satisfy their needs and
desires.
A few well-accepted definitions are:
1. Schiffman & Kanuk: “Consumer behaviour is the behaviour that consumers
display in searching for, purchasing, using, evaluating, and disposing of products
and services.”
2. Engel, Blackwell, and Miniard: “Consumer behaviour is the study of the acts of
individuals directly involved in obtaining and using goods and services, including
the decision-making process that precedes and follows these acts.”
In simpler words: Consumer Behaviour = Why + What + How + When + Where
people buy and consume products.
Elements of Consumer Behaviour
To understand consumer behaviour, think of it as a mix of three important dimensions:
1. What consumers think and feel (Mental/Emotional factors):
o Attitudes, perceptions, preferences, motivations.
2. What consumers actually do (Actions):
o Buying a product, searching online, returning items, recommending to
others.
3. Influences on consumer decisions (External factors):
o Culture, social groups, family, advertisements, price, technology.
Why Do We Need to Study Consumer Behaviour?
This is the heart of the question. Let’s explore it step by step like a story.
1. To Understand the Consumer’s Needs
Consumers are not robots. Their needs keep changing – sometimes they want basic
necessities, other times they crave luxury. By studying consumer behaviour, companies
can know what people actually need.