An explorative study of how visceral states influence the relationship between social proof heuristics and donation behavior when consumers are using self-service kiosks

Abstract

Self-service kiosks are increasingly being used in situations where a person is out to buy food and/or drinks. Several cause-related marketing initiatives have capitalized on using self-service technology to include small donation requests at the point of purchase. In this context, it is highly likely that during such purchase situations, a person is under the influence of a visceral state like hunger or thirst. This study investigated how a simulated visceral state of thirst could influence donation behavior. More specifically, how donation social proof indicators presented on self-service kiosk screens can impact likelihood to buy. Results of a conjoint study (n = 83) demonstrate that, in a visceral state situation, only a high level of social proof related to donation has a positive impact on likelihood to buy. Any other level of social proof (medium, low and not mentioned), decrease the likelihood to buy in such situations. A scenario simulation analysis shows that cases which included a high level of social proof have relatively higher preference. Consequently, antecedent situational variables like visceral states must be taken into consideration when cause-related marketing activities such as social proof (related to donation) are used in self-service kiosks.