Advancing value-based selling research in B2B markets : A theoretical toolbox and research agenda
Abstract
Value-based selling (VBS) has become an increasingly important selling practice in contemporary business-to-business (B2B) markets, but currently most VBS studies are limited to exploratory and descriptive case studies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical toolbox that provides a foundation for more theory-driven research on VBS and thereby advances both the theoretical and managerial understanding of VBS. Specifically, we consider equity theory, framing theory, mental accounting, social exchange theory, signaling theory, agency theory, game theory, and institutional theory in terms of their implications for VBS. We provide a brief overview of each theory and its applications, highlight the key implications and potential research questions for VBS, and summarize our insights into a research agenda. This paper contributes to the contemporary VBS literature by developing a theory-driven research agenda. It also provides managerial insights on how different theories can inform decision-making for the implementation and management of VBS in B2B markets.
Main Authors
Format
Articles
Research article
Published
2023
Series
Subjects
Publication in research information system
Publisher
Elsevier BV
The permanent address of the publication
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202304192540Käytä tätä linkitykseen.
Review status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0019-8501
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.02.014
Language
English
Published in
Industrial Marketing Management
Citation
- Keränen, J., Totzek, D., Salonen, A., & Kienzler, M. (2023). Advancing value-based selling research in B2B markets : A theoretical toolbox and research agenda. Industrial Marketing Management, 111, 55-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2023.02.014
Additional information about funding
Mario Kienzler gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Jan Wallander and Tom Hedelius Foundation (grant number W19-0018). The funding source had no involvement in conducting, preparing, or publishing the research reported herein.
Copyright© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.