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Consumer Behavior Process for Purchasing Men's Business Attire in First and Second Generation Colombian-Americans

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Consumer Behavior Process for Purchasing Men's Business Attire in First and Second Generation Colombian-Americans
Consumer Behavior Process for Purchasing Men’s Business Attire in First and Second Generation of Colombian-Americans

Abstract
The focus of this research is on comparing how Colombian-Americans from the first and second generations make their decisions in purchasing men’s business attire. Variables such as motivation, lifestyle, occupation, education, family, friends, belonging groups and culture are analyzed to understand both groups’ behavior. Among the main differences found between both groups are spoken language, type of jobs they have, self-identification with belonging groups, messages they respond to and values they respect. The second generation is definitely more “American” than the first generation, for which the influence of the Colombian culture is higher. When buying men’s business attire, second generation makes emphasis on ease and comfort, while first generation looks for elegance and distinction.

Consumer Behavior Process for Purchasing Men’s Business Attire in First and Second Generation of Colombian-Americans The consumer behavior process is a model that represents the steps a consumer follows in his mind when making a purchase. It is composed of five main steps. First, the individual’s recognition of a need. Second, search for information. Third, pre-purchase evaluation of alternatives. Fourth, purchase of the product or service. And fifth, product consumption or use. Even though the five steps are present in any purchase decision, sometimes some of the steps occur simultaneously (Blackwell, Miniard & Engel, 2006). The focus of this research is on comparing how Colombian-Americans from the first generation and Colombian-Americans from the second generation make their decisions in purchasing men’s business attire. This is based on the two first steps of the consumer behavior process: recognition of a need and search for information. These two steps are influenced by many external and internal variables. Motivation,



References: Blackwell, R., Miniard, P., & Engel. J. (2006). Consumer Behavior (10th ed). Beauceville: Thomson. Dassanowsky, R. & Lehman, J. (2000). Gale encyclopedia of multicultural America (2nd ed), 1, 417-428. Detroit: Gale Group. Hofstede, G. (2003). Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. Itim International. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 from http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ Houser, R La Ferla, R. (2001). Latino Style Is Cool. Oh, All Right: It’s Hot. The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2008 from http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504E5D61231F936A25757C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all Leeds-Hurwitz, W Levinson, D. & Ember, M. (1997). American immigrant cultures: builders of a nation. New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan. Mitchell, M. & Corr, J. (2000). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Business Etiquette. Indianapolis: Alpha Books. Moda Vestirse bien y verse bien. (2004). Revista Dinero. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 from http://www.dinero.com/noticias-especial/moda-brvestirse-bien-verse-bien/19482.aspx Romain, M Sabath, A. M. (2000). International Business Etiquette. Latin America: What You Need to Know to Conduct Business Abroad With Charm and Savvy. Franklin Lakes: The Career Press. Seduzca a sus clientes. (1994). Revista Dinero. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 from http://www.dinero.com/noticias-internacional/seduzca-clientes/16368.aspx U.S

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