Time and the customer relationship management process

Author(s)
Emmanuella Plakoyiannaki, Michael Saren
Abstract

Purpose: The concept of time is intrinsically linked to the conceptualization and empirical investigation of organizational processes such as customer relationship management (CRM). The purpose of this paper is to offer conceptual and methodological insights enabling the incorporation of temporal factors in the study of CRM. Design/methodology/approach: A framework toward the integration of time into the study of CRM is proposed and discussed. Findings: This framework, which consists of philosophical, conceptual, methodological and substantive domains, suggests that the locus of time is inherent in the conceptualization and empirical investigation of marketing phenomena. Practical implications: CRM practitioners can emphasize crucial events of the firm-customer relationship, which are likely to be associated with stronger rapport with customers. Originality/value: The paper promotes more explicit thinking about the temporal dimension in relationship marketing. Second, it advances understanding of the CRM process, since buyer-seller relationships are dynamic phenomena that embrace the concept of time.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
University of Leicester, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Journal
Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing
Volume
21
Pages
218-230
No. of pages
13
ISSN
0885-8624
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/08858620610672588
Publication date
07-2006
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
502016 SME-research
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Business and International Management, Marketing
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/c96b6b4d-29e7-4873-95e6-68c0e6a72e7b