A within-person theoretical perspective in sales research: outlining recommendations for adoption and consideration of boundary conditions |
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Authors: | Dayle R N Childs Nick Lee Belinda Dewsnap John W Cadogan |
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Institution: | 1. School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK;2. D.Childs@lboro.ac.uk;4. Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK;5. Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland |
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Abstract: | AbstractIn the sales literature it is standard practice for researchers to collect cross-sectional data from multiple salespeople, and to compare those salespeople on the data obtained. This between-person approach is suitable for research aiming to draw conclusions between salespeople. However, many salesperson processes are dynamic and vary within salespeople over time, requiring datasets with repeated-measures. This article highlights the need to adopt a within-person theoretical perspective in sales research. Critically, the article shows how our present understanding of boundary conditions may change depending on whether a between-person or within-person level of analysis is adopted. Using examples from the sales literature, we show how the practical implications from between-persons research designs do not necessarily generalize to the within-person level. Further, we explain the methodological and analytical considerations that researchers must account for when undertaking within-person research. Furthermore, the article provides decision criteria that help to identify when within-person analysis should be conducted, outlining analysis tools that are capable of correctly estimating within-person effects without bias. Examples of how within-person research can enhance theory within future sales research, and how within-person research may influence management implications are also discussed. Finally, potential remedies to within-person research barriers are given. |
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Keywords: | within-person level of analysis intra-individual disaggregation longitudinal repeated-measures |
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