SHETH-NEWMAN GROSS MODEL OF CONSUMPTION VALUES

 According to this model, there are five consumption values influencing consumer choice behavior. These are functional, social, conditional, emotional, and epistemic values. Any or all of the five consumption values may influence the decision. Various disciplines (including economics, sociology, and several branches of psychology, marketing and consumer behavior) have contributed theories and research findings relevant to these values, (Sheth et al. 1991). Each consumption value in the theory is consistent with various components of models advanced by Maslow (1970), Katona (1971), Katz (1960), and Hanna (1980). Five consumption values form the core of the model:

The first value: Functional value To Sheth et al. (1991) the functional value of an alternative is defined as: "The perceived utility acquired from an alternative for functional, utilitarian, or physical performance. An alternative acquires functional value through the possession of salient functional, utilitarian, or physical attributes. Functional value is measured on a profile of choice attributes.

Traditionally, functional value is presumed to be the primary driver of consumer choice. For example, the decision to purchase a particular automobile may be based on fuel economy and maintenance record.

The second value: Social value Sheth et al. (1991) defined social value of an alternative as: "The perceived utility acquired from an alternative association with one or more specific social groups. An alternative acquires social value through association with positively or negatively stereotyped demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural-ethnic groups. Social value is measured on a profile choice imagery."

Social imagery refers to all relevant primary and secondary reference groups likely to be supportive of the product consumption. Consumers acquire positive or negative stereotypes based on their association with varied demographic (age, sex, religion), socioeconomic (income, occupation), cultural/ethnic (race, lifestyle), or political, ideological segments of society.

The third value: Emotional value Sheth et al. (1991) defined emotional value of an alternative as: "The perceived utility acquired from an alternative’s capacity to arouse feelings or affective states. An alternative acquires emotional value when associated with specific feelings or when precipitating those feelings. Emotional values are measured on a profile of feelings associated with the alternative."

The fourth value: Epistemic value- Epistemic issues refer to reasons that would justify the perceived satisfaction of curiosity, knowledge, and exploratory needs offered by the product as a change of pace (something new, different). Entirely new experience certainly provides epistemic value. However, an alternative that provides a simple change of pace can also be imbued with epistemic value. The alternative may be chosen because the consumer is bored or satiated with his or her current brand (as in trying a new type of food), is curious (as in visiting a new shopping complex), or has a desire to learn (as in experiencing another culture).

The Fifth value: Conditional value - Sheth et al. (1991) defined the conditional value as: "The perceived utility acquired by an alternative is the result of the specific situation or set of circumstances facing the choice maker. An alternative acquires conditional value in the presence of antecedent physical or social contingencies that enhance its functional or social value. Conditional value is measured on a profile of choice contingencies."