ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Authors

  • Pramod Sakharam Shinde Research Scholar, Department of Marketing Management, OPJS University, Distt. Churu, Rajasthan
  • Dr. G. S Parmar Supervisor, Department of Marketing Management, OPJS University, Distt. Churu, Rajasthan

Keywords:

Social Media, Higher Education, Consumer Decision-Making, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Influence Theory, Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the influence of social media on consumer decision-making in higher education. As digital platforms have become integral to students' lives, understanding how social media impacts their educational choices is essential for higher education institutions. The study explores various decision-making theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Influence Theory, and integrates social media's role within these frameworks. It also examines major social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and their specific impacts on student decisions. Additionally, the paper discusses factors influencing decision-making, including peer reviews, influencer endorsements, and user-generated content. The findings offer valuable insights for higher education marketers and suggest strategies for effectively leveraging social media to attract and engage prospective students.

References

• Ajzen, I. (2011). The theory of planned behavior: Reactions and reflections. Psychology & Health, 26(9), 1113-1127. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2011.613995

• Alalwan, A. A., Rana, N. P., Dwivedi, Y. K., & Algharabat, R. (2017). Social media in marketing: A review and analysis of the existing literature. Telematics and Informatics, 34(7), 1177-1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2017.05.008

• Boyd, D. M., & Ellison, N. B. (2010). Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210-230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2007.00393.x

• Constantinides, E., & Stagno, M. Z. (2011). Potential of the social media as instruments of higher education marketing: A segmentation study. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 21(1), 7-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841241.2011.573593

• Erkan, I., & Evans, C. (2016). The influence of eWOM in social media on consumers’ purchase intentions: An extended approach to information adoption. Computers in Human Behavior, 61, 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.003

• Hanna, R., Rohm, A., & Crittenden, V. L. (2011). We’re all connected: The power of the social media ecosystem. Business Horizons, 54(3), 265-273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2011.01.007

• Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.09.003

• Mangold, W. G., & Faulds, D. J. (2018). Social media: The new hybrid element of the promotion mix. Business Horizons, 52(4), 357-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2009.03.002

• Pelling, E. L., & White, K. M. (2018). The theory of planned behavior applied to young people's use of social networking websites. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 12(6), 755-759. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2009.0109

• Pookulangara, S., & Koesler, K. (2011). Cultural influence on consumers' usage of social networks and its' impact on online purchase intentions. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 18(4), 348-354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2011.03.003

• Safko, L. (2010). The social media bible: Tactics, tools, and strategies for business success. John Wiley & Sons.

• Saravanakumar, M., & SuganthaLakshmi, T. (2012). Social media marketing. Life Science Journal, 9(4), 4444-4451.

• Sashittal, H. C., Sriramachandramurthy, R., & Hodis, M. (2012). Targeting college students on Facebook? How to stop wasting your money. Business Horizons, 55(5), 495-507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2012.05.007

• Tuten, T. L., & Solomon, M. R. (2018). Social media marketing. Pearson.

• Turban, E., Strauss, J., & Lai, L. (2015). Social commerce: Marketing, technology and management. Springer.

Downloads

Published

2018-03-31

How to Cite

Pramod Sakharam Shinde, & Dr. G. S Parmar. (2018). ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE ON CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION. Innovative Research Thoughts, 4(2), 317–321. Retrieved from https://irt.shodhsagar.com/index.php/j/article/view/1444