Shopping as a Jungle Trip

Abstract

This paper employs projective techniques premised upon anthropomorphism and totemism to explore shoppers` inner world and how consumers` shopping perceptions vary between Taiwanese and American cultures. The data indicate that more similarities than distinctions exist in comparing the two societies. Informants in both cultures focus on shopping strategy and shopping partners` loyalty and overall helpfulness; informants also responded similarly to queries concerning "good" and "bad" salespeople. Nevertheless, while the Taiwanese data suggest a pro-social orientation consistent with Taiwanese cultural values of "face," group and harmony, the American data often suggest an individualistic point of reference and experience.