The Importance of the Country of Origin of the Products in the Purchase Decisions under Globalisation and Digitalisation of Consumption

Abstract

Country of origin of a product is a key factor for a large group of consumers, although the importance is varied and depends on industry. Manufacturers and retailers aware of the importance of this factor are trying to use it also in the case when the real place of origin is not favourable to them in respect of image, by misleading customers. The aim of the article was to present diverse scope of importance of country of origin for different segments of buyers in relation to the differ-ent product categories. An attempt was made to determine the methods and sources which are used by consumers to collect information about the country of origin. Research was conducted in Q4 2014, among 158 respondents, residents of Podkarpackie voivodship. The research indicates that consumers in many cases have a problem with identifying the country of origin, or declare that they are able to do so but the sources of information indicated by them are of doubtful credibility. The effect of country of origin is the impact of the available information about a specific country, its stereotypes or attitudes, on the evaluation of a product, which is identified with this country. Connotations, in connection with the country of origin may therefore affect the sales on interna-tional market. This depends to large extent on those positive and negative stereotypes concerning the country of origin of products, which are deeply rooted in consumers’ minds.