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Exploring the Impact of Various Shaped Seating Arrangements on Persuasion

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  • Rui (Juliet) Zhu
  • Jennifer J. Argo

Abstract

Despite the common belief that seating arrangements matter, little research has examined how the geometrical shape of a chair arrangement can affect persuasion. Across three studies, this research demonstrates that the shape of seating arrangements can prime two fundamental human needs that in turn influence persuasion. When seated in a circular-shaped layout, individuals evaluate persuasive material more favorably when it contains family-oriented cues or majority endorsement information. In contrast, when seated in an angular-shaped seating arrangement, individuals evaluate persuasive material more favorably when it contains self-oriented cues or minority endorsement. Further, results reveal that these responses to persuasive material arise because circular (angular) shaped seating arrangements prime a need to belong (need to be unique). Thus, this research shows that a subtle environmental cue--the shape of a seating arrangement--can activate fundamental human needs and consequently affect persuasion.

Suggested Citation

  • Rui (Juliet) Zhu & Jennifer J. Argo, 2013. "Exploring the Impact of Various Shaped Seating Arrangements on Persuasion," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 40(2), pages 336-349.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jconrs:doi:10.1086/670392
    DOI: 10.1086/670392
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Stephanie Q. & Bogicevic, Vanja & Mattila, Anna S., 2018. "Circular vs. angular servicescape: “Shaping” customer response to a fast service encounter pace," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 47-56.
    2. Ping Dong & Chen-Bo Zhong & Darren DahlEditor & Jennifer ArgoAssociate Editor, 2017. "Retracted: Witnessing Moral Violations Increases Conformity in Consumption," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 44(4), pages 778-793.
    3. Wang, Wangshuai & Raghunathan, Rajagopal & Gauri, Dinesh K., 2022. "Powerlessness, variety-seeking, and the mediating role of need for autonomy," Journal of Retailing, Elsevier, vol. 98(4), pages 706-723.
    4. Woodong Kim & Boyoung Kim, 2020. "The Critical Factors Affecting the Consumer Reselling of Limited Edition Products: A Case in the Korean Fashion Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-16, October.
    5. Chen, Nuoya & Jiao, Jinfeng (Jenny) & Fan, Xiucheng & Li, Shaobo (Kevin), 2021. "The shape of loneliness: The relationship between loneliness and consumer preference for angular versus circular shapes," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 612-629.
    6. Li, Ruiqin & Wang, Yan & Zhang, Hongli, 2023. "The shape of premiumness: Logo Shape's effects on perceived brand premiumness and brand preference," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    7. Liying Xu & Feng Yu & Xiaojun Ding, 2020. "Circular-Looking Makes Green-Buying: How Brand Logo Shapes Influence Green Consumption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-13, February.
    8. Pang, Jun & Ding, Ying, 2021. "Blending package shape with the gender dimension of brand image: How and why?," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 216-231.
    9. He (Michael) Jia & Echo Wen Wan & Wanyi Zheng, 2023. "Stars versus Bars: How the Aesthetics of Product Ratings “Shape” Product Preference," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 50(1), pages 142-166.

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