Strategies for online communities

Kent D. Miller, Frances Fabian, Shu Jou Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

154 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines the participation of firms in online communities as a means to enhance demand for their products. We begin with theoretical arguments and then develop a simulation model to illustrate how demand evolves as a function of interpersonal communication and a firm's chosen strategy. In this model, the firm's strategy involves allocating advocates who promote its product in online communities. Our model results point to some key parameters informing firms' strategies when social learning processes shape demand.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)305-322
Number of pages18
JournalStrategic Management Journal
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 03 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Computer simulation
  • Demand
  • Online communities
  • Preference formation
  • Social learning processes
  • Threshold effects

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