Beyond Material Possessions: The Interplay among Holistic Thinking, the Diderot Effect, Prestige Sensitivity, and Self-Actualization on Purchase Intention

Consumers' purchase intentions are affected differently. Although there are numerous reasons and hidden triggers for consumption action, the most important point to remember when analyzing consumption behavior is that consumers fulfill consumption under some effects such as holistic thinking, the Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, and self-actualization. Previous studies have primarily examined these factors separately, and there is a need for research that investigates their interaction. This study attempts to investigate the interplay among holistic thinking, the Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, and self-actualization on purchase intention. The sample for this study was collected using convenience sampling from a diverse group of 426 consumers. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered survey that included measures of holistic thinking, the Diderot effect, prestige sensitivity, self-actualization, and purchase intention. This study is a cross-sectional survey that uses structural equation modeling to test the relationships between the variables in the conceptual model. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 22.00 and AMOS 24.0 programs.Data analysis revealed that there was no significant impact of holistic thinking on the Diderot Effect. However, a significant relationship was found between Prestige Sensitivity and the Diderot Effect, acting as a mediator between the Diderot Effect and purchase intention. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive relationship was observed between the Diderot Effect and Purchase Intention, indicating a moderate positive relationship. Findings also show that the Diderot Effect doe does not have mediating role between holistic thinking and purchase intention.By expanding on existing knowledge and providing a more comprehensive perspective on the dynamics between these variables, the study contributes to the theoretical understanding of consumer behavior. Besides, understanding these variables that influence consumers' purchase intentions can provide marketers with valuable insights, allowing them to tailor their strategies and offerings to match consumer motivations. Keywords: Holistic thinking, The Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, self-actualization, psychological factors, purchase intention DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/90-02 Publication date:July 31st 202

Impact of Pre-incubators on Entrepreneurial Activities in Turkey: Problems, Successes, and Policy Recommendations

Innovation is a key driver of economic growth the world over. One key initiative in innovative societies is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship can be considered a driving force for economic growth, employment creation, and competitiveness in societies. However, a crucial issue is the ability to produce knowledge and train a skilled workforce that has a proper entrepreneurial mindset. In this regard, there are three main actors: public governance, universities, and the private sector. Universities need to become more innovative and entrepreneurial—in contrast to their traditional approach in teaching and research. They need to play an important role as both producers and disseminators of knowledge in entrepreneurial activities. The concept of preincubation centers, which is the central focus of this paper, is one outcome of such activities. By providing targeted resources and services, incubation is a business-support process that accelerates the successful development of start-ups and companies. Incubation ideas focus on already established firms—either start-up or senior firms; however, pre-incubation centers focus on the early-stage ideas of students and entrepreneurs. This study addresses the impact of services offered in pre-incubation centers—namely infrastructure, coaching, and business networks—on the graduation rates of incubator participants in Turkey. Based on interview data with 23 of 40 pre-incubation managers, we found that it is necessary to develop synergy among universities and achieve local economic alignment. The educational system should produce individuals with requisite skills: at that point, they can become active in furthering government policies to promote entrepreneurship. In this context, entrepreneurial universities play an important role as both producers and disseminators of knowledge. University-based incubation centers will become key actors for promoting entrepreneurial culture in societies