CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARD CAUSE-RELATED PRODUCTS: A STUDY OF JAPANESE CUSTOMERS AND BENEFICIARY-MADE ITEMS
Abstract
Much research has been done on cause-related marketing activities implemented by for-profit businesses. However, researchers seem to neglect that the beneficiaries make specific products used in cause-related campaigns, and for-beneficiaries organizations also run specific campaigns. Further research, thus, needs to be done to understand and support these self-help efforts. This study investigated customer attitudes toward products made by people with disabilities – the direct beneficiaries of the generated incomes. By interviewing fifteen female customers in Japan, this study found that the participants had a somewhat positive attitude. They wanted to buy or had bought these kinds of products. The customers’ perceptions of product quality were good. However, their perception of product types and production scale was not. The women’s perceptions and behaviours, or their attitudes, were affected by several personal and environmental factors. A recent factor, the COVID-19 pandemic, seemed to add some situational impacts. Implications for expanding cause-related marketing theory and improving cause-related marketing activities from the beneficiary perspective were discussed based on these findings.
References
Bagheri, A., Chitsazan, H., & Ebrahimi, A. (2019). Crowdfunding motivations: A focus on donors' perspectives. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 146, 218-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.05.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.05.002
Bester, S., & Jere, M. G. (2012). Cause-related marketing in an emerging market: Effect of cause involvement and message framing on purchase intention. Journal of Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management, 19, 286-293. https://doi.org/10.1057/dbm.2012.26
https://doi.org/10.1057/dbm.2012.26
Bigné-Alcañiz, E., Currás-Pérez, R., Ruiz-Mafé, C., & Sanz-Blas, S. (2012). Cause-related marketing influence on consumer responses: The moderating effect of cause-brand fit. Journal of Marketing Communications, 18(4), 265-283. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2010.521358
https://doi.org/10.1080/13527266.2010.521358
Breckler, S. J. (1984). Empirical validation of affect, behavior, and cognition as distinct components of attitude. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 47(6), 1191-1205. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.47.6.1191
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.47.6.1191
Briers, B., Pandelaere, M., & Warlop, L. (2007). Adding exchange to charity: A reference price explanation. Journal of Economic Psychology, 28(1), 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2005.12.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2005.12.001
Broderick, A., Jogi, A., & Garry, T. (2003). Tickled pink: The personal meaning of cause related marketing for customers. Journal of Marketing Management, 19(5/6), 583-610. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2003.9728227
https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2003.9728227
Chang, C. T., & Liu, H. W. (2012). Goodwill hunting? Influences of product‐cause fit, product type, and donation level in cause‐related marketing. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 30(6), 634-652. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634501211262609
https://doi.org/10.1108/02634501211262609
Chang, C. T., Chen, P. C., Chu, X. Y., Kung, M. T., & Huang, Y. F. (2018). Is cash always king? Bundling product-cause fit and product type in cause‐related marketing. Psychology & Marketing, 35(12), 990-1009. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21151
https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21151
Chattananon, A., Lawley, M., Supparerkchaisakul, N., & Leelayouthayothin, L. (2008). Impacts of a Thai cause‐related marketing program on corporate image. International Journal of Emerging Markets, 3(4), 348-363. https://doi.org/10.1108/17468800810906066
https://doi.org/10.1108/17468800810906066
Chattoe, E. (2000). Charity shops as second‐hand markets. International Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, 5(2), 153-160. https://doi.org/10.1002/nvsm.107
https://doi.org/10.1002/nvsm.107
Chen, B. K., Jalal, H., Hashimoto, H., Suen, S. C., Eggleston, K., Hurley, M., Schoemaker, L., Bhattacharya, J. (2016). Forecasting trends in disability in a super-aging society: Adapting the future elderly model to Japan. The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, 8, 42-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2016.06.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2016.06.001
Chéron, E., Kohlbacher, F., & Kusuma, K. (2012). The effects of brand‐cause fit and campaign duration on consumer perception of cause‐related marketing in Japan. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 29(5), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363761211247479
https://doi.org/10.1108/07363761211247479
Christofi, M., Leonidou, E., Vrontis, D., Kitchen, P., & Papasolomou, I. (2015). Innovation and cause-related marketing success: A conceptual framework and propositions. Journal of Services Marketing, 29(5), 354-366. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-04-2014-0114
https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-04-2014-0114
Coderoni, S., & Perito, M. A. (2021). Approaches for reducing wastes in the agricultural sector. An analysis of Millennials' willingness to buy food with upcycled ingredients. Waste Management, 126, 283-290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.03.018
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.03.018
Coleman, J. T., Royne, M. B., & Pounders, K. R. (2020). Pride, guilt, and self-regulation in cause-related marketing advertisements. Journal of Advertising, 49(1), 34-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/00913367.2019.1689871
https://doi.org/10.1080/00913367.2019.1689871
Cui, Y., Trent, E. S., Sullivan, P. M., & Matiru, G. N. (2003). Cause‐related marketing: How generation Y responds. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 31(6), 310-320. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550310476012
https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550310476012
Das, E., Kerkhof, P., & Kuiper, J. (2008). Improving the effectiveness of fundraising messages: The impact of charity goal attainment, message framing, and evidence on persuasion. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 36(2), 161-175. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909880801922854
https://doi.org/10.1080/00909880801922854
Das, N., Guha, A., Biswas, A., & Krishnan, B. (2016). How product-cause fit and donation quantifier interact in cause-related marketing (CRM) settings: Evidence of the cue congruency effect. Marketing Letters, 27, 295-308. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11002-014-9338-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11002-014-9338-6
Dean, J. (2020). Student perceptions and experiences of charity on social media: The authenticity of offline networks in online giving. Voluntary Sector Review, 11(1), 41-57. https://doi.org/10.1332/204080519X15760809008764
https://doi.org/10.1332/204080519X15760809008764
e Silva, S. C., Duarte, P., Machado, J. C., & Martins, C. (2020). Cause-related marketing in online environment: The role of brand-cause fit, perceived value, and trust. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 17, 135-157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-019-00237-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-019-00237-z
Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x
Forbes, S. L., & De Silva, T.-A. (2019). The Hawke's bay wine auction: History, motivations and benefits. In S. Forbes, T.-A. De Silva, & A. Gilinsky (eds.), Social Sustainability in the Global Wine Industry (pp. 75-91). Cham: Palgrave Pivot.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30413-3_6
Francis, J. J., Johnston, M., Robertson, C., Dlidewell, L., Entwistle, V., Eccles, M. P., & Grimshaw, J. M. (2010). What is an adequate sample size? Operationalising data saturation for theory-based interview studies. Psychology and Health, 25(10), 1229-1245. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903194015
https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903194015
Gartner, W. (1993). Image formation process. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 2(2/3), 191-215. https://doi.org/10.1300/J073v02n02_12
https://doi.org/10.1300/J073v02n02_12
Given, L. M. (2008). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909
Guest, G., Bunce, A., & Johnson, L. (2006). How many interviews are enough? An experiment with data saturation and variably. Field Methods, 18(1), 59-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X05279903
https://doi.org/10.1177/1525822X05279903
Gupta, S., & Pirsch, J. (2006). The company‐cause‐customer fit decision in cause‐related marketing. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 23(6), 314-326. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760610701850
https://doi.org/10.1108/07363760610701850
Hamiln, R., & Wilson, T. (2004). The impact of cause branding on consumer reactions to products: Does product/cause 'fit' really matter?. Journal of Marketing Management, 20(7/8), 663-681. https://doi.org/10.1362/0267257041838746
https://doi.org/10.1362/0267257041838746
Han, J., & Lee, S. (2022). The role of visual presentation in cause-related marketing message processing in social network sites: A case for sports brands. International Journal of Advertising, 41(2), 309-332. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2021.1892963
https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2021.1892963
Harada, Y. (2009). Floating between the Orient and the Occident: Japan, Australia and Their Inferiority Complex (Unpublished Doctor of Philosophy Thesis). New South Wales, Australia: Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies, School of History and Politics - Faculty of Arts, University of Wollongon.
Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Monkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations - Software of the Mind. Intercultural Cooperation and Its Importance for Survival. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Hong, K. T., Ng, S. I., Yusof, R. N., & Kaliappan, S. R. (2021). What do consumers like to see in a cause-related marketing campaign board?. International Journal of Business and Society, 22(1), 346-364. https://doi.org/10.33736/ijbs.3182.2021
https://doi.org/10.33736/ijbs.3182.2021
Hyllegard, K. H., Yan, R. N., Ogle, J. P., & Attmann, J. (2010). The influence of gender, social cause, charitable support, and message appeal on Gen Y's responses to cause-related marketing. Journal of Marketing Management, 27(1/2), 100-123. from https://doi.org/10.1080/02672571003683755
https://doi.org/10.1080/02672571003683755
Joo, S., Koo, J., & Fink, J. S. (2016). Cause-related marketing in sports: The power of altruism. European Sport Management Quarterly, 16(3), 316-340. https://doi.org/10.1080/16184742.2016.1143854
https://doi.org/10.1080/16184742.2016.1143854
Kalargyrou, V., Kalargiros, E., & Kutz, D. (2020). Social entrepreneurship and disability inclusion in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 21(3), 308-334. https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2018.1478356
https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2018.1478356
Kassarjian, H. H. (1977). Content analysis in consumer research. Journal of Consumer Research, 4(1), 8-18. https://doi.org/10.1086/208674
https://doi.org/10.1086/208674
Kim, J. E., & Johnson, K. K. P. (2013). The impact of moral emotions on cause-related marketing campaigns: A cross-cultural examination. Journal of Business Ethics, 112, 79-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1233-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1233-6
Knowles, S., & Sullivan, T. (2017). Does charity begin at home or overseas? Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 46(5), 944-962. https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764017703710
https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764017703710
La Ferle, C., Kuber, G., & Edwards, S. M. (2013). Factors impacting responses to cause-related marketing in India and the United States: Novelty, altruistic motives, and company origin. Journal of Business Research, 66(3), 364-373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2011.08.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2011.08.017
Lafferty, B. A. (2007). The relevance of fit in a cause-brand alliance when consumers evaluate corporate credibility. Journal of Business Research, 60(5), 447-453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.09.030
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2006.09.030
Lafferty, B. A., & Goldsmith, R. E. (2005). Cause-brand alliances: Does the cause help the brand or does the brand help the cause? Journal of Business Research, 58(4), 423-429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2003.07.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2003.07.001
Lafferty, B. A., Lueth, A. K., & McCafferty, R. (2016). An evolutionary process model of cause‐related marketing and systematic review of the empirical literature. Psychology & Marketing, 33(11), 951-970. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20930
https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20930
Lavack, A. M., & Kropp, F. (2003). A cross-cultural comparison of consumer attitudes toward cause-related marketing. Social Marketing Quarterly, 9(2), 3-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/15245000309103
https://doi.org/10.1080/15245000309103
Lucke, S., & Heinze, J. (2015). The role of choice in cause-related marketing - Investigating the underlying mechanisms of cause and product involvement. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 213, 647-653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.466
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.466
Majumdar, A., & Bose, I. (2018). My words for your pizza: An analysis of persuasive narratives in online crowdfunding. Information & Management, 55(6), 781-794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.03.007
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.03.007
Melero, I., & Montaner, T. (2016). Cause-related marketing: An experimental study about how the product type and the perceived fit may influence the consumer response. European Journal of Management and Business Economics, 25(3), 161-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redeen.2016.07.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redeen.2016.07.001
Miyahara, M., Sawae, Y., Wilson, R., Briggs, H., Ishida, J., Doihata, K., & Sugiyama, A. (2018). An interdependence approach to empathic concern for disability and accessibility: Effects of gender, culture, and priming self-construal in Japan and New Zealand. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 12, e11. https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2017.19
https://doi.org/10.1017/prp.2017.19
Moosmayer, D. C., & Fuljahn, A. (2010). Consumer perceptions of cause related marketing campaigns. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 27(6), 543-549. https://doi.org/10.1108/07363761011078280
https://doi.org/10.1108/07363761011078280
Nowlis, S. M., Kahn, B. E., & Dhar, R. (2002). Coping with ambivalence: The effect of removing a neutral option on consumer attitude and preference judgments. Journal of Consumer Research, 29(3), 319-334. https://doi.org/10.1086/344431
https://doi.org/10.1086/344431
Noy, C. (2008). Sampling knowledge: The hermeneutics of snowball sampling in qualitative research. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 11(4), 327-344. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570701401305
https://doi.org/10.1080/13645570701401305
O'Callaghan, E. (2019). The battle for commercial hearts and minds and the internal brand within a charity shop network in Ireland. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 29(5), 600-617. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593969.2019.1664615
https://doi.org/10.1080/09593969.2019.1664615
Oishi, S., Yagi, A., Komiya, A., Kohlbacher, F., Kusumi, T., & Ishii, K. (2017). Does a major earthquake change job preferences and human values? European Journal of Personality, 31(3), 258-265. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.2102
https://doi.org/10.1002/per.2102
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42, 533-544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
Peloza, J., & Hassay, D. (2007). A typology of charity support behaviors: Toward a holistic view of helping. Journal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing, 17(1/2), 135-151. https://doi.org/10.1300/J054v17n01_07
https://doi.org/10.1300/J054v17n01_07
Rajan, S. S., Pink, G. H., & Dow, W. H. (2008). Sociodemographic and personality characteristics of Canadian donors contributing to international charity. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 38(3), 413-440. https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764008316056
https://doi.org/10.1177/0899764008316056
Robson, A., & Hart, D. (2019). The post-Brexit donor: Segmenting the UK charitable marketplace using political attitudes and national identity. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 16, 313-334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-019-00232-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-019-00232-4
Ross, J. K., Patterson, L. T., & Stutts, M. A. (1992). Consumer perceptions of organizations that use cause-related marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 20(1), 93-97. https://doi.org/10.1177/009207039202000110
https://doi.org/10.1177/009207039202000110
Ryu, S., & Kim, Y. G. (2016). A typology of crowdfunding sponsors: Birds of a feather flock together? Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 16, 43-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2016.01.006
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elerap.2016.01.006
Sanjuán, A. I., Sánchez, M., Gil, J. M., Gracia, A., & Soler, F. (2003). Brakes to organic market enlargement in Spain: Consumers' and retailers' attitudes and willingness to pay. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 27(2), 134-144. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1470-6431.2003.00295.x
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1470-6431.2003.00295.x
Sasaki , S. (2019). Majority size and conformity behavior in charitable giving: Field evidence from a donation-based crowdfunding platform in Japan. Journal of Economic Psychology, 70, 36-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2018.10.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2018.10.011
Saumure, K., & Given, L. M. (2008). Data saturation. In L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods (pp. 195-196). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Schlegelmilch, B. B., Love, A., & Diamantopoulos, A. (1997). Responses to different charity appeals: The impact of donor characteristics on the amount of donations. European Journal of Marketing, 31(8), 548-560. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090569710176574
https://doi.org/10.1108/03090569710176574
Septianto, F., & Garg, N. (2021). The impact of gratitude (vs pride) on the effectiveness of cause-related marketing. European Journal of Marketing, 55(6), 1594-1623. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-11-2019-0829
https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-11-2019-0829
Sivakumar, A., & Schoormans, J. P.-L. (2011). Franchisee selection for social franchising success. Journal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing, 23(3), 213-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2011.586860
https://doi.org/10.1080/10495142.2011.586860
Strahilevitz, M. (1999). The effects of product type and donation magnitude on willingness to pay more for a charity-linked brand. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 8(3), 215-241. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327663jcp0803_02
https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327663jcp0803_02
Subrahmanyan, S. (2004). Effects of price premium and product type on the choice of cause‐related brands: A Singapore perspective. Journal of Product & Brand Management, 13(2), 116-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/10610420410529744
https://doi.org/10.1108/10610420410529744
Torres, R., & Momsen, J. H. (2004). Challenges and potential for linking tourism and agriculture to achieve pro-poor tourism objectives. Progress in Development Studies, 4(4), 294-318. https://doi.org/10.1191/1464993404ps092oa
https://doi.org/10.1191/1464993404ps092oa
Urbonavicius, S., Adomaviciute, K., Urbutyte, I., & Cherian, J. (2019). Donation to charity and purchase of cause‐related products: The influence of existential guilt and experience. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 18(2), 89-96. https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.1749
https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.1749
Wellard, S. J., & McKenna, L. (2002). Turning tapes into text: Issues surrounding the transcription of interviews. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 11(2/3), 180-186. https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.11.2-3.180
https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.11.2-3.180
Xie, B., Watkins, I., Golbeck, J., & Huang, M. (2012). Understanding and changing older adults' perceptions and learning of social media. Educational Gerontology, 38(4), 282-296. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2010.544580
https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2010.544580
Xun, J., & Reynolds, J. (2010). Applying netnography to market research: The case of the online forum. Journal of Targeting, Measurement and Analysis for Marketing, 18, 17-31. https://doi.org/10.1057/jt.2009.29
https://doi.org/10.1057/jt.2009.29
Yamagishi, T., Hashimoto, H., Cook, K. S., Kiyonari, T., Shinada, M., Mifune, N., Inukai, K., Takagishi, H., Horita, Y., Li, Y. (2012). Modesty in self‐presentation: A comparison between the USA and Japan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 15(1), 60-68. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2011.01362.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2011.01362.x
Youn, S., & Kim, H. (2018). Temporal duration and attribution process of cause-related marketing: Moderating roles of self-construal and product involvement. International Journal of Advertising, 37(2), 217-235. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2016.1225332
https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2016.1225332
Zemack-Rugar, Y., Rabino, R., Cavanaugh, L. A., & Fitzsimons, G. J. (2016). When donating is liberating: The role of product and consumer characteristics in the appeal of cause-related products. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 26(2), 213-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2015.06.001
Copyright Transfer Statement for Journal
1) In signing this statement, the author(s) grant UNIMAS Publisher an exclusive license to publish their original research papers. The author(s) also grant UNIMAS Publisher permission to reproduce, recreate, translate, extract or summarize, and to distribute and display in any forms, formats, and media. The author(s) can reuse their papers in their future printed work without first requiring permission from UNIMAS Publisher, provided that the author(s) acknowledge and reference publication in the Journal.
2) For open access articles, the author(s) agree that their articles published under UNIMAS Publisher are distributed under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-SA (Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, for non-commercial purposes, provided the original work of the author(s) is properly cited.
3) For subscription articles, the author(s) agree that UNIMAS Publisher holds copyright, or an exclusive license to publish. Readers or users may view, download, print, and copy the content, for academic purposes, subject to the following conditions of use: (a) any reuse of materials is subject to permission from UNIMAS Publisher; (b) archived materials may only be used for academic research; (c) archived materials may not be used for commercial purposes, which include but not limited to monetary compensation by means of sale, resale, license, transfer of copyright, loan, etc.; and (d) archived materials may not be re-published in any part, either in print or online.
4) The author(s) is/are responsible to ensure his or her or their submitted work is original and does not infringe any existing copyright, trademark, patent, statutory right, or propriety right of others. Corresponding author(s) has (have) obtained permission from all co-authors prior to submission to the journal. Upon submission of the manuscript, the author(s) agree that no similar work has been or will be submitted or published elsewhere in any language. If submitted manuscript includes materials from others, the authors have obtained the permission from the copyright owners.
5) In signing this statement, the author(s) declare(s) that the researches in which they have conducted are in compliance with the current laws of the respective country and UNIMAS Journal Publication Ethics Policy. Any experimentation or research involving human or the use of animal samples must obtain approval from Human or Animal Ethics Committee in their respective institutions. The author(s) agree and understand that UNIMAS Publisher is not responsible for any compensational claims or failure caused by the author(s) in fulfilling the above-mentioned requirements. The author(s) must accept the responsibility for releasing their materials upon request by Chief Editor or UNIMAS Publisher.
6) The author(s) should have participated sufficiently in the work and ensured the appropriateness of the content of the article. The author(s) should also agree that he or she has no commercial attachments (e.g. patent or license arrangement, equity interest, consultancies, etc.) that might pose any conflict of interest with the submitted manuscript. The author(s) also agree to make any relevant materials and data available upon request by the editor or UNIMAS Publisher.
