Stakeholder Perceptions Regarding eCRM: A Franchise Case Study

Using a dual lens of Stakeholder Theory (ST) and Relationship Marketing (RM), this exploratory case study considers the perceptions and attitudes of each stakeholder regarding the initial design, development, and subsequent testing of an electronic customer relationship management (eCRM) tool. Through the use of in-depth interviews, member-checking interviews, and data from actual customer transactions, this study attempts to fill the gap in the literature by gaining a clear understanding of the objectives, goals, and perceptions of an eCRM vendor, franchisor senior company management, franchisees, and customers regarding eCRM. The results of this study reveal important implications for the informing sciences including the need to balance human and computer interaction, issues related to control, the impact that “electronic” systems may have on marketing relationships, and the importance of balancing the interests and expectations of all stakeholders.