Behavioral Theory of the Apparel Firm: A Beginning

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for a behavioral theory of the apparel firm that will provide a framework for apparel business-related research and curriculum development in textiles and clothing and carry on our already strong behavioral related research tradition. According to the proposed model, the apparel firm's primary business may be manufacturing, retailing, or some vertically integrated combination of manufacturing and retailing. The apparel firm is a coalition of employees with five internal constituencies, executive management and four areas of specialization including merchandising as an integrative function, marketing, operations, and finance. An apparel firm's constituencies interact with each other and with external coalitions and their constituencies in a complex decision making matrix to provide the firm with the resources (materials and/or finished goods, money, physical facilities, etc.) required to conduct business. The primary focus of the proposed model is on the apparel firm's internal constituencies and how they relate to each other, to the firm's goals, and to external coalitions. Concepts are defined, constructs discussed, propositions proposed, and assumptions identified

Keywords

merchandising apparel theory curriculum

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