Means-End Chain Theory: a Critical Review of Literature

Abstract

This study provides the first critical and systematic investigation of the literature on Means-End Chain theory after the ground-breaking book "Understanding Consumer Decision Making: The Means-End Approach to Marketing and Advertising Strategy" by Olson and Reynolds (2001). The sample of 157 articles published in the Science Direct, Emerald, and Wiley databases was investigated. The period covers scientific literature published from 2001 to 2018. The paper shows the main theoretical concepts, methodological approaches, research problems, and findings. The results of the literature review demonstrate that the Means-End Chain theory is an evolving area of research and is gaining importance in academia and management. Some important gaps in the knowledge of theoretical and methodological levels were identified, and the most important directions for further studies were proposed.