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Network marketing on a small-world network

Author

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  • Kim, Beom Jun
  • Jun, Tackseung
  • Kim, Jeong-Yoo
  • Choi, M.Y.

Abstract

We investigate a dynamic model of network marketing in a small-world network structure artificially constructed similarly to the Watts–Strogatz network model. Different from the traditional marketing, consumers can also play the role of the manufacturer's selling agents in network marketing, which is stimulated by the referral fee the manufacturer offers. As the wiring probability α is increased from zero to unity, the network changes from the one-dimensional regular directed network to the star network where all but one player are connected to one consumer. The price p of the product and the referral fee r are used as free parameters to maximize the profit of the manufacturer. It is observed that at α=0 the maximized profit is constant independent of the network size N while at α≠0, it increases linearly with N. This is in parallel to the small-world transition. It is also revealed that while the optimal value of p stays at an almost constant level in a broad range of α, that of r is sensitive to a change in the network structure. The consumer surplus is also studied and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Beom Jun & Jun, Tackseung & Kim, Jeong-Yoo & Choi, M.Y., 2006. "Network marketing on a small-world network," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 360(2), pages 493-504.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:360:y:2006:i:2:p:493-504
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2005.06.059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jun, Tackseung & Kim, Jeong-Yoo, 2008. "A theory of consumer referral," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 662-678, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shi, Y.Y. & Wei, Z.X. & Shahbaz, M., 2023. "Analyzing the co-evolutionary dynamics of consumers’ attitudes and green energy technologies based on a triple-helix model," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    2. Jun, Tackseung & Kim, Jeong-Yoo, 2008. "A theory of consumer referral," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 662-678, May.
    3. Legara, Erika Fille & Monterola, Christopher & Juanico, Dranreb Earl & Litong-Palima, Marisciel & Saloma, Caesar, 2008. "Earning potential in multilevel marketing enterprises," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 387(19), pages 4889-4895.
    4. Hang-Hyun Jo & Jeoung-Yoo Kim, 2012. "Competitive Targeted Marketing," ISER Discussion Paper 0834, Institute of Social and Economic Research, Osaka University.

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