This paper critiques extant research apropos the key value concepts, theories, and models. It aligns with those who have taken a hermeneutic approach (Holbrook 2021; Schmitt et al, 2022). Many academics acknowledge that consumers' attitudes do not necessarily match their behaviour. This may result from their approach to value and/or their individual value-types. This paper critiques extant research apropos the key concepts, theories, and models pertaining to value. It draws on seminal authors to provide a concise overview of value perspectives, location and processes. It critiques key discourses (namely Goods Dominant, Experiential, Resource Based and Customer Dominant) and considers value as a polysemic concept.
This paper does not seek to establish value as a meta-narrative nor something that should be marbled through all papers. It simply seeks to provide a key underpinning which will support many researchers. It does not delve into value from a practice perspective nor into developments such as Service Dominant (SD) logic. It does however refer to the antecedents for both of these areas.
Old-fashioned concepts such as value-giving and propositions still dominate the discourses in many business schools. Ultimately value may be proposed but it cannot be given. Only stakeholders can take value as it 'resides' (only) in their minds. Primarily, value seeking practices have had relatively little research. Therefore, this study provides an opportunity to better understand the distinction between the value being sought and its constituent value-types. This review improves conceptualisation for those studying inter alia value, values, ethics, responsibility and sustainability. As a literature review it lacks empirical testing, however it provides key insights into the complex area of value.
ORCID: 
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)