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In the Spotlight

Three people are collaborating around two laptop computers. Water bottles and cups are also visible on the table.
Figure 6.1 Marketing research provides companies with data-driven insights that allow for deep understanding of their customers in order to develop products and services that meet those customers’ needs. (credit: modification of work “Workshop: Biodiversity Data Mobilization - Day 3” by Maheva Bagard Laursen/GBIF/flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Chapter Outline

6.1 Marketing Research and Big Data
6.2 Sources of Marketing Information
6.3 Steps in a Successful Marketing Research Plan
6.4 Ethical Issues in Marketing Research

When you think of LEGO, you may imagine a child building a spaceship or castle, but LEGO wanted to learn more about how children are encouraged or discouraged to play with its bricks. In 2021, LEGO launched a research study of close to 7,000 parents and children aged 6 to 14 years old in seven countries to determine how gender stereotypes influence play in creative activities.

During this study, LEGO learned that girls are more open to bending gender roles than boys but that parents have learned to stereotype some careers as being gender-specific. Additionally, parents are more likely to encourage girls to play dress-up (83 percent for girls, 17 percent for boys), dance (81 percent for girls, 15 percent for boys), and bake (80 percent for girls, 20 percent for boys), while they suggest computer coding (71 percent for boys, 29 percent for girls) and sports for boys (76 percent for boys, 24 percent for girls). Due to these findings, LEGO initiated its “Ready for Girls” campaign.

The data compiled in this study allowed LEGO to take a step forward in helping to break down some gender norms when it comes to its product. On October 11, 2021, the International Day of the Girl, LEGO announced a new program to encourage girls to show their creativity. “Get the World Ready for Me” was launched with a 10-step guide to collect information about how girls are engaging with LEGO. Due to this program, LEGO has launched a campaign of stories about how girls are involved with imagination and creativity.

Through this campaign, LEGO identified a way to encourage girls to challenge worldwide views of gender norms (see Figure 6.2). The background necessary for this campaign was researched and used in a way that would help the company stand out. For LEGO and many other companies and organizations, research is its competitive advantage.1

Two space shuttles are built out of Legos. There are astronaut minifigs in front of the space shuttles.
Figure 6.2 Through the use of marketing research, LEGO was able to gain data-driven insights into gender stereotypes and launch a campaign that encouraged girls to challenge views on gender norms. (credit: “LEGO Shuttle Expedition and City Spaceport Comparison” by Adam Purves (S3ISOR)/flickr, CC BY 2.0)
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