Service-Dominant Logic Premises, Perspectives, Possibilities

The first accessible introduction to the principles and applications of Service-Dominant Logic, written by the world-leading authors of this perspective.

In 2004, Robert F. Lusch and Stephen L. Vargo published their groundbreaking article on the evolution of marketing theory and practice toward 'service-dominant (S-D) logic', describing the shift from a product-centred view of markets to a service-led model. Now, in this keenly anticipated book, the authors present a thorough primer on the principles and applications of S-D logic. They describe a clear alternative to the dominant worldview of the heavily planned, production-oriented, profit-maximizing firm, presenting a coherent, organizing framework based on ten foundational premises. The foundational premises of S-D logic have much wider implications beyond marketing for the future of the firm, transcending different industries and contexts, and will provide readers with a deeper sense of why the exchange of service is the fundamental basis of all social and economic exchange. This accessible book will appeal to students, as well as to researchers and practitioners.

Foreword; Preface; Part I. Premises: 1. The service-dominant mindset; 2. Roots and heritage; 3. Axioms and foundational premises; 4. Service as a guiding framework; Part II. Perspectives: 5. It's all actor-to-actor (A2A); 6. The nature, scope, and integration of resources; 7. Collaboration; 8. Service ecosystems; Part III. Possibilities: 9. Strategic thinking; 10. Conclusions and considerations; Appendix; Index.

Keenly anticipated primer on the principles and applications of Lusch and Vargo's groundbreaking work, describing the shift from a product-centred view of the firm to a service-led model. Originating in the field of marketing, the foundational premises of SDL have wider implications for the future of the organization of the firm.

Robert F. Lusch is the James and Pamela Muzzy Chair in Entrepreneurship at the Eller College of Management, University of Arizona. He is past editor of the Journal of Marketing and Chairperson of the American Marketing Association. Professor Lusch's research focuses on marketing strategy and theory with a major focus on the service-dominant logic of marketing. He is the recipient of many awards including the 2013 AMA/Irwin Distinguished Marketing Educator Award.
Stephen L. Vargo is a Shidler Distinguished Professor and Professor of Marketing at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Prior to entering academia, Professor Vargo had a career in entrepreneurial business and consulted with many corporations and governmental agencies. Professor Vargo's primary areas of research are marketing theory and thought, and consumers' evaluative reference scales. He has been awarded honorary professorships and has held visiting positions at many leading universities worldwide and is the recipient of major awards for his contributions to marketing theory and thought.