Topics
Introduction to marketing, the role of marketing, perceptions
Teaching Notes
- Overview:
In this activity, students review ten statements with differing views on marketing and then indicate to what extent they agree or disagree. Run this early in your course to challenge traditional stereotypes of marketing. - Teaching Level:
Basic/introductory – designed for students with limited marketing knowledge. - Suggested Structure:
Could be run as an individual exercise, a small-group discussion reporting back to the class, or a whole-class discussion. - Approximate Timing:
Depends on class level. For advanced students, allow around 30 minutes (about three minutes per statement). - Online Variation: Play at Kahoot.it
Review the activity below or download the PDF student worksheet
- Student Activity Worksheet: Your Perceptions of Marketing
- Instructor Solutions (Members Only): Your Perceptions of Marketing = Solutions
- Download Editable Slides (Long-term Members Only):
Student Discussion Activity
This exercise explores how you and your fellow students perceive the role of marketing. Below is a series of statements about marketing. Identify which you agree or disagree with, then compare your responses in class.
Statements About Marketing – Do you Agree or Disagree?
- Marketing is simply another word for advertising
- People who are successful in marketing are highly creative but not that good with numbers
- The main goal of marketing is to deliver new customers and sales rather than to drive profit
- Generating new customers is more important than retaining existing customers
- Marketing staff tend to have little interaction with other departments
- Marketing is more art (creative) than science (analysis)
- Marketing tasks are simpler compared to roles like finance or law
- Marketers are less likely to become CEO compared to accountants and engineers
- Some marketing decisions are so important that the CEO gets involved
- Marketing is a highly regarded profession in the business community
Student Discussion Questions
- Which of the above statements do you agree with?
- Which ones are you unsure about?
- How do your perceptions compare to your classmates’?
- What implications do differing perceptions have for the marketing profession?
Related Activities
- What is Marketing at McDonald’s?
- The Role of a Marketer
- Is Marketing a Challenging Career?
- Marketing Career Quiz
- Marketing Trivia Quiz (Hardcopy)
- Marketing Definitions Challenge Game
