Synergistic consumption in exchange economies – understanding the mechanisms of creation and growth

The terms 'collaborative consumption', 'sharing economy', 'marketplace exchange' and 'peer-to-peer sharing' have all been used in different ways to describe the phenomenon this research calls 'synergistic consumption' (SynCon). SynCon is the most recent evolution in the area of alternative fulfilment and consumption that is side-stepping traditional and online retails forms to become a third form of consumption. It has an impact on consumer studies, as consumers are increasingly bypassing established consumption channels, capitalising on new value creation avenues in the field of consumer exchange. The aim of this thesis is to understand why platforms in the third channel of consumption are being created, how they are developing and who is involved in their creation and growth. This research further explores the motives of the participants involved in the creation and growth process. Three underlying research questions form the base of this research, which has been developed into three journal papers.<br><br>