Abstract

This study appraises the conformity of chemical marketing activities of channel members with ethical practices. The study is a survey design and adopts stratified and simple random sampling techniques. One hypothesis and a research question guide the study. The target population is 2068comprising importers (43), manufacturers (113), wholesalers (247), retailers (552) and end users (1113) of chemicals in the five South Eastern States of Nigeria. The sample size of 335 is determined using Yamane (1967) formula (Eboh, 2009). Applying Bowley's proportional allocation statistical technique, the sample size for each category of respondents is estimated, viz, importers (7), manufacturers (18), wholesalers (40), retailers (90) and end users (180). Primary and secondary sources are accessed for data. The questionnaire is designed in line with the five point Likert Scale format, viz, strongly agree (5points), agree (4points), undecided (3points), disagree (2points) and strongly disagree(1point). Marketing experts validate the questionnaire. Pilot study is carried out. The reliability coefficient of the research instrument is estimated to be 0.901 using Cronbach's Alpha technique. The hypothesis of the study is formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance and 15 degrees of freedom. Using one-way ANOVA and Minitab software package, the extent of conformity of chemical marketing with ethical practices is determined. Recommendations include formal registration of chemical channel members and organization of workshops, seminars, conferences to equip them with ethical principles and practices of sound management of chemicals and their implications.