To contrast, a transaction approach takes a more short-term orientation
towards the management of service offerings. This strategy
emphasizes getting customers, {{whereas the goal of relationship marketing
is to get and keep customers|| (Gronroos 1995:253). Management focuses on the outcomes of the service process, rather than on
the interdependent exchanges which occur among service providers,
clients, and other key stakeholders. Table 1 summarizes the descriptive
characteristics of relationship versus transaction orientations in
the strategy continuum.
When interpreting the implications of the strategy continuum, and
the related process/outcomes literature, it is important to realize that
neither the relationship nor transaction approach is promoted as the
ideal basis for strategic development. On the contrary, Gronroos
(1995) notes that the appropriate orientation is ultimately dependent
upon the selected mission of the service organization. Using a tourism
example, this point is clearly illustrated: