Vilka faktorer påverkar framgången i CRM-satsningar

Sammanfattning: This study is intended to identify which factors that influence the success of initiatives in Customer Relationship Management, usually abbreviated as CRM. In the course of this study we have been in contact with forty-two companies operating in Sweden within eleven different sectors in order to find out how they operate regarding CRM initiatives, particularly initiatives within marketing and promotions.  Against the data collected during the study it was concluded that the companies working with CRM believed that the CRM initiatives resulted in higher profitability and created more loyal customers. At the same time it was evident that the companies had different views on CRM as a method and its benefits. The majority of the companies could not present any tangible results from CRM-initiatives. It was also revealed that decisions regarding CRM initiatives were based on subjective assessments and without theoretical foundation. Based on the data collected nine factors were identified to affect the success of CRM initiatives. By placing the identified factors in a theoretical context a model could be developed which demonstrates the complexity that needs to be considered when applying CRM. Our hope is that the developed model can be used by companies before deciding on new investments in CRM initiatives or when evaluating existing initiatives. Future studies will have to show if this work contributed to a better understanding of CRM initiatives potential and impact.