Advertising is one of the most powerful marketing tools which enhances communication by connecting the company with the customers. Moral and ethical standards were proposed to restrict the range of products, services and practices that can be advertised. Nevertheless, the problem still persists. One of the questions discussed while analyzing the ethical aspects of advertising is the use of fear appeals and threat to popularize a certain product, concept etc., or to boost up the sales. The idea of using fear to advertise a certain product is viewed as unethical if the solutions that are advertised cannot eliminate the threat presented. This holds true as long as advertisers show the consequences of not paying heed to the recommendations offered in the advertisement. Furthermore, using fear appeals and threats is considered unethical as they might create unnecessary anxiety among potential customers. However, some people support the idea of using fear for marketing purposes. They claim that such advertisements reflect the norms of a certain society.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MARKETING (ISSN 0973-8703) is a double blind peer reviewed refereed monthly journal, which was started in 1968. It is the oldest and the only monthly journal of Marketing in India. It is an authentic research publication dealing with Marketing; Advertising; Consumer Behaviour; Sales Management; Advertising & Promotion Management; Business Education; Business Information Systems (MIS); Business Law; Communication; Direct Marketing; E-Commerce; Global Business; Health Care Administration; Marketing Research; Marketing Theory & Applications; Office Administration/Management; Organizational Development; Production/Operations; Public Administration; Retailing; Sales/Selling; Services; Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure; and Industrial Organization.