Assertion–Reason (Marketing Maxim vs Loyalty): Assertion (A): Customer is king. Reason (R): Customers are loyal.

Introduction / Context:This item contrasts a normative marketing principle with an empirical claim about buyer behavior. The test is whether a slogan-like assertion is rendered true by a generalization about loyalty.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A: “Customer is king” — a maxim indicating firms should prioritize customer value, satisfaction, and experience.
• R: “Customers are loyal” — a broad claim that most customers consistently repurchase the same brand/vendor.
• Market realities: loyalty varies by category, switching costs, differentiation, price sensitivity, and alternatives.

Concept / Approach:Evaluate A and R. “Customer is king” is widely accepted as a guiding principle for market orientation; treat it as a true normative assertion within business studies. R, however, is not universally true; loyalty is contingent and often limited, especially where products are commoditized or switching is easy.

Step-by-Step Solution:1) A is accepted as a true guiding principle for customer-centric strategy.2) R is false in generality: many customers are opportunistic, price-sensitive, or multi-homing; loyalty programs exist precisely because loyalty cannot be assumed.3) Therefore the correct relationship is: A true, R false.

Verification / Alternative check:Consider categories like ride-hailing, groceries, or telecom where churn is meaningful; loyalty requires deliberate retention tactics.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:(a)/(b) misjudge R as true; (d) wrongly negates A; “None” is unnecessary.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing desired behavior (loyalty) with observed behavior; mistaking a slogan’s prescriptive tone for a descriptive explanation.

Final Answer:(A) is true, but (R) is false.