The role of brand self-congruence, brand love and brand attachment on brand advocacy: a serial mediation model

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impact of brand self-congruence on brand advocacy. In addition, the roles of brand love and attachment are examined through a serial mediation model.Design/methodology/approachA total of 324 valid and useable responses collected from an Australian consumer panel were analysed through IBM SPSS. Underpinned by social identity theory and self-expansion theory, a set of hypotheses was examined in a research model.FindingsThe findings show that consumers' brand self-congruence positively impacts brand love, attachment and advocacy intention. Moreover, brand attachment and love mediate the relationship between brand self-congruence and advocacy.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research suggest that brand managers should cultivate emotions to build a strong consumer–brand relationship.Originality/valueThis research advances the current understanding of brand advocacy literature concerning brand self-congruence, love and attachment. The findings suggest that consumers' brand self-congruence, combined with brand love and attachment, will generate greater advocacy.