Linking brand personality to brand equity: measuring the role of consumer-brand relationship

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between brand personality and customer-based brand equity (CBBE) by investigating the mediating role of consumer-brand relationship (CBR), which is represented through three variables, namely, brand trust, attachment and commitment. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a cross-sectional descriptive research design. It included a mix of symbolic and utilitarian brands, namely, Pepsi and Sprite (soft drinks), Levi’s and Peter England (clothing), Pantene and Head and Shoulders (shampoos) based on their greater familiarity among Indian consumers. Primary data were gathered from 612 respondents through a self-administered online questionnaire survey approach. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze data and validate the research model. Findings The present study establishes both direct, as well as the indirect linkage between brand personality and CBBE. Results also suggest a partial mediating role of the variables representing CBR while linking brand personality to CBBE. Originality/value The present study makes two contributions. First, it advances existing literature on brand personality and brand equity by establishing the mediating role of the CBR while linking brand personality to CBBE. Second, it establishes the importance of both the trust and attachment-based commitment mediator model of CBR influencing CBBE, which has not been addressed by prior studies.