The role of prototypical brand image on shaping country image and product quality evaluation: A cross-cultural examination

This study paid attention to the role of a corporate brand that most represents the country, referred to as prototypical brand, in shaping country image. Since the role of the prototypical brand (e.g., Samsung) in creating positive image will be critical in newly industrialized countries (NIEs), this study examines the context of Korea. Built on prototype, schema, and cue theories, this study proposes a research model that examines the impact of prototypical brand image on shaping the overall country image (i.e., macro country image) and product-specific country image (i.e., micro country image), which influences consumers\u27 evaluation of product quality of Korean cosmetics and empirically tests the model with the U.S. and Chinese consumers. This study tests the model in two cultures to see if the proposed model is robust across two cultures: high collectivism and individualism cultures

The Effect of Negative CSR Information by Luxury Fashion Brands on Consumer Response

Contrary to positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by luxury fashion brands in western countries, little attention has been paid by the same companies to Korean society (FSS, 2012). South Korea is poised to be the next luxury power house in Asia, even overtaking Japan (Luxe Brand Advisors, 2012). Are Korean consumers not as sensitive as western consumers about CSR by luxury fashion brands? To answer these questions, this study explores the effect of negative CSR information by luxury fashion companies on consumer responses

Mediating Role of Micro Country Image on Purchase Intention by Product Category and by Country

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of micro country image on the relationship between macro country image and Saudi consumers’ purchase intention of two product categories (symbolic vs. functional). Saudi consumers were chosen in this study given the country’s significant growth potential in the Middle East. Four countries (US, Italy, Korea and Malaysia) were chosen to examine the country effect

Southeast Asian consumer acceptance of 3D virtual fitting technologies in cross-border online shopping

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian consumers’ responses to cross-border online shopping for Korean fashion products using 3D virtual fitting technology. In order to examine the factors affecting a consumer’s attitude toward virtual fitting technology and the purchase intention of Korean fashion products, technology acceptance model, which represents cross-border site characteristics, and technology readiness, which represents a consumer's belief in technology, were used in combination with technology readiness and acceptance model. An online survey was conducted with male and female consumers in their 20 s and 30 s residing in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. A structural equation model analysis was performed using smart PLS to verify the research model. Among the dimensions of technological readiness, optimism and innovativeness had a positive effect on consumers' perceptions of the cross-border site, and discomfort had a negative effect. Perceived usefulness, enjoyment, and perceived fit had a significant effect on the attitude toward virtual fitting technology, and the effect of enjoyment was the greatest. This study highlighted the role of each dimension of technology readiness by verifying consumer acceptance of virtual fitting technology in cross-border online transactions. It also emphasized the role of perceived enjoyment in technology acceptance

The Effect of Negative CSR Information by Luxury Fashion Brands on Consumer Response

Contrary to positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by luxury fashion brands in western countries, little attention has been paid by the same companies to Korean society (FSS, 2012). South Korea is poised to be the next luxury power house in Asia, even overtaking Japan (Luxe Brand Advisors, 2012). Are Korean consumers not as sensitive as western consumers about CSR by luxury fashion brands? To answer these questions, this study explores the effect of negative CSR information by luxury fashion companies on consumer responses.</p

The role of prototypical brand image on shaping country image and product quality evaluation: A cross-cultural examination

This study paid attention to the role of a corporate brand that most represents the country, referred to as prototypical brand, in shaping country image. Since the role of the prototypical brand (e.g., Samsung) in creating positive image will be critical in newly industrialized countries (NIEs), this study examines the context of Korea. Built on prototype, schema, and cue theories, this study proposes a research model that examines the impact of prototypical brand image on shaping the overall country image (i.e., macro country image) and product-specific country image (i.e., micro country image), which influences consumers' evaluation of product quality of Korean cosmetics and empirically tests the model with the U.S. and Chinese consumers. This study tests the model in two cultures to see if the proposed model is robust across two cultures: high collectivism and individualism cultures.</p

Asymmetrical Roles of Macro and Micro Country Images on Saudi Consumers' Purchase Intention

Country image is a multidimensional construct and can be viewed from macro and micro country image. Macro country image is consumers' total beliefs of a country while micro country image is beliefs toward the products from a country. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of macro and micro country images of four countries (US, Italy, Korea, and Malaysia) on Saudi consumers' purchase intentions of two product categories (cell phones and handbags). Saudi consumers were chosen given the country's significant growth potential in the Middle East. Analyses of 496 completed survey data revealed differing roles of macro and micro country image on consumers' purchase intention by product category and by country. In case of symbolic goods such as apparel and handbags, both macro and micro country images should be managed for consumers' purchase intention while micro country image was found to be more critical in functional goods.</p

Mediating Role of Micro Country Image on Purchase Intention by Product Category and by Country

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of micro country image on the relationship between macro country image and Saudi consumers’ purchase intention of two product categories (symbolic vs. functional). Saudi consumers were chosen in this study given the country’s significant growth potential in the Middle East. Four countries (US, Italy, Korea and Malaysia) were chosen to examine the country effect.</p