The role of leadership and communication in internal city branding

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rico Piehler ◽  
Ayla Roessler ◽  
Christoph Burmann
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Branding ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Brand Commitment ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Brand Communication ◽  
Internal Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
The City

Purpose This study aims to investigate the brand-oriented leadership of a city’s mayor and city online brand communication as brand management-related antecedents of residents’ city brand commitment. It thus examines if city brand managers can apply internal branding concepts from the corporate branding domain in a city branding context. Design/methodology/approach The relationships between the brand management-related antecedents and the internal city branding (ICB) objective are tested through structural equation modeling using cross-sectional survey data of 414 residents of a German city. Findings Both the brand-oriented leadership of the mayor in terms of acting as a role model by living the city brand and its identity and by showing commitment to the brand and the city’s online brand communication in terms of its quality have positive effects on residents’ city brand commitment. Moderation analyses reveal no significant differences between the path estimates for age, place of birth, duration of residency and education. However, the results differ significantly for gender. Research limitations/implications As this study’s sample is limited to only one city in Germany, further research needs to investigate the relationships in different cities and other countries to ensure the generalizability of the results. Future studies might also include other aspects of city brand communication, as well as cognitive and behavioural ICB objectives. Practical implications To increase residents’ city brand commitment, city brand managers should ensure that a city’s online brand communication is adequate, complete, credible, useful and clear. Furthermore, through creating awareness for the importance of a mayor’s brand-oriented leadership and through educating and training the mayor to engage in this specific form of brand-oriented transformational leadership, city brand managers can increase residents’ emotional attachment with the city brand. Originality/value This study integrates internal branding research from the corporate branding domain with place and city branding research. It confirms that certain aspects of internal branding (i.e. brand-oriented leadership, brand communication and brand commitment) are applicable not only in the corporate branding domain but also in other branding contexts such as city branding if adapted properly.

scholarly journals Intra-organizational brand resistance and counter-narratives in city branding – a comparative study of three Danish cities

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1018
Author(s):  
Marianne Wollf Lundholt ◽  
Ole Have Jørgensen ◽  
Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Political Support ◽  
The Political ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
The City ◽  
Competition For Resources

Purpose This study aims to contribute to an increased understanding of intra-organizational city brand resistance by identifying and discussing different types of counter-narratives emerging from the political and administrative arenas. Design/methodology/approach The empirical material consists of secondary data as well as six in-depth semi-structured interviews with Danish mayors and city managers in three different municipalities in Denmark. Findings Intra-organizational counter-narratives differ from inter-organizational counter-narratives but resemble a number of issues known from extra-organizational resistance. Still, significant differences are found within the political arena: lack of ownership, competition for resources and political conflicts. Lack of ownership, internal competition for resources and distrust of motives play an important role within the administrative arena. Mayors are aware of the needs for continued political support for branding projects but projects are nonetheless realized despite resistance if there is a political majority for it. Research limitations/implications This study points to the implications of city brand resistance and counter-narratives emerging from the “inside” of the political and administrative arenas in the city, here defined as “intra-organizational counter-narratives”. Practical implications It is suggested that politicians and municipality staff should be systematically addressed as individual and unique audiences and considered as important as citizens in the brand process. Originality/value So far little attention has been paid to internal stakeholders within the municipal organization and their impact on the city branding process approached from a narrative perspective.

scholarly journals City branding and museum souvenirs: towards improving the St. Petersburg city brand

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuliia Trabskaia ◽  
Iuliia Shuliateva ◽  
Rebecca Abushena ◽  
Valery Gordin ◽  
Mariya Dedova
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Visual Images ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
The City ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify ways to develop museum shop product, which will possess competitive advantage, and to recommend what should be done to develop such product so that it has a positive impact on the city brand of St. Petersburg.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 76 museums have been studied through the observation method to describe their shops’ inventory in terms of percentages of each product. Mostly St. Petersburg museums were included in the analysis. The observation method enabled the researchers to analyse the inventory of the museum souvenir shops. The findings of the analysis enabled the researchers to reach conclusions about museums’ strategies of product development.FindingsThe research allowed to make the conclusion that although the museum shops in St.Petersburg demonstrate positive tendencies in the development of competitive stores’ products a lot of work is still to be done. Not all museums are characterised by availability of clear strategy for product development. They offer souvenirs (if any) which do not differ from those existing on the market according to topics and functions which are characteristic for them. Recommendations on how to make the product of museum shops more competitive were proposed.Practical implicationsCities need new and fresh ways to create and promote their brands. Museums can contribute to this significantly with the help of souvenirs production. This research will provide insight into the process of how museums can do this by developing their shops’ inventory strategies. Recommendations to improve strategies for creation of competitive product were offered in the paper.Originality/valueIn today’s competitive conditions, museums are creating augmented products and create museum shops. Nevertheless, the role of museum shops in brand creation is underexplored. Museum shops have a high potential for creating high-quality products that may influence the museum and city brand in a positive way, as souvenirs and visual images of museum artifacts play an essential role in making an impression on tourists.

Effects of perceived brand authenticity in health functional food consumers

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 617-634
Author(s):  
Jisun Lee ◽  
Lana Chung
Keyword(s):  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Brand Commitment ◽  
Brand Trust ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Authenticity ◽  
Brand Relationship ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze how brand authenticity (BA) as perceived by consumers who take health functional foods (HFF) strengthen the brand relationship quality (BRQ) and positively affects brand loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The five sub-dimensions of BA perceived by HFF consumers, elicited through a focus group interview, were conceptualized as a second-order reflective construct. To identify the influences of the sub-dimensions of BA on each construct of the BRQ and the influence on brand loyalty though mediating BRQ, an empirical analysis was done using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling. Findings All the sub-dimensions of BA positively affect each of the BRQ s (brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand commitment) excepting product authenticity on brand commitment, and originality on brand trust. The impact of BA positively affects brand loyalty by mediating brand relationship qualities. Originality/value It is found that BA is an important antecedent for forming BRQ with consumers in the HFF industry, in which building trust with consumers is important. BA is an important factor in brand management of HFF.

Urban icons and city branding development

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Rey Castillo-Villar
Keyword(s):  
Local Context ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Local Identity ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
The City ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how future urban icons can effectively contribute to the development of an authentic city brand linked to local identity. Urban icons have been one of the main tools of city branding to promote a unique and distinctive image of the city. However, the rising of the globalization reflects a series of strong dilemmas regarding the contemporary urban icons because these have been reproduced in a standardized way around the world without any connection to the local context. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study consisted of 30 in-depth interviews with visual aids of urban icons conducted with local residents of the city of Monterrey, Mexico. Findings The results demonstrate that the acceptance of a contemporary urban icon by local residents depends on their relationship with the most representative aspects of the local identity and their ability to generate positive experiences. The outcomes of the research suggest that future urban icons should favor the local identity and the free coexistence between local residents over the attractive visual design and the private space. Originality/value The article discusses the dynamics between urban icons and the city brand from a new theoretical approach supported by empirical evidence. The novelty of this approach consists of the vision of the urban icon as an element capable of linking the city brand with the values and ideals of local residents.

scholarly journals Questioning a “one size fits all” city brand

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Zenker ◽  
Erik Braun
Keyword(s):  
Urban Policy ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Place Branding ◽  
Target Group ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose City branding has gained popularity as governance strategy. However, the academic underpinning is still poor, and city branding needs a more critical conceptualization, as well as more complex management systems. This paper challenges the use of a “one size fits all” city brand, which is still common practice in many places. The paper proposes that city branding involves much more complexity than is commonly thought and outlines a strategy that enables urban policy-makers, marketing researchers and (place) marketers alike to better deal with city branding. Design/methodology/approach The authors integrate insights from literature on place branding, brand architecture and customer-focused marketing. Findings The article argues that place brands (in general and communicated place brands in particular) are by definition very complex, due to their different target groups, diverse place offerings and various associations place customers could have. Thus, an advanced brand management including target group-specific sub-brands is needed. Practical implications The model will be helpful for place brand managers dealing with a diverse target audience, and is likely to improve the target group-specific communication. Originality/value The paper provides an insight into the complexity of city brands and acknowledges that the perception of city brands can differ considerably among different target groups. Additionally, it offers a more comprehensive definition of place brands. This will be helpful for city brand managers and researchers alike in dealing with city brand complexity.

The green branding of Hong Kong: visitors’ and residents’ perceptions

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Shing Chan ◽  
Lawal M. Marafa
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Working Definition ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Comparison Of The Results

Purpose This paper aims to connect green spaces with city branding by introducing a proposed Green (Resource) Brand Hexagon (GBH). Design/methodology/approach This study empirically tested the principles of the GBH with samples of Hong Kong residents (n = 301) and visitors (n = 395). Surveys were carried out to investigate the perceptions of the 23 elements in the GBH by both respondent groups. Findings A comparison of the results via factor analysis identified two green brand structures preferred by local residents (a brand pentagon) and by visitors (a brand square). The findings suggest different associations of green resource elements in their brand perceptions, which were partly reflected in the governmental Brand Review exercise in Hong Kong in 2008. Inter-group differences in the ranking of GBH’s elements also indicate a knowledge gap between visitors and residents. Research limitations/implications The modification process of the GBH from Anholt’s City Brand Hexagon framework involved researchers’ interpretations and understanding of green resources in Hong Kong; it inevitably produced some degree of subjectivity. The working definition of “green resources” in this study perceptually excluded certain features in public parks, such as the geological landscapes and beaches that are, in principle, part of the Hong Kong Geopark. Originality/value The findings of this paper offer an indicative green brand framework for destination marketers and brand managers whose cities enjoy attractive green resources. The ratings of GBH’s elements provide useful references for local brand management through an understanding of strong green brand attributes and structures by local residents and visitors. The inter-group comparison of the green brand structures also informs policymakers and city marketers about the divergent associations of brand elements for possible brand extension. Finally, the results are also very beneficial because they provide an opportunity for regional green brand development.

Effectiveness of a communication model in city branding using events

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tain-Shyug Lee ◽  
Chung Ling Huh ◽  
Hung-Ming Yeh ◽  
Wei-Guang Tsaur
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Brand Attitude ◽  
Model Verification ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Path Coefficient ◽  
Communication Model ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: developing an effectiveness communication model for a city rotary event. Empirical validation of the new effectiveness model based on a city cultural festival event to explore the similarity and difference of perception change on event attendance. Providing a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of communication model for both professional event organizers and PCO guidelines when determining an event’s marketing strategy priorities. Design/methodology/approach The authors use SEM to verify the relationship between variables, and path coefficient comparison analysis which was adapted for model verification and hypothesis testing. Analytical methods included reliability analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, Hotelling T 2-test, SEM analysis. Findings This result demonstrates that attendee increased their emotion, attitude, city brand image as result of the event activities, and positive event emotions have the highest influence toward to a positive city’s brand emotion. A positive city brand emotion especially has the second highest influence on attendee next event retentions. A positive city brand emotion will lead to a positive city brand attitude, but city brand attitudes will not have a positive impact on retentions. Originality/value The contribution and value of this study is that the authors established a new effectiveness communication model which introduce the city branding concept into the research. The study provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness illustrations of the application in the communication model. The research meets the objective in this effectiveness communication model. It illustrates the directions for how an event should be designed in order to create a positive city brand attitude for retention.

Market orientation, brand management processes and brand performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramod Iyer ◽  
Arezoo Davari ◽  
Saurabh Srivastava ◽  
Audhesh K. Paswan
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Brand Performance ◽  
Internal Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the manner in which market orientation types facilitate the development of brand management processes (strategic brand management and internal branding), and brand performance. Design/methodology/approach The research model is assessed using data collected from brand executives. Existing scales are used to measure all the focal constructs. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using the Smart-PLS 3.0 software is used to check for the psychometric properties of the scales and to test the hypotheses. Findings The results of this study indicate that proactive and reactive market orientation influence the internal branding and strategic brand management. The mediating role of strategic brand management in the relationship between proactive market orientation (PMO) and brand performance is significant. Similarly, internal branding mediates the relationship between PMO and brand performance. Also, strategic brand management and internal branding mediate the relationship between responsive market orientation (RMO) and brand performance. Results also indicate that market turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between strategic brand management and brand performance. Research limitations/implications Building on literature from brand management, organizational capabilities and market orientation, this study explicates the role of PMO and RMO in influencing different strategic brand management and internal branding, and subsequently, brand performance. The perspective used in this study provides an insight into how organizations can develop and manage brands from a process perspective. Practical implications To develop the brand management capability, organizations may benefit from cultivating processes that seek to meet the latent customer needs through explorative and proactive information seeking, and at the same time, pursing processes that focus on capturing the existing customer and competitor trends in the market. Social implications This study hopefully helps marketers realize that brand management function needs to move toward being more dynamic in nature. Originality/value This study borrows from the existing research on market orientation, branding and brand management to argue that organizations are required to not only maximize the brand returns in the existing market but also to adapt to the changes in the future.

Internal branding, employees' brand commitment and moderation role of transformational leadership: an empirical study in Indian telecommunication context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha Binu Raj
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Brand Commitment ◽  
Telecommunication Sector ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internal Branding ◽  
Continuance Commitment ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between internal branding (IB) and employees' brand commitment and analyze how transformational leadership (TFL) moderates this relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through structured questionnaires from 394 employees in Indian telecommunication sector. The hypotheses and conceptual model were tested by structural equation modeling (SEM), using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS).FindingsThe results suggest that employees' brand commitment is higher when organizations implement IB supported by transformational leaders. Results also indicate that impact of IB on affective commitment (AC) and normative commitment (NC) is greater than its impact on continuance commitment (CC).Research limitations/implicationsConsistent with the brand commitment dimensions, the findings present an empirically tested comprehensive and integrative model of IB moderated by TFL. This study provides scholars a deeper understanding of relationship among IB, employee's commitment and TFL. Though multicollinearity is addressed, presence of cross-sectional data is a limitation in the study.Practical implicationsThe study would help practicing managers to gain a new perspective to manage their internal brand mechanisms through TFL style by stimulating change among employees and create emotionally committed brand advocates.Originality/valueThis paper suggests an empirically validated framework of IB tested for moderation effect by TFL. It adds value to literature by reinforcing the effect of IB employees' AC and NC, especially among customer contact employees who represent brand during customer service delivery in telecommunication sector.

Attributes of the Blumenau (Brazil) brand from the residents’ perspective, and its influence on the decision to stay in the destination

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrícia Durieux Zucco ◽  
Clóvis Reis ◽  
Sara Joana Gadotti dos Anjos ◽  
Samara Jane Effting ◽  
Melise de Lima Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Positive Relationship ◽  
City Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
Brand Building ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Decision To Stay ◽  
The City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the attributes of Blumenau city brand, from the residents’ perspective and its relation to their intention to remain living there. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study using survey data collected from a sample of 417 subjects, stratified by neighborhood, income class, gender and age. The theoretical and methodological framework is the scale developed by Merrilees et al. (2009) and the FOCUS (2014) report about the self-image of the residents of Blumenau. Findings There is a positive relationship between the assessment of the attributes of the municipality and the residents’ attitude toward Blumenau brand. The study also verified a positive relationship between Blumenau brand assessment and the residents’ intention regarding their own future. In fact, the relative satisfaction of the respondents with the attributes of the city, as well as the positive socio-economic indicators, influenced the intention to stay in the municipality. Originality/value This work presents a methodological combination of the evaluation of city branding and the intention to remain living in a certain place. The study adds important information on the role of the residents on the process of city brand building, showing that besides the transient assessment, the intentions to remain in a place should be considered, given that such intent is linked to the image that residents have of the city.

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