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Article
Publication date: 25 June 2021

Rafael Bravo, José Miguel Pina and Beatriz Tirado

This study aims to examine the internal brand knowledge dissemination process in the banking sector and its effects on employees. Specifically, it focuses on the key roles…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the internal brand knowledge dissemination process in the banking sector and its effects on employees. Specifically, it focuses on the key roles of employee identification with both the organization and with the customer as antecedents of behaviors supportive of the brand, i.e. employee citizenship behaviors and recommendation behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out in a major Spanish bank. Data gathered from a survey of 315 employees were analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that employees' perceptions of brand value congruence are key in explaining their identification with both the organization and with the customer. However, the employees' perceptions of the brand's authenticity explained only their recommendations of the bank as a good place to work.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the advance in the current knowledge of the role of variables such as brand authenticity and employee–customer identification in internal brand management. From a managerial viewpoint, the results provide insights into the importance of employees' perceptions and attitudes when it comes to brand knowledge dissemination.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 39 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Rafael Bravo, Isabel Buil, Leslie de Chernatony and Eva Martínez

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the brand identity management process from the employees’ perspective. Specifically, it explores how the different…

4230

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the brand identity management process from the employees’ perspective. Specifically, it explores how the different dimensions of brand identity management influence employees’ attitudinal and behavioural responses.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out to test the proposed model. The sample consisted of 297 employees in the UK financial services sector. Hypothesis testing was conducted using partial least square regression.

Findings

Results indicate that effective brand identity management can increase employees’ identification with their organisations. Specifically, the most influential dimension is the employee-client focus. Results also show that organisational identification is a key variable to explain job satisfaction, word-of-mouth and brand citizenship behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses on the UK financial sector. To explore the generalisability of results, replication studies among other sectors and countries would be useful. The cross-sectional nature of the study also limits its causal inference.

Practical implications

This study shows the importance of brand identity management to foster positive employee attitudes and actions that go beyond their job responsibilities. The model developed may help organisations analyse the impact of managerial actions, monitoring the potential effects of changes in brand identity management amongst employees.

Originality/value

Although numerous conceptual frameworks highlight the importance of brand identity management, empirical studies in this area are scarce. The current work extends previous research by empirically analysing the effects of the dimensions of brand identity management from the employees’ perspective.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2018

Rafael Bravo, Eva Martinez and Jose M. Pina

This paper aims to analyse customer experience in a hotel and its impact on customer attitudes to both the individual hotel and the hotel chain. Specifically, the study…

2024

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse customer experience in a hotel and its impact on customer attitudes to both the individual hotel and the hotel chain. Specifically, the study focuses on the effects of service perceptions on emotions, satisfaction, attitude to hotel chain, intention to return, scepticism towards negative information and Word of Mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out on a sample of 300 individuals. Data were analysed through structural equation modelling.

Findings

Service perceptions and emotions elicited by an individual hotel influence the customer response towards the hotel chain. Among all the outcomes considered, the strongest effects are found on WOM.

Originality/value

This paper develops and empirically tests an original model that integrates the customer experience in an individual hotel and the customer response to the hotel chain. This model includes variables that have recently been considered in the literature, such as scepticism towards negative information, in combination with more traditional outcomes such as intention to return or WOM.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2021

Rafael Bravo, Sara Catalán and José M. Pina

This paper aims to analyse the effect of technology acceptance variables on customer attitude and customer engagement behaviours (CEB) with social tourism websites (STWs).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the effect of technology acceptance variables on customer attitude and customer engagement behaviours (CEB) with social tourism websites (STWs).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out with 346 customers. A model was developed to analyse the relationships between CEB and their determinants. Partial least squares – structural equation modelling was used to test the model.

Findings

Customers’ perceptions of enjoyment, ease of use, usefulness and trustworthiness positively influence their attitude towards STWs and their subsequent engagement behaviours [purchases, word of mouth (WOM) and referrals].

Originality/value

This study develops and empirically tests a model that analyses the impact of technology acceptance model variables on CEB, both transactional (customer purchases) and non-transactional (customer WOM, referrals and feedback), in the context of STWs.

研究目的

本论文分析研究科技urism websitehaviours pur

研究设计/方法/途径

研究样本为研究科技urism websitehaviours purchasesLS-SEM分析验证假设模型。

研究结果

研究结果表明, 顾客愉快感知、易使用、有用性、以及可信任度等变量对顾客社交旅游网站的态度及后续参与行为(购买、sOM、推荐)有着积极影响。

研究原创性/价值

本论文开发并验证分析了科技接受模型变量对顾客参与行为的影响, 包括交易性(顾客购买)以及非交易性(顾客(OM、推荐、反馈), 以社交旅游网站为背景。

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2019

Rafael Bravo, Eva Martínez and José Miguel Pina

This paper focuses on the multichannel strategy in the banking sector and its effects on customer engagement. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model…

1433

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the multichannel strategy in the banking sector and its effects on customer engagement. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model in which customers’ perceptions of offline and online channels are related to brand trust and brand commitment, which ultimately lead to customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out on a sample of 306 individuals and data were analysed through partial least squares.

Findings

The results show that offline experience is more important than online experience in terms of impact on trust and commitment, which are closely linked to customer engagement. Online experience does not have a significant direct influence on brand commitment and its effect on brand trust is moderated by the customer’s familiarity with the channel.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the advance in the current knowledge of the joint role of online and offline channels with the aim of strengthening customer relationships. From a managerial viewpoint, customer perceptions formed by their experiences in bank branches are more important than customer perceptions of the website’s performance in the explanation of trust and commitment.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2007

Rafael Bravo, Elena Fraj and Eva Martínez

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different nature and effects of family influences on the dimensions of young customer‐based brand equity.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the different nature and effects of family influences on the dimensions of young customer‐based brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Information was gathered from in‐depth interviews. The sample was composed of 30 young adults.

Findings

Results show different facets of how the family may affect brand awareness, associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty. Some of them have already been considered in the previous literature, and some new elements have also emerged. Information is sorted according to its impact on each dimension of customer‐based brand equity.

Research limitations

Differences regarding age, marital status and other social variables in the respondents are not considered in the analysis.

Practical implications

The nature, process and effects of intergenerational influences on each dimension of brand equity lead us to propose different marketing actions. These actions may ease the transfer of customer‐based brand equity from parents to children.

Originality/value

This paper takes a holistic perspective in the study of intergenerational influences. No previous works have analysed the nature and effects on each dimension of customer‐based brand equity.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

Rafael Bravo, Teresa Montaner and José M. Pina

In the banking sector, the importance of consumer's perceptions for business success has been underestimated. For this reason, the present work aims to focus on the…

4434

Abstract

Purpose

In the banking sector, the importance of consumer's perceptions for business success has been underestimated. For this reason, the present work aims to focus on the corporate brand image construct, analysing how the associations of financial brands are generated and the way such associations influence consumer behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed that shows which are the main antecedents and consequences of corporate image of financial institutions. This model was validated through structural equation modelling. Data were collected by means of personal questionnaires addressed to 450 respondents.

Findings

Results indicate that consumer perceptions depend on brand familiarity, non‐firm communications and, to a lesser extent, on advertising. The resulting image will be an antecedent of the global attitude to the firm and, directly and indirectly, of the intention to use the branded service.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been aimed at consumers in a specific region of Spain. Moreover, it only analyses well‐known institutions and the most important variables. For this reason, it would be interesting to broaden the analysis to cover different contexts.

Practical implications

Both corporate image and familiarity can be developed by applying thoughtful communication strategies that neutralize the effect of negative non‐firm information. Companies that develop a powerful corporate image should be more appealing to customers.

Originality/value

This study validates a comprehensive model that explains both the antecedents and consequences of corporate image of banks. It also proposes an up‐to‐date corporate image scale and considers the effects of firm versus non‐firm communications.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2013

Rafael Bravo, Laura Lucia and Maria J. Martin

Main goal in this paper is to show the experience of a web-based program in information literacy from different perspectives: students, teachers and librarians. The study…

1328

Abstract

Purpose

Main goal in this paper is to show the experience of a web-based program in information literacy from different perspectives: students, teachers and librarians. The study focuses on freshmen in business administration.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research uses a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. A qualitative study is used to analyse the opinions from teachers and librarians, whereas a quantitative study is developed to study the students' perceptions.

Findings

Students find information literacy competencies to be useful and perfectly applicable to their assignments. In this sense, there is no need to provide additional incentives (extra points) for the course. At the light of the work assignments, teachers and librarians suggest that there is a necessity for greater depth in questions of citation and plagiarism.

Research limitations/implications

Results have to be interpreted within the context of study. There is a need to use alternative methodologies and activities in different groups to check and compare the effectiveness of each action.

Practical implications

The paper can be used as a guide for teachers and librarians to develop courses of information literacy. Results obtained from this experience show some key points that may be useful for teachers and librarians.

Originality/value

This article complements previous literature by providing new findings from different angles. The information gathered from the librarians, teachers and students involved provides a holistic view about the effectiveness of web-based tutorials for information literacy learning.

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2009

Rafael Bravo, Teresa Montaner and José M. Pina

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the corporate image of financial institutions and its impact on consumer behaviour. More specifically, it aims to focus on the…

4560

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the corporate image of financial institutions and its impact on consumer behaviour. More specifically, it aims to focus on the differences between customers and non‐customers of banking institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through five questionnaires involving five major Spanish commercial banks. The questionnaires were answered by 450 individuals and SEM methodology was used to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

Corporate image of commercial banks includes dimensions related to the services offered, accessibility, corporate social responsibility, global impression, location and personnel. Two alternative models were validated for customers and non‐customers to explain how corporate associations influence intention to use the bank's services. For the case of current customers, satisfaction is a key mediating variable.

Research limitations/implications

The study is focused on national commercial banks and corporate image of individuals. Different stakeholders like employees can hold a different corporate image. Moreover, the paper only considers intention to use as a dependant variable.

Practical implications

The effect of corporate associations on purchase intentions depends on the specific type of associations and may be mediated through satisfaction. Results thus indicate that firms have to use different marketing strategies when considering the individuals' previous experience.

Originality/value

The paper extends previous research by showing the specific effect of corporate associations on intention to use the bank's services. It proposes two alternative models for explaining responses of both customers and non‐customers.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2011

Rafael Bravo, Nina M. Iversen and José M. Pina

This paper seeks to examine expansions of online brands into the offline market via brand extensions and via brand alliances. Specifically, it aims to compare the…

4251

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine expansions of online brands into the offline market via brand extensions and via brand alliances. Specifically, it aims to compare the formation of reciprocal spillover effects for both strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical survey data are analyzed through a series of standard and hierarchical multiple regressions. Different combinations of online brands, product categories and offline brands are studied.

Findings

The main results indicate that: the attitude towards the new product is determined by fit and by the functional offline brand image for alliances, while it is determined by fit and by the emotional and commitment dimensions of online brand image for extensions. Moreover, the online brand image is more vulnerable in brand alliances than in extensions.

Research limitations/implications

This work shows the applicability of commonly used theories in brand extensions and alliances to the online‐offline market expansion. Moreover, these theories allow differences across marketing strategies and across distinct brand image dimensions to be explained.

Practical implications

The results obtained may guide the management of these market expansion strategies. Particularly, the present findings are useful to predict the contribution of each brand image dimension on the attitude towards the new product and upon the feedback effects swaying the online brand image.

Originality/value

This study addresses “a hot topic” in branding by comparing two expansion strategies: brand extensions and brand alliances. This comparison is made within the under‐researched area of online branding, and in a novel scenario that is the online‐offline expansion.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

1 – 10 of 39