Marketing Communications of Brand-Related Stereotypes and Consumer Responses: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Author(s)
Živa Kolbl, Maja Arslanagic-Kalajdzic, Maria Emmanouela Plakoyiannaki, Adamantios Diamantopoulos
Abstract

Brand-related stereotypes are widely encountered in consumers’ every day marketplace
interactions but little is known regarding how companies use them in their marketing
communications. This study explores the types and content of different brand-related
stereotypes depicted in marketing communications and their impact on consumers’ brand
attitudes. Specifically, drawing on the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) and using a
mixed-methods approach, we offer empirically-based insights into (a) the types of brand
related stereotypes portrayed in print advertisements of brands, (b) the deployment of
warmth and competence in the communicated stereotypes, and (c) consumers’ responses
in terms of brand attitudes. We find that firms heavily rely on brand stereotypes and that
brand competence and brand buyer warmth are particularly influential in shaping
consumers’ brand attitudes.

Organisation(s)
Department of Marketing and International Business
External organisation(s)
University of Ljubljana, University of Sarajevo
Journal
Journal of Product & Brand Management
Volume
34
Pages
1056-1073
No. of pages
18
ISSN
1061-0421
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBM-10-2024-5562
Publication date
08-2025
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
502019 Marketing, 502045 Behavioural economics
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Strategy and Management, Management of Technology and Innovation
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/769e810d-9502-4c0f-bc55-c11e61a22882