Advertisers frequently use animals in ads, but little academic research focuses on consumer reactions to their use. This study uses the heuristic-systematic model (HSM) to examine consumer response to animal companions in advertisements. Specifically, HSM serves as the theoretical foundation for...

Purpose: This paper examines the role that attitudes toward online product reviews (OPRs), perceived credibility of OPRs and perceived benefit of OPRs play as antecedents of consumers’ reliance on OPRs in purchase decisions. A conceptual model of relationships investigated posits that...

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine factors affecting the extent of consumers’ use of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), specifically online product reviews (OPRs), during their decision-making process. It also examines their motives for using OPRs. Design/methodology/approach: The...

This case study explores how Falken Tire Corporation (FTC) leveraged motorsports to build brand credibility, and how consumer-based brand equity developed in virtual fan communities via social media marketing. This brand credibility and equity ultimately helped the company to establish powerful...