What's in a name? Examining the effect of phonetic fit between spokesperson name and product attributes on source credibility

dc.contributor.authorBaxter, S.
dc.contributor.authorIlicic, J.
dc.contributor.authorKulczynski, A.
dc.date.issued2015
dc.description.abstractThis study investigates the effect of phonetic fit between spokesperson name and product attributes on perceived source credibility, namely, spokesperson expertise, attractiveness and trustworthiness. We manipulate phonetic fit through a 2 (spokesperson name: front vs. back)×2 (product attribute: crisp vs. smooth) factorial design whilst controlling for spokesperson and product attractiveness. Results show that a phonetic fit between the name of the spokesperson and product attributes encourages positive perceptions of spokesperson credibility, irrespective of whether a spokesperson is visually presented in an advertisement. Finally, results demonstrate that phonetic fit (front (back) vowel spokesperson name with crisp (smooth) product attributes) can promote positive attitudes towards an advertisement and product, as well as purchase intention, with these relationships mediated by perceptions of spokesperson credibility. Findings from this research are able to aid advertisers and brand managers in the creation of effective and persuasive spokes/brand-characters.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityStacey Baxter, Jasmina Ilicic and Alicia Kulczynski
dc.identifier.citationMarketing Letters, 2015; 26(4):525-534
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s11002-014-9287-0
dc.identifier.issn0923-0645
dc.identifier.issn1573-059X
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/102095
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer
dc.rights© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11002-014-9287-0
dc.subjectPhonetic symbolism; congruence; spokesperson; source credibility; attractiveness; trustworthiness
dc.titleWhat's in a name? Examining the effect of phonetic fit between spokesperson name and product attributes on source credibility
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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