CentER

CentER is a world-class research institute that draws on the academic expertise of some of the most outstanding minds in the field of economics and business.

Center

Jia Liu

Date of Ph.D. defense: 2 June 2008
Title of thesis: Brand and Automaticity
ISBN: 978 90 5668 215 6
Promotores: Prof.dr. E. Gijsbrechts and Dr. D.H.R.V. Smeesters

Abstract:
A presumption of most consumer research is that consumers endeavor to maximize the utility of their choices and are in complete control of their purchasing and consumption behavior. However, everyday life experience suggests that many of our choices are not all that reasoned or conscious. Indeed, automaticity, one facet of behavior, is indispensable to complete the portrait of consumers. Despite its importance, little attention is paid to how the automatic side of behavior can be captured and integrated into managerial decision making. The aim of this dissertation is to stress how automatic processes can be intertwined with brand attributes and influence brand performance, thereby highlighting the urge to account for the influence of automaticity in brand management.

Full text