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Building a human brand: Brand anthropomorphism unravelled

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  • Portal, Sivan
  • Abratt, Russell
  • Bendixen, Michael

Abstract

Brand anthropomorphism has been found to enhance the ability of consumers to recognize the inherent value of brands. However, there is limited knowledge among practitioners on how to build a brand with humanlike characteristics. After a literature review of brand anthropomorphism in general and the theory of warmth and competence in particular, we present the Human Brand Model of how to build a brand that is perceived to be human. There are four steps in this process; the first three indicate the brand inputs and the last indicates the results of those inputs. This model guides brand managers on how to make their brand more human. The use of this model should result in the organization having an excellent brand reputation; stronger, more meaningful relationships with its customers; and improved brand loyalty.

Suggested Citation

  • Portal, Sivan & Abratt, Russell & Bendixen, Michael, 2018. "Building a human brand: Brand anthropomorphism unravelled," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 61(3), pages 367-374.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:61:y:2018:i:3:p:367-374
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2018.01.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ren, Shengnan & Karimi, Sahar & Bravo Velázquez, Alberto & Cai, Jianfeng, 2023. "Endorsement effectiveness of different social media influencers: The moderating effect of brand competence and warmth," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    3. Xie, Yi & Chen, Ke & Guo, Xiaoling, 2020. "Online anthropomorphism and consumers’ privacy concern: Moderating roles of need for interaction and social exclusion," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    4. Vannucci, Virginia & Dasmi, Costanza & Nechaeva, Olga & Pizzi, Gabriele & Aiello, Gaetano, 2023. "WHY do YOU care about me? The impact of retailers’ customer care activities on customer orientation perceptions and store patronage intentions," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    5. Lee, Kuo-Wei & Li, Chia-Ying, 2023. "It is not merely a chat: Transforming chatbot affordances into dual identification and loyalty," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    6. Aiello, Gaetano & Donvito, Raffaele & Acuti, Diletta & Grazzini, Laura & Mazzoli, Valentina & Vannucci, Virginia & Viglia, Giampaolo, 2020. "Customers’ Willingness to Disclose Personal Information throughout the Customer Purchase Journey in Retailing: The Role of Perceived Warmth," Journal of Retailing, Elsevier, vol. 96(4), pages 490-506.
    7. Paramita, Widya & Virgosita, Risa & Rostiani, Rokhima & Wibowo, Amin & Almahendra, Rangga & Junarsin, Eddy, 2022. "“I will not let you die”: The effect of anthropomorphism on entrepreneurs' resilience during economic downturn," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).

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