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Brand preference in the face of control loss and service failure: The role of the sound of brands

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  • Khenfer, Jamel
  • Cuny, Caroline

Abstract

This research shows that consumers compensate for a loss of perceived control inherent to service failure by extracting sensory information from brand names, and specifically from plosive consonants. Across three experimental studies, we show that in contexts of reduced control, which characterizes service failure, consumers prefer brand names containing plosives (versus fricatives) as a way of reasserting personal control because plosive sounds elicit a disposition to act. In doing so, we highlight the use of brand name innovation to anticipate low control state, and thus, the psychological discomfort experienced by customers following service failure.

Suggested Citation

  • Khenfer, Jamel & Cuny, Caroline, 2020. "Brand preference in the face of control loss and service failure: The role of the sound of brands," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:55:y:2020:i:c:s0969698919308367
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102132
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sascha Topolinski, 2017. "Articulation Patterns in Names: A Hidden Route to Consumer Preference," Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, University of Chicago Press, vol. 2(4), pages 382-391.
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    8. Jamel Khenfer & Kristin Laurin & Eric Tafani & Elyette Roux & Aaron Kay, 2017. "Interventionist external agents make specific advice less demotivating," Post-Print hal-01794436, HAL.
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    Cited by:

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