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How Logo Colors Influence Shoppers’ Judgments of Retailer Ethicality: The Mediating Role of Perceived Eco-Friendliness

Author

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  • Aparna Sundar

    (University of Oregon)

  • James J. Kellaris

    (University of Cincinnati)

Abstract

Despite the moral gravity and far-reaching consequences of ethical judgment, evidence shows that such judgment is surprisingly malleable, prone to bias, informed by intuition and implicit associations, and swayed by mere circumstance. In this vein, this research examines how mere colors featured in logos can bias consumers’ ethical judgments about a retailer. Exposure to a logo featuring an eco-friendly color makes an ethically ambiguous practice seem more ethical; however, exposure to a logo featuring a non-eco-friendly color makes the same practice seem less ethical (Study 1). This effect is due to the embodied meaning of color, not referential meanings associated with the names of colors, and it is mediated by perceptions of a retailer’s eco-friendliness (Study 2a). Furthermore, although the word “green” appears to influence ethical ratings of retail practices more than the word “blue,” visual exposure to either color evokes similar perceptions of eco-friendliness and influences ethical judgments (Study 2b). Study 2c assesses and rules out alternative explanations for this effect. Critically, an eco-friendly color can skew judgments even when the practices judged are not ethically ambiguous (Study 3). Individual differences in ethical sensitivity moderate the observed effect, such that individuals who are less ethically sensitive are less influenced by color (Study 4). The article concludes with a discussion on how logo colors shape consumers’ perceptions of retailer ethicality.

Suggested Citation

  • Aparna Sundar & James J. Kellaris, 2017. "How Logo Colors Influence Shoppers’ Judgments of Retailer Ethicality: The Mediating Role of Perceived Eco-Friendliness," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 146(3), pages 685-701, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:146:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2918-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2918-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Martinez, Luisa M. & Rando, Belén & Agante, Luisa & Abreu, Ana Maria, 2021. "True colors: Consumers’ packaging choices depend on the color of retail environment," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
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    6. V. U. Vinitha & Deepak S. Kumar & Keyoor Purani, 2021. "Biomorphic visual identity of a brand and its effects: a holistic perspective," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 28(3), pages 272-290, May.
    7. Mahmood, Ammara & Luffarelli, Jonathan & Mukesh, Mudra, 2019. "What's in a logo? The impact of complex visual cues in equity crowdfunding," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 41-62.
    8. Clark H. Warner & Marion Fortin & Tessa Melkonian, 2024. "When Are We More Ethical? A Review and Categorization of the Factors Influencing Dual-Process Ethical Decision-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(4), pages 843-882, February.
    9. Li, Ruiqin & Wang, Yan & Zhang, Hongli, 2023. "The shape of premiumness: Logo Shape's effects on perceived brand premiumness and brand preference," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    10. Septianto, Felix & Kwon, Junbum, 2022. "Too cute to be bad? Cute brand logo reduces consumer punishment following brand transgressions," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 1108-1126.
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