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Contextualising social capital in online brand communities

Author

Listed:
  • Stephanie Meek

    (Edith Cowan University)

  • Madeleine Ogilvie

    (Edith Cowan University)

  • Claire Lambert

    (Edith Cowan University)

  • Maria M. Ryan

    (Edith Cowan University)

Abstract

Online brand communities (OBC) are growing in number and becoming an increasingly important interface where marketers can effectively facilitate the relationship between their brand and consumers. A qualitative study using a four-month netnography over three OBCs followed by focus groups with OBC members explored the dynamics of social capital in these communities. Findings indicate that social capital is an important driver in the success of OBCs, and all the elements of social capital including a shared language, shared vision, social trust and reciprocity are evident. Moreover, results from this study indicate that these elements are crucial in developing the network ties that are integral to building loyalty and brand equity.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephanie Meek & Madeleine Ogilvie & Claire Lambert & Maria M. Ryan, 2019. "Contextualising social capital in online brand communities," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 26(4), pages 426-444, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jobman:v:26:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1057_s41262-018-00145-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41262-018-00145-3
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    4. Liao, Junyun & Pang, Jiecong & Dong, Xuebing, 2023. "More gain, more give? The impact of brand community value on users’ value co-creation," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
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    6. Camelia Grădinaru & Daniel-Rareș Obadă & Ioan-Alexandru Grădinaru & Dan-Cristian Dabija, 2022. "Enhancing Sustainable Cosmetics Brand Purchase: A Comprehensive Approach Based on the SOR Model and the Triple Bottom Line," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-22, October.
    7. Simon Chadwick & Alex Fenton & Richard Dron & Wasim Ahmed, 2021. "Social Media Conversations About High Engagement Sports Team Brands," IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, , vol. 10(2), pages 178-191, July.
    8. Ologunebi, John, 2023. "An analysis of customer retention strategies in e-commerce fashion business in the UK: A case study of Primark," MPRA Paper 119040, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Li, Mingwei & Lu, Man & Akram, Umair & Cheng, Shaoen, 2024. "Understanding how customer social capital accumulation in brand communities: A gamification affordance perspective," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    10. Wee-Kheng Tan & Ping-Hsin Liao, 2021. "What triggers usage of gift-giving apps? A comparison between users and non-users," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 15(3), pages 515-538, September.
    11. Jeong, So Won & Ha, Sejin & Lee, Kyu-Hye, 2021. "How to measure social capital in an online brand community? A comparison of three social capital scales," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 652-663.
    12. Duygu Akdevelioglu & Selcan Kara & Victor Perotti, 2024. "The impact of consumer personality and social network position on brand community engagement," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 31(3), pages 235-250, May.
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