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Article
Building a Human Brand: Brand Anthropomorphism Unravelled
Business Horizons
  • Michael T. Bendixen, Nova Southeastern University
  • Russell Abratt, Nova Southeastern University
  • Sivan Portal
ORCID

Michael T. Bendixen0000-0003-0010-3854

,

Rusell Abratt0000-0002-5385-0936

Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract/Excerpt

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.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2018.01.003
Disciplines
Citation Information
Michael T. Bendixen, Russell Abratt and Sivan Portal. "Building a Human Brand: Brand Anthropomorphism Unravelled" Business Horizons Vol. 61 Iss. 3 (2018) ISSN: 0007-6813
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/russell-abratt/12/