An effect of symbols on consumer behaviour: the theoretical insights

Abstract

Purpose – this article aims to analyse and integrate the limitations of consumer’s decision-making and difficulties for symbolic consumption in relation to symbolic branding. It highlights the symbolic impact to goods, which influenced by advertising and 21st century consumer’s behaviour propagates hedonistic values. Research methodology – the analysis of theoretical scientific literature, comparative study of conceptions. Findings – support the idea that consumers may modify their principles about the symbolic brand depending on both their self-brand relation as well as the effect of social (both live and virtual) influence. Research limitations – it is necessary to acknowledge that the current research is limited by broad scope consumer behaviour theories and methods (we in passing analysed empirical proves). Practical implications – authors suggest that the emergence of brand subculture on consumer behaviour gives the possibility of adjusting specific marketing strategies and presents the shortcomings of current research by pointing out the trends for future empirical studies. Originality/Value – It also highlights that the consumers’ search of symbolism and meaning in brands correlated with their consumer buying decision models, and we claim it could be related to utility theory. The main aim of this article is to analyse the field of symbols in advertising – in terms of their impact on the consumption process.