IKEA is a brand that is known around the world and because it features many markers in their products, operations, and marketing that showcase its country of origin, Sweden has gained worldwide recognition simultaneously. The tourism industry could benefit from this positive image that Sweden has gained through IKEA’s popularity, by marketing themselves among the brand’s consumers using that positive image. Recently, Visit Sweden, the national DMO of the said country, has developed the campaign ‘Discover the Originals’ that responds to IKEA’s link with Sweden and tries to include tourism in that image among consumers. This quantitative study aims to see whether such campaigns that respond to the product-country image of private companies are effective in impacting the travel intention of the companies’ consumers. The first research question aims to find out the impact of IKEA’s product-country image on the intention of Belgian IKEA customers to travel to Sweden. This will be analysed by interpreting the correlation between brand image and country image as the independent variable and travel intention as the dependent variable. The second research question on the other hand will evaluate whether the ‘Discover the Originals’ campaign that is developed by Visit Sweden to respond to IKEA’s strong relationship with its country of origin, is increasing intention to travel to Sweden. The study confirms the applicability of previous research on the specific case of Belgian IKEA customers, given that the positive product-country image of IKEA on other foreign markets was already supported. Using the results of an online questionnaire that was distributed in relevant Facebook groups with members that were residing in cities spread over Belgium, analyses were made and interpreted. This delivered results that are aligned with the findings from existing literature. Positive product-country image impacts visit intentions after being exposed to the campaign, which indicates that the campaign is in particular valuable when targeting IKEA customers as brand familiarity and -image play an important role in how the audience reacts to it. These results reveal the opportunity for DMOs and private companies to work together and strengthen each other’s brands while contributing to the further development of the country as a tourist destination.

Background: Brand loyalty is a rather old concept and has become a central part of everybrand and there are many factors that need to be considered when choosing strategies in orderto achieve this. However, even though the concept itself is rather set-in stone the research onhow brands archive this in different contexts is constantly in motion, for instance it has beenshown that a brand's Country-of-Origin has effects on consumers purchase intent and attitudeswhich are crucial factors within Brand loyalty.  Purpose: The Purpose of this paper is to explain what effect COO has on brand loyalty of Swedish consumers. Methodology: For this research a quantitative method was used. The research wasexplanatory, and a cross-sectional research design was chosen. After this a questionnaire wasconstructed and shared through two platforms in order to collect the data that was needed forthe research. Findings: Both our hypotheses from the proposed model were rejected, therefore theresearcher could conclude that Country-of-Origin has no effect on brand loyalty of Swedish consumers. Conclusion: Even though both hypotheses were rejected, did the research contribute withknowledge that COO has no significant effect on brand loyalty since such research has notbeen done before. However, the research also contributes with knowledge towards previousresearch, where it has been shown that perceived quality from a country has an effect onconsumers' purchase intent and attitudes. Whereby, our test showed that it also has an effecton brand loyalty when tested alone without the country image.

Motivation: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka huruvida Country-of-Origin (COO) påverkar svenska konsumenters Willingness to Pay (WTP) & Willingness to Buy (WTB). Vidare kommer studien även undersöka om svenska konsumenter besitter någon kännedom kring produktionsländer vid köp av klädprodukter inom premiumsektorn. Problemdiskussion: Utifrån den nuvarande ökade trenden mot en mer medveten kund önskar studien att undersöka vilka aspekter som har en avgörande roll i köpbeslutet för premiumprodukter samt hur vetskapen om produktionsland påverkar företagets image, kundens köp-och betalvilja. Denna studie kommer därmed fylla en klar funktion eftersom det finns få tidigare studier som flätar samman begreppen COO, WTB & WTP i relation till Premium Branding i modesammanhang på den svenska marknaden. Metod: Studien är genomförd med en kvantitativ metod med fokus på en stor empirisk enkätundersökning där 200 svenska respondenter deltog. Frågorna var tagna från de valda huvudbegreppen COO, Brand Image, Premium, WTP/WTB samt kvalitet. Respondenterna var systematiskt tillfrågade på olika geografiska platser runt Stockholmsområdet. Resultat: Genom att enskilt testa hypoteserna som är utvecklade från tidigare teori, finner denna studie att svenska konsumenter värderar kvalitet som den viktigaste faktorn när de handlar kläder samt att deras WTB/WTP förändras vid vetskapen om produktionsland. Svenska konsumenter värderar samtidigt produkterna utifrån produktionsland samt anser sig ha en låg kännedom var produkterna är tillverkade. Implikationer: Studien kan agera som lösning för företag som vill hitta nya konkurrenskraftiga fördelar samt skapa ett större omfång av värdeskapande aktiviteter som kan locka in en större andel av marknaden. / Motivation: The purpose of this study is to examine whether Country-of-Origin (COO) affects Swedish consumers' Willingness to Pay (WTP) & Willingness to Buy (WTB). Furthermore, the study will also focus on whether Swedish consumers have any knowledge of production countries when purchasing clothing products in the premium sector. Problem statement: Based on the current increased trend towards a more conscious consumer, the study intends to investigate which aspects have a crucial role in the purchasing decision for premium products. Also, how the knowledge of production country affects the company's image, the consumers WTB/WTP. This study will thus fulfil a clear function as there are few previous studies that merge the concepts of COO, WTB & WTP in relation to Premium Branding in fashion context in the Swedish market. Methodology: The study was conducted with a quantitative method focusing on a large empirical survey in which 200 Swedish respondents participated. The questions were conducted from the selected main concepts of COO, Brand Image, Premium, WTP / WTB and quality. Respondents were systematically asked at various geographical locations around the Stockholm area. Results: By separately testing the hypotheses conducted from previous theory, this study finds that Swedish consumers value quality as the most important factor when purchasing premium fashion and their WTB / WTP changes based on the knowledge of production countries. Swedish consumers at the same time value the products along the COO and consider themselves to have a low knowledge of where the products are manufactured. Implications: The study can act as a solution for companies that want to find new competitive advantages and create a larger range of value-creating activities that can attract a larger share of the market.

Magistrinio darbo tikslas – išnagrinėti ir įvertinti atvykstamojo turizmo marketingo komunikacijos ypatumus ir jos atliekamą vaidmenį šalies įvaizdžio formavime. Darbo objektas yra 2009 m. Lietuvos valstybės lygmeniu vykdyta atvykstamojo turizmo marketingo komunikacija. Teorinėje dalyje analizuojama turizmo reikšmė, samprata ir rūšys; pristatomi turizmą Lietuvoje reguliuojantys teisės aktai ir institucijos. Turizmas identifikuojamas kaip vienas iš veiksnių įtakojantis bendrą šalies įvaizdį, o vykdoma turizmo marketingo komunikacija tiesiogiai didina šalies žinomumą tarptautinėje rinkoje. Pristatomi turizmą populiarinantys informacijos sklaidos kanalai ir priemonės. Akcentuojama kitų su turizmu tiesiogiai ar netiesiogiai susijusių veiksnių įtaka sėkmingai turizmo marketingo komunikacijai. Atliekant „Vilnius – Europos kultūros sostinė 2009“ atvejo analizę buvo nustatyta, jog ši nacionalinė programa nepasiekė visų savo užsibrėžtų tikslų dėl kelių priežasčių: ekonominio sąstingio pasaulyje, sunkaus Lietuvos pasiekiamumo 2009 m. oro keliu, nepakankamo Lietuvos žinomumo pasaulyje, Lietuvos ir užsienio žiniasklaidoje nepalankiai suformuotas VŠĮ „VEKS“ įvaizdis, nepasiektas sinergijos efektas tarp dviejų didžiausių 2009 m. renginių – VEKS ir Tūkstantmečio odisėjos. Verslo misijos „Buy Lithuania 2009“ atvejo analizė parodė, jog šio renginio organizavimo ir svečių aptarnavimo kokybė yra labiau priimtina NVS šalių atstovams. Verslo misijos dalyvių apklausa parodė Lietuvos žinomumo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the master thesis is to examine and evaluate the peculiarities of incoming tourism marketing communication and its role in shaping country's image. The object of the study is cases of Lithuanian marketing communication projects in 2009 in order to promote incoming tourism. The theoretical part analyzes the importance of tourism, the concept and types, presents legal acts and institutions regulating tourism in Lithuania. Tourism is identified as one of the criteria that influence the overall image of the country, and tourism marketing communication directly increase the country's reputation in the international market. The information dissemination channels and means of tourism promotion are presented. Other tourism marketing communication influencing direct and indirect factors are emphasized. ‘Vilnius - European Capital of Culture 2009’ case study pointed out that this national program has not reached all of its stated objectives for several reasons: the world recession, a severe Lithuanian air-reach in 2009, the lack of Lithuanian awareness, Lithuanian and foreign media formed an unfavorable image of VECC, the synergy effect has not been achieved between the two largest events in 2009 – VECC and the Millennium Odyssey. Business mission "Buy Lithuania 2009" case analysis showed that the organization of the event, hospitality and service quality is more acceptable to the CIS representatives. Business mission participants’ survey showed that there is lack of... [to full text]

Atualmente, os valores intangíveis são cada vez mais importantes no processo gerencial de empresas e governos, implicando a necessidade de informações mais precisas. Dentre os ativos intangíveis mais importantes encontram-se as marcas. É por meio das marcas que os consumidores escolhem e memorizam suas compras, e assim destinam seu dinheiro para algo que possa solucionar problemas em suas vidas. Marcas são formas de empresas e países conseguirem se diferenciar no mercado competitivo globalizado, e estas últimas são denominadas marca-país. A marca-país é fonte de conhecimento e associações no mercado, e torna o país mais ou menos atraente para os estrangeiros. Para se medir o valor de uma marca-país (country brand equity) utilizamse métodos específicos. Essa métrica perceptual é uma construção de valores baseados na marca-país, como conhecimento, associações, imagem, qualidade percebida e lealdade. Este trabalho visa compor um modelo de mensuração de country brand equity aplicável à realidade brasileira. Para tanto foram apresentados diversos modelos de avaliação de marcas e marca-país, por serem complementares, e testados empiricamente. Os dois principais modelos utilizados neste trabalho foram o modelo de valor de marca de Yoo, Donthu e Lee (2000), e o modelo de valor de marca-país de Pappu e Quester (2010). Como o construto de valor de marca-país é derivado de dimensões formativas que o compõem, foram somadas nessa equação as dimensões de imagem baseada na personalidade (AAKER, 1997) e percepção de cultura (NEWMAN; NOLLEN, 1996; HOFSTEDE; BOND, 1984). Todas as variáveis e composições de dimensões foram avaliadas quanto à sua confiabilidade, linearidade, normalidade, heterocedasticidade, multicolinearidade, correlações, formação de fatores e, por fim, avaliadas em regressões e modelos de equações estruturais. Foram criados dezesseis (16) modelos iniciais, nos quais se avaliou o poder de explicação dos construtos com a variável dependente proposta por Zeugner-Roth, Diamantopoulos e Montesinos (2008). Verificou-se pouca variabilidade entre os modelos. Em seguida, foram elaborados mais oito (8) modelos com a proxy de valor de marca-país pela reputação de marca-país, proposta por Kang e Yang (2010), na qual se pôde observar que os modelos com maior número de dimensões se mostraram melhores para explicar a variável dependente. Além disso, verificou-se a importância das dimensões de imagem e percepção de cultura nesses construtos. Por fim, esta tese apresenta modelos mais consistentes de avaliação de marca-país. / Nowadays, the intangible values are more and more important in the management process of companies and governments, implying the need of more accurate information. Among the most important intangible assets, there are the brands. It is through brands that consumers choose and memorize their purchases, and, thus, allocate money for something which can solve problems in their lives. Brands are how companies and countries can differentiate themselves in such competitive global market; the later one is called Country Brand. The country brand is the source of knowledge and associations in the market which makes the country either more or less attractive to foreigners. In order to measure the country brand equity, specific methods are used. Such perceptual metrics is a construction of values based on the country brand, such as awareness, associations, image, perceived quality and loyalty. This work aims to build up a model of country brand equity measurement which can be applied to the Brazilian scenario. Therefore, several brand and country brand evaluation models were presented, since they are complementary, and empirically tested. The two main models used in this work were Yoo, Donthu & Lee´s (2000) brand equity model, and Pappu & Quester´s (2010) country brand equity model. Since the construct of country brand equity is derived from formative dimensions which are part of it, the image dimensions based on personality (AAKER, 1997) and culture perception (NEWMAN & NOLLEN, 1996; HOFSTEDE & BOND, 1984) were summed. All the variables and dimension compositions were evaluated concerning their reliability, linearity, normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, correlations, factor formation and, finally, they were assessed in regressions and structural equation models. Sixteen (16) preliminary models were created, in which the power of explanation of constructs with the dependent variable proposed by Zeugner-Roth, Diamantopoulos & Montesinos (2008) were created. Little variability between the models was seen. Afterwards, eight (8) more models were elaborated with the proxy of country brand equity by the country brand reputation proposed by Kang & Yang (2010), in which it was possible to observe that the models with greater number of dimensions were better to explain the dependent variable. Moreover, the importance of image dimensions and culture perception in these constructs were checked. Finally, this thesis presents more coherent country-brand evaluation models.

Em um comércio internacional globalizado, tecnológico, dinâmico e competitivo, o conceito de marca passou a ser aplicado aos países, surgindo o termo marca-país. As nações passaram a ser vistas e a agir como marcas, a fim de adquirir vantagem competitiva e se desenvolver em grande escala. Uma marca-país deve ser forte e agregar valor aos seus consumidores estimulando e atraindo turistas, moradores, investidores e compradores ao país para ser bem sucedida nesse cenário. Para isso, é necessário um processo de nation branding (gestão de marca-país) bem estruturado. Mais ainda, uma marca-país deve ser capaz de provocar reações e intenções comportamentais nos consumidores internacionais, as denominadas conações em relação a um país e que abrangem o vínculo com tal país, a vontade de viajar, investir, fazer negócios, trabalhar e adquirir produtos e serviços provenientes dele. Deste modo, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a existência da relação entre o valor da marca-país do Brasil e as conações em relação a este país. O Brasil é um país emergente, cujo potencial da marca-país é grande, mas pouco estudado. O estudo foi iniciado por uma revisão de literatura sobre imagem de país e efeito país de origem, conações em relação a um país, marca-país e valor de marca-país. Em seguida, a partir de dados primários coletados por meio de um levantamento com 202 consumidores estrangeiros- mais especificamente com estudantes de universidades internacionais vinculados à Universidade de São Paulo (USP) por programas de intercâmbio, foi realizado um estudo quantitativo e descritivo. Este utilizou a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais, que permite verificar a relação de dependência entre a conação do Brasil e o valor de sua marca. Verificou-se por meio dessa análise que o valor de marca-país do Brasil é um construto muldimensional, formado por três dimensões: qualidade percebida, imagem macro técnica e lealdade, que se inter-relacionam de maneira positiva, bem como se agrupam para formar o construto de valor de marca-país do Brasil. Finalmente, averiguou-se que o valor de marca-país do Brasil influencia positivamente as conações em relação ao país, em termos de investimentos, negócios e trabalho. Esses resultados fornecem informações valiosas que podem colaborar com o governo para desenvolvimento estratégico de ações para a melhora e o crescimento da marca e da imagem dos países (principalmente do Brasil), pois é possível notar que investir em marca-país e na sua gestão traz retornos para o país. Por exemplo, os governos podem ajustar os programas de marketing voltados aos consumidores internacionais e à venda de produtos no exterior; modificar as campanhas de divulgação de marcas brasileiras internacionalmente e oferecer subsídios e facilidades para investimentos e negócios com o Brasil. Além disso, a pesquisa proporcionou reflexões teóricas para pesquisas na área de imagem de país e valor de marca-país. / In a globalized, technological, dynamic, and competitive international trade, the brand concept is now applied to countries, making arise the term country brand. The nations are now seen and act as brands, in order to gain competitive advantage and develop in large scale.A country brand should be strong and add value to their consumers stimulating and attracting tourists, residents, investors and buyers to the country to be successful in this scenario. For this, a well-structured process of nation branding is needed. Moreover, one country brand must be able to provoke reactions and behavioral intentions in international consumers, which are called country specific conations, and it comprises ties with the country, the desire to travel, to invest, to do business with, to work and to purchase goods and services from a country. Thus, this study aimed to verify the existence of the relationship between the country brand equity of Brazil and the country specific conations regarding this country. Brazil is an emerging country whose potential of the country branding is great, but little studied.The study was initiated by a literature review on country image and country of origin effect, country specific conations, country brand and country brand equity. Then, based on primary data collected through a survey of 202 foreign consumers - more specifically with students from foreign universities accredited with the University of São Paulo (USP) in exchange programs, it was conducted a quantitative and descriptive study. This was used the technique of structural equation modeling, which allows to check the dependency relationship between country specific conations of Brazil and its country brand equity. This analysis showed that the country brand equity of Brazil is a muldimensional construct made of three dimensions: perceived quality, macro technique image and loyalty, which are interrelate in a positive way and relate to form the construct of Brazil country brand equity. Finally, it was found that the country equity of Brazil has a positive influence over the country specific conations, in terms of investment, business and labor. These results provide valuable information that can collaborate with the government to develop strategic actions for the improvement and growth of the brand and image of countries (mainly Brazil), because it is possible to note that invest in country brand and its management brings returns to the country. For example, governments can adjust the marketing programs geared to international consumers and the sale of products abroad; modify the publicity campaigns of Brazilian brands internationally and offer subsidies and facilities for investment and business with Brazil. In addition, the research provided theoretical reflections for research in the country image area and country brand equity.

Darbe siekiama išanalizuoti Lietuvos kariuomenės atstovų, dalyvaujančių tarptautinėse taikos rėmimo operacijose, vykdomos viešosios diplomatijos įtaką kuriamam valstybės vidaus įvaizdžiui. Pastaroji tema iškelia problemą, reikalaujančią ištirti, ar dėmesys viešajai diplomatijai yra pakankamas, atsižvelgiant į jos nešamą naudą įvaizdžio formavimo procese. Siekiant tikslingos ir konkrečios analizės, apibrėžiamos darbo ribos – darbe neanalizuojamos visos taikos rėmimo operacijos, kuriose dalyvauja Lietuvos atstovai, o orientuojamasi tik į NATO vykdomas tarptautines operacijas, kuriose tarnauja Lietuvos kariai, t.y. Afganistanas, Irakas bei Kosovas, į kurį 2009-aisiais metais buvo nusiųstas paskutinis Lietuvos karių būrys ir Lietuvos misija šiame krašte šiuo metu jau yra baigta, tačiau dalyvavimas joje neabejotinai turėjo įtakos Lietuvos įvaizdžiui. Ieškant atsakymo pateikiama viešosios diplomatijos samprata, išskiriant svarbiausias dimensijas ir įrankius, analizuojama viešosios diplomatijos įtaka formuojant ne tik šalies išorinį, bet ir vidinį įvaizdį, atskleidžiama, kaip Lietuvos kariuomenės atstovų dalyvavimas tarptautinėse taikos palaikymo operacijose prisideda prie valstybės įvaizdžio formavimo. Atlikus apklausų duomenų palyginimus bei rezultatų analizę išaiškėjo, kad visuomenė pasitiki Lietuvos kariuomenės institucija bei remia šalies narystę NATO. Ir nors mato iškylančius neigiamus dalyvavimo taikos rėmimo operacijose aspektus, t.y. padidėjusias valstybės biudžeto... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The main objective of this study is to analyze how public diplomacy implemented in peacekeeping operations by the Lithuanian army representatives influences country’s image. The subject gives a rise to a problem which needs a deeper analysis: it is vital to find out if attention drawn to public diplomacy by the state officials is sufficient, to consider the benefit it brings to the image formation process. In pursuance of purposeful analysis it is necessary to define the limits of the research – this study does not analyze all peacekeeping operations but focuses only on the NATO-led international operations in which Lithuanian soldiers are employed, i.e. the operations of Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. The Kosovo operation is already finished for us as the last squad was sent on 2009, but the participation in this mission still has an influence to Lithuania’s image. This study presents the conception of public diplomacy, characterizes its main dimensions and instruments, analyzes the influence of public diplomacy on shaping an external and internal country image and reveals how the participation of Lithuanian army representatives in international peacekeeping operations contributes to the image of the state. The survey data comparisons and analysis of the results showed a public confidence in Lithuanian Armed Forces and support to country's membership in NATO. Although citizens witness the negative aspects of partaking in peacekeeping operations, i.e. an increase in... [to full text]

Atualmente, os valores intangíveis são cada vez mais importantes no processo gerencial de empresas e governos, implicando a necessidade de informações mais precisas. Dentre os ativos intangíveis mais importantes encontram-se as marcas. É por meio das marcas que os consumidores escolhem e memorizam suas compras, e assim destinam seu dinheiro para algo que possa solucionar problemas em suas vidas. Marcas são formas de empresas e países conseguirem se diferenciar no mercado competitivo globalizado, e estas últimas são denominadas marca-país. A marca-país é fonte de conhecimento e associações no mercado, e torna o país mais ou menos atraente para os estrangeiros. Para se medir o valor de uma marca-país (country brand equity) utilizamse métodos específicos. Essa métrica perceptual é uma construção de valores baseados na marca-país, como conhecimento, associações, imagem, qualidade percebida e lealdade. Este trabalho visa compor um modelo de mensuração de country brand equity aplicável à realidade brasileira. Para tanto foram apresentados diversos modelos de avaliação de marcas e marca-país, por serem complementares, e testados empiricamente. Os dois principais modelos utilizados neste trabalho foram o modelo de valor de marca de Yoo, Donthu e Lee (2000), e o modelo de valor de marca-país de Pappu e Quester (2010). Como o construto de valor de marca-país é derivado de dimensões formativas que o compõem, foram somadas nessa equação as dimensões de imagem baseada na personalidade (AAKER, 1997) e percepção de cultura (NEWMAN; NOLLEN, 1996; HOFSTEDE; BOND, 1984). Todas as variáveis e composições de dimensões foram avaliadas quanto à sua confiabilidade, linearidade, normalidade, heterocedasticidade, multicolinearidade, correlações, formação de fatores e, por fim, avaliadas em regressões e modelos de equações estruturais. Foram criados dezesseis (16) modelos iniciais, nos quais se avaliou o poder de explicação dos construtos com a variável dependente proposta por Zeugner-Roth, Diamantopoulos e Montesinos (2008). Verificou-se pouca variabilidade entre os modelos. Em seguida, foram elaborados mais oito (8) modelos com a proxy de valor de marca-país pela reputação de marca-país, proposta por Kang e Yang (2010), na qual se pôde observar que os modelos com maior número de dimensões se mostraram melhores para explicar a variável dependente. Além disso, verificou-se a importância das dimensões de imagem e percepção de cultura nesses construtos. Por fim, esta tese apresenta modelos mais consistentes de avaliação de marca-país. / Nowadays, the intangible values are more and more important in the management process of companies and governments, implying the need of more accurate information. Among the most important intangible assets, there are the brands. It is through brands that consumers choose and memorize their purchases, and, thus, allocate money for something which can solve problems in their lives. Brands are how companies and countries can differentiate themselves in such competitive global market; the later one is called Country Brand. The country brand is the source of knowledge and associations in the market which makes the country either more or less attractive to foreigners. In order to measure the country brand equity, specific methods are used. Such perceptual metrics is a construction of values based on the country brand, such as awareness, associations, image, perceived quality and loyalty. This work aims to build up a model of country brand equity measurement which can be applied to the Brazilian scenario. Therefore, several brand and country brand evaluation models were presented, since they are complementary, and empirically tested. The two main models used in this work were Yoo, Donthu & Lee´s (2000) brand equity model, and Pappu & Quester´s (2010) country brand equity model. Since the construct of country brand equity is derived from formative dimensions which are part of it, the image dimensions based on personality (AAKER, 1997) and culture perception (NEWMAN & NOLLEN, 1996; HOFSTEDE & BOND, 1984) were summed. All the variables and dimension compositions were evaluated concerning their reliability, linearity, normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, correlations, factor formation and, finally, they were assessed in regressions and structural equation models. Sixteen (16) preliminary models were created, in which the power of explanation of constructs with the dependent variable proposed by Zeugner-Roth, Diamantopoulos & Montesinos (2008) were created. Little variability between the models was seen. Afterwards, eight (8) more models were elaborated with the proxy of country brand equity by the country brand reputation proposed by Kang & Yang (2010), in which it was possible to observe that the models with greater number of dimensions were better to explain the dependent variable. Moreover, the importance of image dimensions and culture perception in these constructs were checked. Finally, this thesis presents more coherent country-brand evaluation models.

Em um comércio internacional globalizado, tecnológico, dinâmico e competitivo, o conceito de marca passou a ser aplicado aos países, surgindo o termo marca-país. As nações passaram a ser vistas e a agir como marcas, a fim de adquirir vantagem competitiva e se desenvolver em grande escala. Uma marca-país deve ser forte e agregar valor aos seus consumidores estimulando e atraindo turistas, moradores, investidores e compradores ao país para ser bem sucedida nesse cenário. Para isso, é necessário um processo de nation branding (gestão de marca-país) bem estruturado. Mais ainda, uma marca-país deve ser capaz de provocar reações e intenções comportamentais nos consumidores internacionais, as denominadas conações em relação a um país e que abrangem o vínculo com tal país, a vontade de viajar, investir, fazer negócios, trabalhar e adquirir produtos e serviços provenientes dele. Deste modo, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a existência da relação entre o valor da marca-país do Brasil e as conações em relação a este país. O Brasil é um país emergente, cujo potencial da marca-país é grande, mas pouco estudado. O estudo foi iniciado por uma revisão de literatura sobre imagem de país e efeito país de origem, conações em relação a um país, marca-país e valor de marca-país. Em seguida, a partir de dados primários coletados por meio de um levantamento com 202 consumidores estrangeiros- mais especificamente com estudantes de universidades internacionais vinculados à Universidade de São Paulo (USP) por programas de intercâmbio, foi realizado um estudo quantitativo e descritivo. Este utilizou a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais, que permite verificar a relação de dependência entre a conação do Brasil e o valor de sua marca. Verificou-se por meio dessa análise que o valor de marca-país do Brasil é um construto muldimensional, formado por três dimensões: qualidade percebida, imagem macro técnica e lealdade, que se inter-relacionam de maneira positiva, bem como se agrupam para formar o construto de valor de marca-país do Brasil. Finalmente, averiguou-se que o valor de marca-país do Brasil influencia positivamente as conações em relação ao país, em termos de investimentos, negócios e trabalho. Esses resultados fornecem informações valiosas que podem colaborar com o governo para desenvolvimento estratégico de ações para a melhora e o crescimento da marca e da imagem dos países (principalmente do Brasil), pois é possível notar que investir em marca-país e na sua gestão traz retornos para o país. Por exemplo, os governos podem ajustar os programas de marketing voltados aos consumidores internacionais e à venda de produtos no exterior; modificar as campanhas de divulgação de marcas brasileiras internacionalmente e oferecer subsídios e facilidades para investimentos e negócios com o Brasil. Além disso, a pesquisa proporcionou reflexões teóricas para pesquisas na área de imagem de país e valor de marca-país. / In a globalized, technological, dynamic, and competitive international trade, the brand concept is now applied to countries, making arise the term country brand. The nations are now seen and act as brands, in order to gain competitive advantage and develop in large scale.A country brand should be strong and add value to their consumers stimulating and attracting tourists, residents, investors and buyers to the country to be successful in this scenario. For this, a well-structured process of nation branding is needed. Moreover, one country brand must be able to provoke reactions and behavioral intentions in international consumers, which are called country specific conations, and it comprises ties with the country, the desire to travel, to invest, to do business with, to work and to purchase goods and services from a country. Thus, this study aimed to verify the existence of the relationship between the country brand equity of Brazil and the country specific conations regarding this country. Brazil is an emerging country whose potential of the country branding is great, but little studied.The study was initiated by a literature review on country image and country of origin effect, country specific conations, country brand and country brand equity. Then, based on primary data collected through a survey of 202 foreign consumers - more specifically with students from foreign universities accredited with the University of São Paulo (USP) in exchange programs, it was conducted a quantitative and descriptive study. This was used the technique of structural equation modeling, which allows to check the dependency relationship between country specific conations of Brazil and its country brand equity. This analysis showed that the country brand equity of Brazil is a muldimensional construct made of three dimensions: perceived quality, macro technique image and loyalty, which are interrelate in a positive way and relate to form the construct of Brazil country brand equity. Finally, it was found that the country equity of Brazil has a positive influence over the country specific conations, in terms of investment, business and labor. These results provide valuable information that can collaborate with the government to develop strategic actions for the improvement and growth of the brand and image of countries (mainly Brazil), because it is possible to note that invest in country brand and its management brings returns to the country. For example, governments can adjust the marketing programs geared to international consumers and the sale of products abroad; modify the publicity campaigns of Brazilian brands internationally and offer subsidies and facilities for investment and business with Brazil. In addition, the research provided theoretical reflections for research in the country image area and country brand equity.

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