Endorser is common in advertising for marketing strategies. The firms spend hundreds of million dollars to hire celebrities to endorse their products and brands. Appropriate endorsers are beneficial in brand differentiation and help competitive advantage building. Previous researches in match-up between endorser and product image have two diverse points of view (congruity vs. incongruity). The latest research reveals that in moderate incongruity would accommodate the two different views. Based on the three inconsistent findings, this study explores the effects of gender-based trait through different match-up levels of endorser and service type. The present study uses experimental design to investigate the advertising effects of endorser¡¦s gender (male vs. female), endorser¡¦s gendered traits (male vs. female), and service type (masculine vs. neutral vs. feminine). Thus, a 2x2x3 factorial design is conducted. The ad effects are measured by perceived quality, attitudes toward the brand, and purchase intention to observe the responses under twelve different and fictitious scenarios. The results indicate that a male endorser with female traits is more effective than a male endorser with male traits, especially promoting feminine-based service marketing. Besides, consumers¡¦ perceived quality is different when evaluating match-up combinations based on endorser¡¦s gender. Moreover, when promoting a masculine-based service, a female endorser with female trait is more effective than a male endorser with male traits in perceived quality and purchase intentions. According to these findings, the research provides implications for researchers and marketers on match-up between endorser and service type.

xvi, 152 p. : col. ill. / Millions of dollars are spent on celebrity contracts each year by assuming that the benefits of using celebrities will exceed the costs. Accordingly, many researchers have studied the impact of celebrity endorsements on advertising effectiveness. One of the theories used frequently by these researchers is the match-up hypothesis. This theory suggests that there should be a good fit between the celebrity and the product; however, it is not clear what constitutes a good fit. Some researchers suggested that attractive celebrities will be more effective if they are used to promote attractiveness-related products. Other researchers claimed that when there is congruence between the product type and the celebrity profession, advertising effectiveness will be enhanced; however, these existing dimensions of the match-up hypothesis fall short of explaining some popular celebrity endorsement campaigns (e.g., Sharpie Pens and David Beckham). The current research contributes to the study of celebrity endorsements by adding another dimension, values, to the match-up hypothesis. Specifically, the congruence between celebrity values (as perceived by consumers) and values represented by products was considered as an alternative to the attractiveness and expertise dimensions. In a series of six experiments, support for the positive impact of celebrity-product value congruence on advertising effectiveness was found. College students exposed to the high value congruence ad spent less time in examining the ad, suggesting that participants were easily and quickly able to match up the celebrities and products. Moreover, participants who were exposed to the high value congruence ad had significantly more favorable attitudes toward ad and brand, had higher intentions to buy the product, and were more likely to recommend the product to other people than were participants who were exposed to the low value congruence ad. The results also suggested that value congruence with unfamiliar celebrities was more effective than value congruence with familiar celebrities for generating more favorable attitudes toward ad and brand and higher behavioral intentions, due probably to the minimized effect of pre-established thoughts or feelings about unfamiliar celebrities. Together these results suggest that the congruence between celebrity and product values plays an important role in advertising effectiveness. / Committee in charge: Lynn R. Kahle, Chairperson; Joan Giese, Member; David Boush, Member; Deborah Morrison, Outside Member

Submitted by Anderson do Nascimento Ricci (anderson.ricci@fgv.br) on 2018-07-23T14:09:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 J.Ribeiro da Silva_Tese FGV.pdf: 2952965 bytes, checksum: 91408927dff5ec9499641b2db136c131 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2018-07-24T13:39:22Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 J.Ribeiro da Silva_Tese FGV.pdf: 2952965 bytes, checksum: 91408927dff5ec9499641b2db136c131 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-24T18:59:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 J.Ribeiro da Silva_Tese FGV.pdf: 2952965 bytes, checksum: 91408927dff5ec9499641b2db136c131 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-06-20 / Purpose – The Match-up hypothesis is a concept which suggests that the stronger the match (i.e. the congruence, adequacy), between both a celebrity and a product, the more effective an endorsement will be. In this paper, we pretend to examine the mentioned match-up hypothesis under a social class perspective. Design/Methodology – An experiment, consisting of two surveys, was conducted to evaluate both the perceived adequacy of a celebrity-product match and its impact on consumers’ purchase intentions. Findings – Results revealed that, although the match enhanced consumer’s perceived adequacy, this rise was not translated into greater purchase intentions. Research limitations – The usage of only one product category, as well as differences regarding personal preferences and biases stemming from the non-probabilistic sampling method, were some of the limitations faced during the research. In addition, the lack of information about the topic, since it had never been studied, corresponded to another limitation. Practical implications – By acknowledging that consumers do perceive an adequacy and match between the type of products and the celebrities’ social class, companies, through their marketing and communication departments, are able to create, design and “shape” specific strategies in order to increase both the effectiveness of endorsements and consumers’’ engagement. Social implications – As a result of its marketing nature and company specific focus, the present research does not offer a wide spectrum of social implications. However, one might consider the understanding of an existing cognitive association, as well as a mental construct, between consumers’ minds and the social characteristics of the elements involved in a consumption decision as a major contribution in this field. Originality - Extant literature has only focused on the celebrity’s attractiveness (physical and/or intellectual) and credibility (expertness and trustworthiness), being the present work the first to focus and explore other perspectives and characteristics such as the social class. / Objetivo – A teoria de “Match-up hypothesis” (hipótese de combinação) é um conceito que sugere que quanto mais intensa, forte, for a combinação (i.e., a congruência ou adequação) entre a celebridade e o produto promovido, maior será a eficácia do endosso. Neste trabalho, nós pretendemos examinar o referido conceito e o impacto do mesmo sob uma perspectiva de classe social. Metodologia – Um experimento/estudo, consistindo em dois questionários, foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar tanto a adequação percebida entre celebridade e produto, assim como o impacto da última nas intenções de compra dos consumidores. Resultados – Os resultados revelaram que, não obstante ao facto do o referido “match” realçar e aumentar a adequação percebida pelo consumidor, esse aumento não se traduz num crescimento das intenções de compra. Limitações – A utilização de apenas uma categoria de produtos, assim como as diferenças relacionadas com preferências pessoais e enviesamento decorrente de um método de amostragem não probabilística, foram algumas das limitações enfrentadas durante a pesquisa conduzida. Adicionalmente, a falta de informação e dados sobre o tópico discutido, uma vez que nunca fora antes estudado, correspondeu a outra limitação. Aplicabilidade do trabalho – Ao reconhecer que os consumidores são capazes de entender a existência de um “match”, uma relação, entre o tipo de produtos e a classe social da celebridade, as empresas podem criar, projetar e “desenhar” estratégias específicas de forma a aumentar não só a eficácia do endosso como também o engajamento dos consumidores. Contribuições para a sociedade – Devido à natureza do trabalho e ao seu foco nas ações de uma empresa, o presente estudo não oferece um espectro muito alargado de contribuições no campo social. Todavia, o reconhecimento da existência de uma associação cognitiva, assim como de construções mentais, entre a mente dos consumidores e as características sociais dos elementos envolvidos na decisão de consumo pode ser considerado o maior contributo do estudo neste campo em análise. Originalidade – A literatura existente tem-se apenas focado na atratividade (aparência, física e/ou intelectual) e na credibilidade (perícia e confiança) de uma celebridade, sendo o presente trabalho o primeiro a focar-se e explorar outras perspectivas e características tais como a classe social.

Background: The rapid growth of social media has transformed the influencer marketinglandscape, making Gen Z overwhelmed with digital content and more discerning aboutauthenticity and brand alignment in influencer partnerships. As brands are increasinglyusing fashion influencers as a primary marketing tool due to their substantial impact onconsumer decisions, understanding influencer-brand fit is crucial, highlighting the need forfurther exploration of the consequences of a poor fit. Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study is to gain a deeper understanding of howfemale Gen Z evaluates factors influencing their perception of influencer-brand fit withinthe fashion industry on Instagram, specifically exploring the consequences of a poor fit. Method: Using a qualitative research design within an interpretivist paradigm andinductive approach, empirical data was gathered through semi-structured focus groups andindividual interviews with female Gen Z participants, selected by judgment sampling. Thedata was then analysed using thematic analysis to derive meaningful insights. Conclusion: This study reveals the multifaceted dynamics of influencer-brand fit and itsimpact on female Gen Z's perceived credibility of both fashion influencers and brands.Findings reveal that the factors influencer characteristics, parasocial interactions,collaborative structure, external influence, and influencer-brand image play a pivotal rolein influencing female Gen Z's perception of an influencer-brand fit. Furthermore, the studyhighlights the outcomes of an influencer-brand fit, underscoring that a strong fit increasescredibility and loyalty while a poor fit decreases consumer trust, engagement andcredibility. This study highlights the evolving nature of consumer responses and theimportance of understanding the nuanced preferences of this demographic, underscoringthe need for brands to strategically select influencers whose image and values align closelywith their own.

Titel: Är influencers vampyrer? En studie om influencer-baserad marknadsföring och brand recall. Nivå: Examensarbete på Grundnivå (kandidatexamen) i ämnet företagsekonomi. Författare: Julia Jansson och Christina Najm Handledare: Jonas Kågström Datum: 2018 - maj Syfte: Syftet med studien är att analysera hur influencer-baserad marknadsföring, vad gäller brand recall, påverkas av tidsaspekten, vampire effect, source credibility och match-up hypotesen. Metod: Data har insamlats med hjälp av två enkäter med 1461 respondenter. Respondenterna fick svara på enkäter gällande två olika influencers och dess samarbete med ett företag. Materialet har sedan analyserats och bearbetats med hjälp av deskriptiv statistik, T-test, korrelationsanalyser, faktoranalyser samt klusteranalys. Resultat & slutsats: Studien visade betydelsen för företag att välja en lämplig influencer för deras marknadsföring. Dessa influencers har möjligheten att nå en stor del av konsumenterna och det är då viktigt att de kan sända ut rätt information om varumärket. I fallet om vampire effect kom studien fram till att detta hot inte nödvändigtvis behöver påverka varumärkets brand recall, utan vid val av en lämplig och rätt influencer kan istället varumärket gynnas av influencer-baserad marknadsföring. Uppsatsens bidrag: Studiens bidrag till marknadsföringens forskningsområde är en ökad kunskap om influencer-baserad marknadsföring, vad gäller brand recall och dess effekter. Studien bidrar också med olika aspekter för företag att ta hänsyn till i valet av lämplig influencer. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Forskning bör vidare undersöka hur tidsaspekten har en påverkan på brand recall, då tidigare forskning varit begränsad. Vi anser att fler studier ska göras om influencer-baserad marknadsföring och brand recall då detta fält är relativt nytt och outforskat. Nyckelord: Brand recall, the vampire effect, source credibility model, match-up hypotesen, influencers, tidsaspekt. / Title: Are influencers vampires? A study about influencer-based marketing and brand recall. Level: Student thesis, final assignment for Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Authors: Julia Jansson and Christina Najm Supervisor: Jonas Kågström Date: 2018 – may Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate how influencer-based marketing, in terms of brand recall, is affected by the time aspect, vampire effect, source credibility and match-up hypothesis. Method: Data were collected from two surveys, with 1461 respondents. The respondents answered surveys about two influencers and their collaboration with a company. The data has been analysed and processed with descriptive statistics, T-test, correlation as well as factor and cluster analyses. Results & Conclusion: The study showed the importance for companies to choose an appropriate influencer for marketing. These influencers have the ability to reach a large portion of consumers and it is, therefore, important that they can send accurate information about the brand. Regarding the vampire effect, the study showed that it is not necessarily a threat to brand recall, but if the appropriate influencer is chosen, the brand can benefit from influencer-based marketing. Contribution of the thesis: The contribution of this study to the marketing research area is an increased knowledge about influencer-based marketing, in terms of brand recall and its effects. The study also contributes with different aspects for companies to consider in selecting an appropriate influencer. Suggestions for future research: Future research should examine how the time aspect can affect brand recall, since prior research has been narrowed. We believe that more studies should be done especially about influenced-based marketing and brand recall since it is relatively new and unexplored. Key words: Brand recall, the vampire effect, source credibility, match-up hypothesis, influencers, time aspect