Transformative value positioning for service brands: Key principles and challenges.
- Author(s)
- Sara Leroi-Werelds, Jörg Matthes
- Abstract
Purpose The aim of this paper is to integrate insights from service, branding and communication research to present key principles of a successful transformative value positioning for service brands. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a conceptual approach that is rooted in the service, branding and communication literature. Findings The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, this paper explains why positioning a service brand is different from positioning a product brand and why this is especially challenging in case of transformative value. Second, an organizing framework is used to theorize that a successful transformative value positioning is based on the organizational DNA; is consistently implemented in actions, communications, employee behavior, and servicescapes; and inspires customer engagement. Based on this framework, this paper formulates key principles of a successful transformative value positioning for service brands. Third, this paper provides a research agenda to guide and stimulate future research. Practical implications The key principles provide guidelines for managers striving for a transformative value positioning. Not adhering to these guidelines could have severe implications for service brands in terms of washing perceptions ultimately deteriorating the brand image. Originality/value This paper combines insights from service, branding and communication research to provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on a successful transformative value positioning for service brands.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Communication
- External organisation(s)
- Hasselt University
- Journal
- Journal of Service Management
- Volume
- 33
- Pages
- 552-564
- No. of pages
- 13
- ISSN
- 1757-5818
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1108/JOSM-11-2021-0419
- Publication date
- 2022
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 508007 Communication science
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business, Management and Accounting (miscellaneous), Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management, Strategy and Management
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/0f80ef1b-e297-4269-b86b-c39e657b5d7a