Cultural influence on brand loyalty of rural consumers in the Indian context

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to develop a scale to identify and measure cultural factors and brand loyalty among rural consumers. The study also seeks to analyze the impact of identified cultural factors on the overall brand loyalty of rural consumers.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed to measure cultural factors and brand loyalty of rural consumers. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out to identify cultural factors, and a regression analysis was carried out to study the impact of the identified factors on brand loyalty.FindingsFour dimensions of culture were identified from the study, i.e. virtuousness, religion, sociability and ethnocentrism. The analysis reveals that virtuousness is the most influencing factor on brand loyalty of rural consumers, followed by sociability and religion. Ethnocentrism was found to have insignificant influence on brand loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe Indian rural market is a market of opportunity and unlimited business potential. An understanding of the cultural factors of rural markets and their influence on brand loyalty would help marketers and business organizations build an appropriate market strategy to explore benefits.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to explore the influence of certain cultural factors on the brand loyalty of Indian rural consumers, which has not been researched extensively. This provides a good insight for all marketers who want to succeed in this market.