How Could Brand Image, Ethnocentrism, and Brand Attachment Impact Consumer Behaviour in the Service Industry: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Underpinned by self-congruity theory, cognitive appraisal theory, and attachment theory, the current research develops a comprehensive theoretical framework of the key factors determining continuous purchase intention for two coffee brands by incorporating critical factors such as brand image, ethnocentrism, and brand attachment. This paper also investigates the intervening role of brand attachment in such links. The study applied a quantitative approach by gathering data through a self-administered survey from 266 consumers who purchased two coffee brands in Oman: Starbucks Coffee (as an international brand) and Fifty Five Coffee (as a local brand). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the empirical findings indicated that brand image significantly influenced brand attachment and continuance intention. Ethnocentrism impacted brand attachment and did not have a significant link with continuance intention for Starbucks. However, it significantly affects both brand attachment and customers’ continuance intention for Fifty Five Coffee. Brand attachment positively affects continuance intention and significantly mediates the links between brand image, ethnocentrism, and continuance intention for Starbucks and Fifty Five Coffee. The current endeavour holds a variety of theoretical and practical implications for concerned scholars and professionals respectively. The limitations and future research avenues are also outlined.