Optimizing Green Brand Equity: The Integrated Branding and Behavioral Perspectives

Abstract

A compelling question that constantly arises in our society today is “How do we build a healthy brand that is closely associated with environmental activities?” Enhancing green brand equity is among the answers. This article integrates consumer environmental values with brand knowledge and brand relationships to arrive at an integrated view of how green brand equity can be maximized. Our research employs a questionnaire-based survey to collect data from consumers of electronics products in Ho Chi Minh City using a cluster sampling method. A structural equation modeling method was used to validate the hypothetical relationships. Our analysis suggests that (a) attitudes toward green products and the environmental concern affect consumer’s associations with the green brand, followed by green brand equity and (b) an eco-friendly image and trust in the brand’s green commitments drive a competent green brand. Our article broadens the current understanding of green consumers’ behavior by providing a theoretical model that investigates the associations between brand relationships and consumers’ personal motives which are closely connected with green brand management. Altogether, this study presents a broad picture of green branding mechanisms.