Place Branding Research Articles

City Branding to Solve Social Problems? – The Eigendynamik of management concepts

It is well know that management concepts tend to spread from corporate to public organizations. Branding is an example of such a concept, with suggestions that it can address not only economic but also social issues, often referred to as “inclusive branding.” This ethnographic study explores how branding is received and spreads in a Swedish city, and analyzes efforts to use branding to tackle inequality and segregation. Our findings reveal that the initial focus on social problems was glossed over in favor of following corporate branding ideals, but also that city communicators expressed critique, confusion, and doubt regarding the relevance of branding to their work. Surprisingly, this did not slow down but rather energized the branding process. Through an interactionist analysis, we suggest that rather than addressing social problems, branding in cities may give rise to an Eigendynamik, signifying a self-energizing inner dynamic fueled by a tension between “frames,” specifically between the branding frame and the civic frame of the city. This theorization lays the groundwork for contributions to the understanding of inclusive branding: it can start with good intentions to address civic issues but may get swept up in corporate branding concepts and activities that are ill equipped to deal with social issues. More generally, complementing established notions of translation and colonization, our study provides a novel understanding of how management concepts migrate from corporate to public organizations through what we call frame-induced Eigendynamik. Overall, we contribute by shedding light on the role of self-energizing processes as reasons why organizational members engage with management concepts even when they struggle to see their relevance to their work.

Effects of Marathon Competition on Economic Aspects in Guangzhou City

Background and Aim: In recent years, participation in Chinese marathons has experienced significant growth, with the number of participants rising from thousands to hundreds of thousands, and even millions. This surge underscores the growing economic impact of marathon events on urban economies, as they attract participants and stimulate various related industries. However, this rapid expansion also presents challenges in organizing and managing these events, particularly in ensuring safety, professionalism, and fairness. Materials and Methods: The objective of this study was twofold: first, to measure the direct economic impact of hosting major marathon events, and second, to develop a guideline for hosting such events in Guangzhou city. The research utilized a descriptive survey method, employing questionnaires to gather data from different stakeholders and participants involved in the Guangzhou Marathon. Subjects were a simple random sampling of 341 participants, including college students, social workers, and marathon enthusiasts. The research instrument was questionnaire development, and four separate questionnaires were designed to address different aspects of the research: 1) "Marathon runners wearing shoe survey". 2) "Consumer Survey of Marathon Participants". 3) "Guangzhou Marathon and the Image of Guangzhou". 4). "Investigation on the Impact of Holding a City Marathon on the City Economy". To ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, the following steps were taken: content and structure evaluation by 10 experts in related fields, pilot testing for validity, with an Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) of 1. Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage. Results: 1) guidelines for the economic aspects of hosting the Guangzhou Marathon, based on the POLC (Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling) theory framework, such as planning: conduct economic impact analysis, set objectives, develop an economic plan, and establish partnerships. Organizing: form an economic committee, develop a marketing plan, coordinate with businesses, engage sporting brands, and facilitate temporary employment. Leading: Provide leadership, maintain communication, foster collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance, and Control: Monitor progress, collect data, conduct reviews, implement quality control, and conduct post-event economic impact analysis. 2) Summary of the new knowledge presented in 4 parts: Marathoners' investments were to prioritize mid-high priced running shoes, purchase dedicated running apparel, invest in watches, headphones, and accessories, and optimize training and performance. Economic benefits included enhanced city visibility and image, driving sporting goods sales, attracting tourism and hospitality revenue, and creating new employment opportunities. Social and cultural impacts were to promote sports participation, foster creativity and cultural expression, increase social cohesion, and enhance city vibrancy and global profile. The Guangzhou Marathon's role was to promote sports culture, boost sponsor brand power and recognition, showcase economic development strengths, and provide perceived multifaceted benefits. Conclusion: The data suggests that hosting a large-scale city marathon can bring about various benefits such as economic growth, social engagement, cultural enrichment, and enhanced city branding, making it an appealing event to organize for cities, as indicated by the respondents surveyed.

Bridging traditions: Placemaking and authenticity in architecture for city branding

Abstract This paper explores the symbiotic relationship between placemaking and the authenticity of traditional architecture in the realm of city branding, using Surakarta City in Indonesia as a pivotal case study. It posits that the conscious integration of placemaking initiatives with the preservation and celebration of traditional architectural authenticity can significantly amplify any city’s brand identity, rendering it distinct and resonant on the global scale. Surakarta, with its rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving Javanese architectural motifs, exemplifies how traditional elements can coalesce with contemporary urban development strategies to foster a sense of place and community identity. Through a qualitative analysis of Surakarta’s urban planning and community engagement practices, this study underscores the transformative impact of authentic architectural preservation in placemaking processes. The findings suggest that such an approach not only enhances the aesthetic and cultural landscape of cities but also strengthens their branding, attracting tourism and investment by offering a unique narrative. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for urban policymakers and planners, advocating for a balanced integration of cultural authenticity and innovative place-making to achieve sustainable and impactful city branding. This study contributes to the broader discourse on urban development, highlighting the indispensable role of architectural authenticity in crafting compelling city narratives.

Iconic Visions: Shaping Yinchuan’s Future Tourism Business through Landmark Perceptions

With the advancement of today’s technological image culture, the role of visual landmarks in shaping a city’s appeal and enhancing its tourism business has become increasingly crucial. Visual landmarks serve not only as symbols of a city’s identity but also as magnets that attract tourists and local residents alike, shaping their perceptions and experiences of the city. Against this backdrop, this article explores future design concepts for visual landmarks in Yinchuan city, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, with a focus on place branding. The exploration takes into account insights derived from a survey of 400 respondents, a diverse sample comprising both local residents and tourists. The survey investigation follows four methodological procedures: translation, coding, categorization, and thematization, aimed at understanding thematic patterns in the collected data. The thematic analysis reveals five key themes central to the consideration of the visual landmarks: historical and cultural elements, geocultural features, aesthetic considerations, urban infrastructure, and local specialties. These themes reflect not only the preferences and perceptions of the respondents but also their emotional connections and memorable experiences. As an exploratory futurological research, this article emphasizes the significance of public perceptions and thematic design elements that can enhance a city’s image and tourism brand. It paves the way for an expanded research agenda by integrating future imagination and fostering collaborative efforts to leverage tourism as a catalyst for broader socioeconomic development.

노들섬 연상 키워드 분석을 통한 아이덴티티 통합 디자인 전략 - AI 생성형 이미지를 중심으로

As part of place branding research, this study aims to identify the experience of Nodlesum, a complex cultural space, to define its unique identity and propose a brand identity design direction using AI-generated images. First, we analyzed online data to derive keywords related to Nodlesum. In addition, we conducted a visitor perception survey to derive associated experience keywords and associated image keywords. Based on the keywords, we used AI-generated images to refine the brand visual identity and character design, and then derived a utilization strategy centered on merchandise. The significance of the final result is as follows. First, we defined the unique identity of Noddle Island based on user perceptions and prepared a prototype of the brand identity and practical results. Second, it provided a conceptual shift in place branding with an integrated approach to visitor perception and place brand identity design. Third, we prepared a brand identity strategy system that can be applied to idle spaces or public spaces that have difficulties in establishing a clear communication system. Fourth, by utilizing AI-generated images in the design process, we confirmed the potential of AI as a collaborator in the creative realm and a means of expanding thinking. This study is significant in that it is a design attempt to expand the perspective of place brand identity design and explore more practical and diverse ways of utilizing AI.

The role of sports on destination branding: A bibliometric study

The role of sports in place branding is growing interest in literature. To orientate future research on this topic, the present paper aims: (a) to measure the visibility and impact of the scientific production on the topic, and (b) to identify the scientific structure by research themes, as well as its evolution in two different periods. To this end, 135 papers linking sports with a destination image were retrieved from the Web of Science. Two periods were compared (2003–2012; 2013–2022). Our results show future research opportunities for (a) new small-scale sporting events beyond big mega-events; (b) residents’ perspective beyond tourists’ approach, (c) sports focused on minority audiences beyond football and the Olympics, (d) studies focused on European countries, beyond Brazil, China, USA and Israel; (e) a higher focused on sports teams and clubs beyond sports events; and (f) attention to public administrations responsibilities beyond private companies.

The Role of Transformational Leadership, Team Effectiveness and Well-Being in Predicting Employee Innovation Behavior in the Culinary Sector

This study aims to explore the relationship of transformational leadership roles, team effectiveness, and well-being with employee innovation behavior in the context of the culinary sector marked as city branding product. This study uses quantitative methods by collecting data through the distribution of questionnaires to employees of culinary sector businesses where the culinary includes city branding products. The results of the data analysis showed that transformational leadership and team effectiveness had a positive relationship with employee innovation behavior, while employee well-being has no relationship with employee innovation behavior. These findings provide important insights for managers and leaders in the culinary sector in understanding the factors influencing employee innovative behaviour in the organizations producing products marked as an icon of the city.

Enlivening a place brand inclusively: evidence from ten European cities

Enlivening a place brand inclusively: evidence from ten European cities

The Swedish Fika culture as a touristic experience and value-creating resource

Swedish fika, an everyday ritual of meeting over coffee and pastries - in the home, the workplace or at a café - is a deep-rooted part of Swedish culinary culture and a bearer of culture and national identity. Thus, fika would seem to offer just what tourists typically are looking for. However, so far it appears the tourism industry has not taken full advantage of what fika can offer, an experience for tourists and a resource for the tourism sector. As part of destination development and place branding, private and public actors strive to emphasise the identity and uniqueness of a place. They often do this through region specific foods and beverages, which come naturally loaded with identity. The primary purpose of this conceptual discussion is to examine how the Swedish fika culture, seen from an experience and value-creating perspective, could help serve the tourism sector to a greater extent than has hitherto been the case. A secondary purpose is to identify and highlight the need for research in this field.

Exploring the drivers of residents’ identification and green citizenship behavior in green cities: a multicountry study

PurposeThe fundamental mission of every green city is to harmonize urban living with environmental preservation. However, a critical challenge arises when the residents of such cities do not share the same level of environmental consciousness, potentially eroding the integrity of the green city’s brand identity. Hence, this study aims to explore the factors influencing residents’ identification with green city branding and assesses how this identification subsequently affects their green citizenship behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 1,217 residents from 15 green cities across six countries was conducted and analyzed using SPSS 28.0 for descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM for measurement and structural model analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that green city-self connection, green city distinctiveness and environmental benefits significantly impact GCRI, which, in turn, significantly influences green city protection, loyalty and advocacy behaviors. However, green city social and economic benefits did not affect resident identification.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide valuable managerial insights for city brand managers, green city developers and governmental representatives. The study underscores the importance of considering residents as crucial internal stakeholders in the creation of a green city identity that effectively promotes sustainable urban living and an eco-friendly culture.Originality/valueThis study provides theoretical insights into the relationship between green identification and residents’ willingness and commitment to act as ambassadors and promote their city’s green values.

Study on the Influence of Urban Cultural Festivals on City Brand Image

Urban cultural celebration activities are of great significance to the dissemination of city brand image. For example, Shandong Kite Festival and Binhai Beer Festival are well-known activities, which provide help for the establishment of brand image. In order to promote the brand image of the city, some departments carry out cultural festivals to help spread the brand image.

A social capital framework to understand the particularities and power dynamics in city branding

A social capital framework to understand the particularities and power dynamics in city branding

From a bad to good reputation: a case study illustrating the re-branding of a stigmatized neighbourhood in Sweden

AbstractNeighbourhoods with low social capital and bad reputations are becoming even more deprived, with increased homelessness, poverty and gang violence. In Sweden, and internationally, there is a need for knowledge of ways to stimulate positive regeneration of neighbourhoods with a bad reputation. This ethnographical case study explores regeneration factors in a neighbourhood that was transformed over 14 years from one with low social capital and a bad reputation to one with higher social capital and a good reputation. Three key factors in this positive regeneration and de-stigmatization process of a neighbourhood with an undesirable reputation were identified: the engagement of private sector actors with place branding and spatial anchorage skills; collaborative co-creation; and home-love with emotion-based building. The findings regarding this successful case highlight the importance of collaboration and including actors with re-branding skills when rewriting the narrative of a stigmatized neighbourhood.

Non-metropolitan labour attractiveness: when place branding meets employer branding

Non-metropolitan labour attractiveness: when place branding meets employer branding

Analysis of Barriers to Branding Waterfront City Makassar and Surabaya in Indonesia Using Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach

Indonesia boasts the second-longest coastline in the world, with almost half of its cities surrounded by bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and seas. The waterfront areas of these cities are vital and could be developed as a brand for each city. Two examples of such cities are Makassar and Surabaya, which have been developing waterfront city projects to increase tourism and improve city infrastructure. However, in practice, strengthening the branding of waterfront cities still faces various challenges. This research analyzes the barriers to strengthening city branding, specifically for waterfront cities in Makassar and Surabaya, using a case study method with a comparative descriptive design. The Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach was used to systematically analyze the barriers to branding waterfront cities and determine the best strategies for strengthening their branding. The identification of barriers revealed 15 barriers, which were summarized into five categories and structured into seven levels. Barriers with the highest value of driver power should be prioritized in problem-solving. Finally, this paper discusses strategies for strengthening waterfront city branding in Indonesia and presents the research findings, including recommendations for policy makers, urban planners, and stakeholders to collaboratively enhance the branding efforts and overcome the identified challenges.

Embracing the potential of ambiguous place brands: Illustrations from the Wild Atlantic Way

Embracing the potential of ambiguous place brands: Illustrations from the Wild Atlantic Way

The Asian Games and city branding in China: multimodal critical discourse analysis of Hangzhou’s promotional videos on YouTube

The Asian Games and city branding in China: multimodal critical discourse analysis of Hangzhou’s promotional videos on YouTube

Music and city branding: Auckland as a ‘City of Music’

AbstractWe examine Auckland's ‘City of Music’ (ACM) place branding initiative, outlining its aspirations, and gauging its contribution to the vitality of Auckland's underlying music scene. We draw on documentary evidence, media reports, first‐hand observations, and a series of interviews with brand advocates and music insiders. The paper highlights tensions between the ‘City of Music’ brand and the understandings of those whose work, identities, daily lives and lived spaces are appropriated to give it substance. We conclude that ACM has injected resources into the Auckland music ‘scene’ but fails to represent faithfully its vitality and complex ecology.

Street art and place-making of villages: examples of Italian painted villages

PurposeThis study aims to discuss the contribution of street art projects to the place-making of villages and the effects it generates for local stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed based on the main characteristics of the place-making process, street art, creative place-making, as well as place identity, revitalisation and regeneration. This framework defines a set of thematic categories for the qualitative content analysis of online information, e.g. websites, media and blog posts, as well as in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.FindingsThis research presents the contribution of street art in place-making involving citizens, local businesses and international artists in a collective act to preserve local identity and revitalise and regenerate villages.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is focused only on villages. Cities are not considered in the research.Practical implicationsStreet art projects provide villages with several opportunities, such as stimulating place regeneration and revitalisation, giving new shape and decoration to neighbourhoods and streets and attracting visitors and business. Moreover, street art is commonly used to communicate local history, culture, traditions and social and political facts, helping places to vehiculate their identity and their messages to the next generations. Street art is also used as a part of a place branding strategy.Social implicationsThe village gets the opportunity to exploit the street art value proposition to stimulate the restocking of the place, if the primary stakeholders of the place are ready to invest in the new place identity giving trust to the street art project.Originality/valueStreet art projects contribute to the place-making of villages. They are used to communicate place identity, fostering cooperation between local stakeholders and economic and social development.

Correction: City branding, discourse and politics: a case study on Compassionate Louisville

Correction: City branding, discourse and politics: a case study on Compassionate Louisville