The Dynamics of Resistance to Brand Switching in the Smartphones Industry

Abstract

The impact of identity on brand loyalty has taken precedence as an area of focus in recent marketing research. This has taken place in an era defined by technological revolution, which has created market disruptions, and there are implications for customer-brand relationships. Nonetheless, existing research has failed to acknowledge the impact of socio-psychological attributes and functional utility maximization. Knowledge that illuminates how firms can reposition themselves to sustain brand loyalty when disruptions occur in today's complex and globalized business environment is also required. This study will present an empirical investigation into the phenomenon of brand switching behavior among consumers in a specific competitive market, the smartphone industry. It explores how resistance could be built from an identity theory perspective, as emphasis has historically been placed on the functional utility of products at the expense of social meanings. This study provides consideration for market disruptions in the smartphone industry and confirms that the literature does not capture other non-utilitarian factors such as socio-psychological benefits, hence there are underlying factors that motivate consumers to continue buying brands they buy.