The mediating effects of micro country image by product category and country

Abstract

Although it is well accepted that country image plays a major role in product evaluation and purchase intention in the literature, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of country image dimensionality on purchase intentions by product category (handbags and cell phones) and country (the United States, Korea, Italy, and Malaysia). The current research investigates the mediating effects of micro country image on the relationship between macro country image and consumers’ purchase intentions. Moreover, it highlights how this mediated relationship differs by product category and country. Based on research findings for symbolic products (i.e., handbags), both macro and micro country image should be managed and communicated to consumers. However, for functional products (i.e., cell phones), only micro country image needs to be actively communicated to consumers because it has a direct influence on purchase intentions. Additionally, micro country image was found to play a full mediating role between macro country image and purchase intentions in case of cell phones. This article concludes with a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications and further research.