Captivating Brand Hate Using Contemporary Metrics: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Abstract

Brand polarity has gained considerable attention among researchers all over the world. Brands are trapped in a dilemma of love and hate experienced by their users. They are trying hard to place themselves in a favourable position which could fetch them more revenue and positive electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Most of the literature in branding revolves around brand satisfaction, brand loyalty, brand equity and brand image, but there are relatively lesser studies which discuss brand hate (BH). However, it is a crucial emotion related to the brand. Therefore, this study has tried to fill this void in the literature by focusing on the antecedents of BH. The present research has tried to validate the effect of negative past experience (NPE) and subjective norm on BH along with the mediating effect of BH between the relationship of NPE and negative e-WOM. It has also tried to examine the moderating role of internet usage in the relationship of NPE and BH with negative e-WOM.