T.C. Melewar

The role of corporate identity in the higher education sector: A case study

Purpose – This paper analyses the strategic intent behind the University of Warwicks corporate identity (CI) programme by using the four components of the corporate identity model developed by Melewar and Jenkins.Design/methodology/approach – Information gathered from the interview with Ian Rowley, Director of Communication at the University of Warwick, is presented in support of the arguments. In addition, the paper refers to two further documents: “University of Warwick: Reputation Audit” and “The Corporate Identity Guide”.Findings – Warwicks new CI is the reflection of the new management strategy which is the move from a decentralised towards a more centralised management style. In this respect the changes at Warwick represent not a one‐dimensional perspective to CI but rather the first step of an evolving CI programme.Originality/value – Application of the Melewar and Jenkins identity model in the context of a higher education sector.

Determinants of the corporate identity construct: a review of the literature

Corporate identity has received significant attention from both academics and practitioners in the last 25 years. Despite many articles written in this area a definitive construct of corporate identity and its measurements does not yet exist. The objective of this paper is therefore to provide a review of the literature on the corporate identity construct and its components and also to present the academic and managerial implications of this study.

Global corporate visual identity systems: using an extended marketing mix

Designers have used Corporate Visual Identity Systems (CVIS) to widen the communications mix. Using name, symbol and/or logo, typography, colour and slogan, a CVIS helps transmit a company’s visual identity through fixed assets, such as buildings, vehicles and other business collateral. This wider view of business communications adds an eighth P, publications, to the seven Ps of service marketing: product, price, place, promotion, participants, physical evidence and process. Managerial literature suggests that firms who standardise their CVIS anticipate communications benefits beyond the usual marketing mix. A comparison of multinational companies with and without standardised CVIS supports this view.

The human values’ lenses of country of origin images

By using a core element of culture, human values, the paper seeks to identify patterns in the way individuals perceive other countries and their products. Based on the above a conceptual framework and a set of hypotheses were developed. Variables such as direct contact with a country, fluency in a country’s language as well as demographic differences are included as control variables. Results indicated that human values can predict better country of origin images than other variables. However, the predictive ability of different human values was inconsistent across the two samples, suggesting that the context within which values are developed is important.

Global corporate visual identity systems

This research study investigates the relationship between the degree of headquarters control and standardization of Corporate Visual Identity System (CVIS) among British companies and their subsidiaries in Malaysia. It examines chief executive involvement in the development of a standardized CVIS. The findings suggest that centralised control of CVIS decisions occurs with standardization of CVIS. Moreover, the findings indicate that the chief executive is the key internal driving force of globally standardized CVIS. Against expectations, locals matched the favourable disposition of headquarters towards global standardization.

Corporate identity: concept, components and contribution

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the corporate identity concept. This investigation initially provides a brief review of the literature and clarification of the various components of the corporate identity concept. Then, through a series of in-depth interviews with 32 individuals from twenty different organisations in different industries, it aims to develop an understanding of the benefits organisations believe can be derived from a strong identity. The study shows that many practitioners and academics believe that a virtuous corporate identity is pivotal to their success. Many interviewees stated that the benefits of a strong and positive corporate identity could boost employee motivation, increase the ability of the organisation to recruit and retain high quality employees, provide a strong base for organisational culture in the event of mergers and acquisitions, increase transparency of business practices, bring competitive advantage, help to develop better relationships with other businesses and aid investment into the company. The study recommends that businesses should try to develop systematic methods of measuring and managing their corporate identity.

The Relationship Between Consumer Ethnocentrism and Human Values

Abstract The study explores the relationship between human values and consumer ethnocentrism. Schwartzs (1992) framework of human values is used as the basis of the study. Hypotheses linking values and consumer ethnocentrism are developed and tested in samples of consumers drawn from Turkey and the Czech Republic respectively. Findings indicated that the values relationship to consumer ethno-centrism varies across the two countries surveyed. The study also confirmed that “conservation” types of values are positively related to consumer ethnocentrism. However, some of the hypotheses put forward are not empirically supported but they provide new avenues for future re-search.

The Internet revolution: some global marketing implications

Advances in information technology have constantly impacted upon the global marketing strategies of firms. This paper assesses the implications that an Internet presence can bring to organisations’ global marketing strategies and evaluates the difficulties the Internet can pose to the global marketing strategies of firms, a topic often overlooked in published material. Providing real life examples of online corporate activism this article illustrates how the Internet facilitates an individual’s ability to hold corporations accountable for their actions and proposes strategies which marketers should consider when facing this other side of the Internet.

Shaping the research agenda for corporate branding: avenues for future research

Purpose – This paper aims to explore three central tensions in the debate on corporate branding. Is a normative or a social constructionist approach more appropriate in conceptualising and managing corporate brands? Should the focus be on the organizational or the individual level? Must organizations take a static (focusing on continuity) or a more dynamic (focusing on change) perspective on corporate branding?Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper based on a critical review of relevant literature and the papers included in this special issue.Findings – Avenues for future research in corporate branding are highlighted.Originality/value – Several issues fundamental to the corporate branding debate remain controversial. This paper sheds light on three key tensions in managing corporate brands and shapes the research agenda for future studies.

The dynamics of corporate identity: A review of a process model

This paper seeks to understand the founding of the five main constructs of corporate identity proposed by Schmidt. Wider literature review has revealed some elements that need further consideration regarding their inclusion in the corporate identity model. Subsequently, a model is proposed. The BP Amoco company is used as an illustrative case to illuminate the proposed model’s intended explanatory power and value.