Corporate branding and value creation for initiating and managing relationships in B2B markets

Purpose
This study aims to fill a gap in branding literature concerning the effect of corporate brand relationships on brand value through the case study method in a business-to-business (B2B) context. The objectives of this study can be framed in three questions: (1) what are the main constituents of a corporate brand; (2) how does a corporate brand generate tangible and intangible brand value for their business customers; and (3) how do tangible and intangible brand benefits influence relationship initiation and management practices of the case companies?
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a qualitative multiple case study design by using archival data, and both in-depth telephone and online interviews with senior representatives of the case study companies to investigate corporate branding and associated issues in a B2B context.
Findings
From a managerial perspective, this study reveals that corporate business culture, brand relationships, products, and corporate identity and personality as the main constituents of a corporate brand in a B2B context. The results show that a corporate brand can generate intangible and tangible brand value benefits for business customers. The findings also note the importance of the brand value in enhancing relationship initiation.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the branding literature by developing a conceptual model that explains the development and role of the corporate brand in a B2B context with its associated value creation and brand management outcomes. The findings advance brand management literature on business relationships, which addresses a gap in B2B contexts rather than mainly about product brand management and value creation in B2C contexts.

Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited. This AAM is provided for your own personal use only. It may not be used for resale, reprinting, systematic distribution, emailing, or for any other commercial purpose without the permission of the publisher