Consumer engagement in online brand communities: a solicitation of congruity theory

TLDR

The study investigates how self‑brand image congruity and value congruity influence consumer engagement in online brand communities, tests gender as a moderator, and examines engagement as a driver of brand loyalty, thereby extending congruity theory within social media marketing. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 443 Facebook OBC members and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that self‑brand image congruity and value congruity significantly boost consumer engagement, which in turn positively affects brand loyalty, and that gender does not moderate these relationships.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to study the influence of self-brand image congruity and value congruity on consumer engagement in online brand communities (OBCs); second to test whether gender moderates this effect; and third, it also examines the role of consumer engagement as a driver of brand loyalty. Design/methodology/approach Using an online questionnaire, 443 responses were collected from consumers who are members of at least one OBC on Facebook. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings The results revealed that both self-brand image congruity and value congruity significantly affect consumer engagement. A positive effect of consumer engagement on brand loyalty was also attained. Third, the results revealed that gender did not moderate the examined relationships. Practical implications This research integrates and broadens existing explanations of different congruity effects on consumer engagement. This study thus suggests the value of developing their OBCs to exhibit congruence with customers’ self-image and value, which in turn, will contribute to the development of brand loyalty. Originality/value This research applies congruity theory to examine the impact of self-brand image- and value congruity on consumer engagement in OBCs. Through the establishment of this novel theoretical link, this study furthers insight into the domain of social media marketing.