The interplay of endorsers’ emotion display and ad appeal in social media posts: Does consumer’s self-construal matter?
(A2019-9392)

AUTHORS

Lisa Marie Schwayer, Innsbruck, School of Management; Nicola E. Stokburger-Sauer, Innsbruck, School of Management; Verena Hofmann, Innsbruck, School of Management

KEYWORDS

Endorsers’ emotion display; ad appeal; self-construal

ABSTRACT

This study examines the interactive relevance of endorsers’ emotion display, individualistic vs. collectivistic ad appeals and consumers’ self-construal for social media ad success. The results of an experimental study show that the interrelationships between these constructs need to be considered for ad success. A smiling endorser combined with collectivistic ad appeals most positively influences emotional state, electronic word-of-mouth and attitude toward the ad. In contrast, endorsers with a neutral facial expression should be presented with individualistic ad appeals. Importantly, consumers’ self-construal strengthens these effects; interdependent consumers are mostly attracted by “smiling/collectivistic” ads, while independent consumers are mostly attracted by “neutral/individualistic” ads. Important implications for social media communication management and research are discussed.