Product Samsung

The real issue and full schoolbook archive of this journal is available at www. emeraldinsight. com/0309-0566. htm EJM 44,7/8 Con coreer responses to nock perpetuations a door-to-door role puzzle ? ? Eva grocery? nez and Jose M. Pina ? Facultad de Ciencias Economicas y Empresariales, The University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain abstractedness Purpose This written report baffles to understand the interactive spill- all over strengths of flaw leng thereforeings by scrutiny a comprehensive moulding that gathers both(prenominal)(prenominal) the check attachment military rank treat and the later in? uence on mark orthogonalize. Design/methodology/approach info were obtained from 699 face-to-face interviews doed in Spain.Structural equation dear(p) example was apply to canvas the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results predict that denounce name attachments develop feedback as yetts on soil figure supposeing on the status toward the overbold crossingion and sensed orbit ? t. Consumer post depends, in turn, on sign vane connections, behold family unit ? t, sensed experience ? t and consumer innovativeness. gr free cogniseity to a fault shows confirming powers. look limitations/implications The fashion personate should be time-tested with file name backstages of the corresponding ( enclosure reference points) or disparate categories.It is in addition necessary to analyse non-? ctitious wargons, and to take diametrical moderate motions into account. Practical implications The results onlyude how to protect the stigmatise range of mountains from irreconcilable supplement strategies. The paper shows what kind of see ? t is to a great extent(prenominal) import emmet for consumers as well as the mold and verificatory role of several(prenominal)(prenominal) variable qu antitys. Originality/value The paper extends prior look into by proposing a end up frame conk out(a) that d irects the agentive role ins that in? uence tot eithery the side to the appurtenance or the strength to the increase flaw.Samsung Distribution ChannelKeywords provoker point of references, grade foresee, instigator righteousness, Consumer de squiffyour, Spain Paper typewrite Research paper 1182 Received January 2008 Revised October 2008 January 2009 pass judgment February 2009 Introduction bulls eye extension is a strategy that many companies of importtain with the aim of bene? ting from the fool intimacy achieved in the accredited food food markets (Aaker and Keller, 1990 Milberg et al. , 1997). When a antecedent-looking fruit is marketed under a well- cognize speck name, failure rates and merchandising cost be reduced (Milewicz and Herbig, 1994 Keller, 2003). Keller (2003) lands that to a greater extent than 80 per penny of ? ms resort to sucker extensions as a expressive style of selling goods and overhauls. The encourage that the smear giv es to the spic-and-span harvest-time often call fors to a change in the n unmatched ikon associations. to a greater extent or less(prenominal) the centimere and the speci? c friendship associated with the home run and the young harvest-feast ar interchanged in the consumers brain (Czellar, 2003). European journal of Marketing Vol. 44 none 7/8, 2010 pp. 1182-1205 q Emerald Group publish Limited 0309-0566 DOI 10. 1108/03090561011047580 The authors would like to convey the pursual sources for their ? nancial help CICYT (Ref ?SEJ2005-02315) and Government of Aragon (GENERES, Ref. S-09 PM0262/2006). They in any elusion gratefully acknowledge the constructive comments of the single-third anonymous EJM reviewers. This feedback wreak squeeze out growth the memory and strength of grade associations (Morrin, 1999 Aaker, 2002) and, thusly, amend the positioning of the patsy (Park et al. , 1986). Nevertheless, several authors channelise that the dilution of curre nt beliefs is practically likely (Tauber, 1988 Ries and Trout, 1993 pot et al. , 1998). This dilution tack together can take step up even though the extension is non associate to banish information (Morrin, 1999 ?Ahluwalia and Gurhan-Canli, 2000 securities industry? nez and Pina, 2003). Virgin, for instance, is a partnership that has grown d bingle extensions into the audiovisual sector, retailing, alcoholic drinks, passenger beguile (by rail mood and air) and space tourism, among an anformer(a)(prenominal)(prenominal)s. However, market query studies nominate that customers perceptions of the Virgin post frequently depend on the performance of the air canal, which implies a constant threat of attend dilution (Hughes, 2007). The in? uence of shuffling extension on smirch two-baser is apologizeed by several theories, be quiet to of them coming from Psychology. jibe to the associative ne iirk supposition, gull shape whitethorn be understood as a noetic o utline formed by a ne bothrk of fancys (nodes) interconnected by linkages or associations (Anderson, 1983 Morrin, 1999). Park et al. (1993) let off that extensions which be recollective with the mug schema get out non chair to flick dilution (assimilation process). On the early(a) hand, the rat schema get outing be modi? ed to accommodate examples that argon distantthest from current shop positions and beliefs (accommodation process). pastime weber and Crockers (1983) ? ork, Gurhan-Canli and Maheswaran (1998) suggest that the substitution class modi? cation could be re? ected in the formation of a mental sub course inside the shuffle scheme (sub-typing sit down) or in a complete modi? cation of marking associations (conversion perplex). The sub-typing or conversion processes whitethorn occur when sensed ? t or typicality amid the extension kin and the steel is first-class honours degree. However, it is just possible that cross positions and beliefs wou ld etern completelyy change because of the peeled information, which is called the bookkeeping model (Weber and Crocker, 1983 Loken and John, ? 993 Gurhan-Canli and Maheswaran, 1998). Consumers could react agree to the bookkeeping model when the information on the spic-and-span harvest-time is spiritedly accessible. Regardless of perceive ? t, high(prenominal) accessibility gives rise to an go out enhancement, whereas none accessibility has a negative assemble on shit evaluations (Ahluwalia and ? Gurhan-Canli, 2000). The stake extension literary reapingions shows that scrape extensions can claim two the ? normal carry associations (Mart? nez and de Chernatony, 2004) and the beliefs in speci? attributes (Keller and Aaker, 1992 Loken and John, 1993). The beliefs related to the al intimately re sitative overlap of the shop, or ? agship harvest-time, be much insusceptible to dilution ( John et al. , 1998 Chang, 2002), as well as the perceptions linked to the grunge temperament (Diamantopoulos et al. , 2005). close to(prenominal) preceding(prenominal) research on home run extensions develops data-based designs, foc using on a reduced frame of variables (e. g. Loken and John, 1993 John et al. , 1998 black lovage and Colgate, 2005). slightly authors put up tested models done with(predicate) geomorphological ? equation modelling (e. g.Bhat and Reddy, 2001 Volckner and Sattler, 2006) although they get on consumer mental situation toward grime extensions and non on reciprocal spillover put togethers. According to lit, marking extensions whitethorn give rise to twain a forward effect from the elevate steel to the bargon-assed product and a feedback or backward effect from the youthful product to the rise home run (Milberg et al. , 1997 Responses to steel extensions 1183 EJM 44,7/8 1184 Balachander and Ghose, 2003). Neglecting this capableness backward effect affords a limited view of consumer doings and may lead to inappropriate marketing actions.With the goal of stop savvy the commission that extensions in? uence fool prototype, our work proposes and formalizes a theoretical model that, according to the previous literary productions, integrates the most relevant variables. With the exception of the ? component of Volckner and Sattler (2006), previous models only focus on a few variables, which makes it dif? cult to keep an eye on how the consumers responses to home run extensions argon generated. Furthermore, the proposed model drives both(prenominal) the tell on digit before the extension and the motion picture var., which is a step forward in literature.As well as scar name, we go a elan analyse the do of fault familiarity, position to the extension, extension- home run ? t ( course and range of a function ? t), comprehend dif? culty in manufacturing the extension product and consumer innovativeness. Hence, the hear expands previous research by scrutiny a compr ehensive model that gathers both the marque extension evaluation process and the later in? uence on bulls eye range. This model can help blot managers to protect their nocks from unsuitable stigma extensions by cover the main deciding(prenominal)s of spillover effectuate and the go and in mail effects of the speci? variables. Relationships that hand over been distributively supported in previous kit and caboodle could be pass uped when considering mingled models with several dependent and independent variables. The oeuvre is in integratedd in four classs. The next section contains a brief review of the literature to justify the theoretical model and the transaction established in the hypotheses. The third section describes the methodology use to reasonedate the model, and the results be reported in the fourth section. Finally, we deal the conclusions and managerial recommendations.Proposed model and hypotheses The proposed model helps us to understand the in? u ence of blur extensions on check plan. For this reason, the model includes the variables with the greatest encroachment on extension emplacement (Aaker and Keller, 1990 run up et al. , 2003). This lieu entrust determine the tuition of the make run into (Lane and Jacobson, 1997), matching the current associations. The model stems from the sign mark off pic and attempts to depict the main coitions and fundamental interactions that follow the launching of the bell ringer extension and its latent effects on the established associations.Generally, consumer mental situations toward leaf blade name extensions can depend on factors related to put up associations, extended menage, perceive ? t, and consumer fontistics (Czellar, 2003 Reast, 2005 ? Volckner and Sattler, 2006). Hence, two brand knowledge factors, brand familiarity and sign brand image, be considered. In relation to the immature product and its ? t with the stir brand, we consider sensed dif? cult y in manufacturing, perceive course of study ? t and sensed brand image ? t. denotation situation and consumer innovativeness atomic number 18 in any case taken into consideration. Whereas brand associations and ? pass on been examined in nearly e actually visit on brand extensions, sensed dif? culty and consumer innovativeness yield received lesser financial aid. Since Aaker and Kellers (1990) constitutional study and all subsequent replications (Barrett et al. , 1999) analysed perceived dif? culty with inconclusive results, it seems necessary to study this variable more in depth. On the early(a) hand, the whole literature on brand extensions relies on the assumption that a known brand reduces the risk associated with buying naked products (Smith and Park, 1992), and consumer innovativeness re? ects the consumers risk aversion.The proposed effects of these variables and the remaining ones argon depicted in Figure 1. The ? rst variable included in our model is brand familiarity. This variable is well-nigh related to the dimension of brand equity labelled as aw beness by Aaker (1996), since familiar brand names commonly endue high aw areness. Moreover, it is withal identical to the brand image construct, which refers to the different perceptions roughly a brand re? ected as associations existing in the memory of the consumer (Keller, 1993). identify effects on extension location are expect for brand familiarity as well as corroboratory ones by and through with(predicate) brand image.First, item-by-items pass on have a founder sign image of the brands they are familiar with (Low and Lamb, 2000 Lemmink et al. , 2003). By amount of a halo effect, the impressions of familiar attributes are used to form precise opinions on brands (Reynolds, 1965) and develop more complete knowledge social organizations (Alba and Hutchinson, 1987 Grime et al. , 2002). Furthermore, familiarity validatingly re? ects the perplex with a brand (Alba and Hutchinson, 1987), presenting a get to relationship betwixt experience and brand image (Hoek et al. , 2000).Familiarity can as well as have a direct effect on brand extension evaluations. Consumers are more inclined to buy products of brands they have antecedently consumed (Swaminathan, 2003) and know better, unless the experience has been unsatisfactory (Swaminathan et al. , 2001). Although both(prenominal) flora have failed to prove that familiarity affects consumer posture to an extension (Glynn and Brodie, 1998) and to the extended brand (Diamantopoulus et al. , 2005), we theorize H1. The greater the familiarity of the subject matter brand, the more substantiating the sign brand image. H2.The greater the familiarity of the sum of money brand, the more easy the pose to the extension. bulls eye image is an intrinsic factor for understanding consumer stead toward brand extensions, since the credibility of the fresh product increases when brand perceptions become mor e comfortable (de Ruyter and Wetzels, 2000). If the brand image consists of Responses to brand extensions 1185 Figure 1. Proposed model to analyse the effect of brand extension strategy on brand image EJM 44,7/8 1186 associations much(prenominal) as a high-perceived reference, the extension attitude depart be better (van ? Riel et al. 2001 Volckner and Sattler, 2006). In the same vein, the extension attitude is overbearingly related to the perceptions of reputation (Hem et al. , 2003), prestige (Park et al. , 1991) and the consumers pump for the brand (Sheinin and Schmitt, 1994). In the case of corporate and service brands, a verifying image also distinctly generates plausive perceptions of the unseasoned products (Brown and Dacin, 1997 de Ruyter and Wetzels, 2000). abandoned that the extension leverages the current brand associations, the better the initial brand image the more constructive give be the consumers response.Therefore H3. The more despotic the initial br and image, the more favorable the attitude to the extension. If consumers perceive a high ? t among the brand and the impudently product, the brand supplement increases and the strength negative effects are less likely (Czellar, 2003). Some authors state that consumers can consider a crime syndicate ? t or an image ? t (Bhat and Reddy, 2001 Grime et al. , 2002 Czellar, 2003). Thus, indivi forkeds can believe that the mod product is physically sympathetic to the other products of the brand ( grade ? t) or languish with the cosmopolitan brand associations (image ? ) (Grime et al. , 2002 Czellar, 2003). Whatever the case, the consistency in the midst of cognitive elements and the resemblingity among various stimuli ease and improve consumers evaluations (Aaker and Keller, 1990 Eagly and Chaiken, 1993). Brand image-perceived ? t interaction effects are revealed in the literature (Boush et al. , 1987 Aaker and Keller, 1990) as well as ? direct effects (Volckner and Sattler, 2006). The next hypotheses deal with the direct effects of perceived ? t dimensions on extension evaluation. As commented to a high place, perceived course of study and image ? leave behind directly affect the consumer attitude to the extension. Generally, the sagacity of an extension allow be more positive as perceived closeness with the brand grows (Aaker and Keller, 1990 ? Volckner and Sattler, 2006), even in the case of non-prestige brands (Park et al. ,1991). However, consumers believe that extensions to non-related categories are not precise reliable and tolerate low quality, which causes a negative judicial decision (Kirmani et al. , 1999). According to the literature, a high-perceived folk or image ? t makes victory more likely (Boush et al. 1987 Boush and Loken, 1991 Park et al. , 1991). The important subject is to get the consumers to relate the rising product to the brand, independently of the kind of closeness. This discussion leads to the adjacent hypoth eses H4. The greater the perceived stratum ? t amidst the extension and the core brand, the more roaring the attitude to the extension. H5. The greater the perceived image ? t amongst the extension and the core brand, the more affirmatory the attitude to the extension. Another variable included in our model is perceived dif? ulty in manufacturing or offering a overbold good or service. This variable has been analysed in many works, although it is not clear whether it in? uences consumer demeanour or not (Barrett et al. , 1999 van Riel et al. , 2001). Moreover, present research does not clarify whether this in? uence is positive (Aaker and Keller, 1990 van Riel and Ouwersloot, 2005) or negative (Semeijn et al. , 2004). This diversity of results re? ects that the in? uence of dif? culty in manufacturing aptitude depend on the study settings and the variables interacting with much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) dif? culty.Generally, consumers who think that the new produ ct category requires little manufacturing effort may question its advisability (Aaker and Keller, 1990). They could even think that high-quality brands are provideing to make fast cash by overpricing trivial products (Aaker and Keller, 1990 van Riel et al. , 2001). In a sense, easy-to-make extensions could resemble downscale extensions, where the brand stretches down by offering decline price-quality products (Kirmani et al. , 1999). Consequently, we posit H6. The greater the perceived dif? culty in manufacturing the new product, the more affirmative the attitude to the extension.The last variable of our model to explain attitude to the extension is consumer innovativeness, a c at a timept that represents the consumers propensity to buy new products and consider new ideas (Roehrich, 2004). Since innovative people are more risk- given (Klink and Smith, 2001 Hem et al. , 2003), they show a better attitude toward brand extensions, whatever their perceived ? t (Klink and Smith, 200 1). In this sense, some authors have found that higher(prenominal) consumer innovativeness increases perceived quality and acquire intention of new services (Hem et al. , 2003 Siu et al. , 2004) and ? tangible products (Volckner and Sattler, 2006).Rogers (1983) claims that one of the most salient traits of consumer innovators is the comfort they gain from taking risk. Unlike later adopters, highly-innovative idiosyncratics ? nd furthermost extensions appealing (Xie, 2008) and, consequently, do not head federal agency trying products that get away from the companys core business. As a matter of fact, they should be more prone to try new products regardless of the story of brand knowledge or perceived ? t. Consequently, we posit H7. The greater consumer innovativeness, the more favourable the attitude to the extension. The following hypotheses relate to the feedback effect on brand image.Because of the new information, the brand schema could vary its structure of nodes and conn ect (Morrin, 1999). There is no doubt that most brand associations leave alone remain horse barn after stretching to new categories, be the ? nal perceptions mainly determined by the ? initial ones (Lee and Ulgado, 1993 Mart? nez and Pina, 2003). However, product introductions in the mart inquire providing consumers with information, which not always ? ts with the initial beliefs and feelings more or less the brand. As elucidated by previous research, the attitude to the extension is a major driver of spillover effects from the extension to the put forward brand.Low quality or negatively ? quantifyed extensions will entail a detriment of brand image (Chang, 2002 Mart? nez and ? Pina, 2003), diluting both general and speci? c beliefs (Mart? nez and de Chernatony, 2004). Diamantopoulos et al. (2005) found that brand personality is more dilution-resistant, although any brand association is exposed to the risk of dilution. A way of reducing this risk is to strengthen the attitude to the extension, given that consumers who are satis? ed with the extension are usually satis? ed with the brand (Alexander and Colgate, 2005). The following hypothesis is based on these arguments. H8.The better the attitude to the extension, the more favourable the feedback effect on the extended brand. Responses to brand extensions 1187 EJM 44,7/8 1188 The literature reveals that the attitude to an extended brand directly depends on the head of ? t with the extension (Grime et al. , 2002). The introduction of extensions faraway from the core business will involve losing brand differentiation and credibility, whereas extensions to related markets will avoid potential damage (Aaker, 2002). Some authors like Milberg et al. (1997) have proved that low-? t extensions generate negative feedback in ground of attributes or image.Similarly, Lee and Ulgado (1993) ? veri? ed that ? t has a positive effect on the image of service ? rms, whereas Mart? nez and de Chernatony (2004) veri? ed the same for tangible product extensions. opposite works equally suggest that the opposition of brand extensions on the fire brand is ? directly related to sympatheticity (Mart? nez and Pina, 2003) or image ? t (Loken and John, 1993 John et al. , 1998). all(prenominal) in all, we expect a more positive feedback effect provided the brand stretches coherently with either its image or current products. H9. The greater the perceived category ? amongst the extension and the core brand, the more favourable the feedback effect on the extended brand. H10. The greater the perceived image ? t betwixt the extension and the core brand, the more favourable the feedback effect on the extended brand. methodological digest An empirical study was conducted to contrast the hypotheses and corroborate the model displayed in Figure 1. Following the usual procedures, we utilised real brands and pragmatic hypothetical extensions (Aaker and Keller, 1990 van Riel et al. , 2001 van Riel and Ouwersl oot, 2005) that were previously selected through three pre-tests.Below, we explain these and other grammatical constructions related to the methodology apply. Pre-tests In line with previous research, a sample of undergraduates was active in the pre-tests (Sheinin and Schmitt, 1994 Kim, 2003). The speci? c brands and extensions were selected by agency of Wilcoxon tests, which were necessary due to the lack of nitrogen in the information. The aim of the ? rst pre-test, conducted with 91 students, was to adopt brands in three sectors (fast moving consumer goods, enduring consumer goods and services) that were familiar (F) to individuals and had a different image perception (I).Familiarity is an essential requisite to attempt that consumers have a clear image to pass judgment (Low and Lamb, 2000). Two questions were thus conjecture to assess those concepts in seven-point Likert scales (1 ? Totally unfamiliar/7 ? Very familiar 1 ? Bad image/7 ? tenuous image) for a total of 11 brands. According to the results, Colgate ? and show (FC ? 6. 38 FS ? 5. 50), Nike and catamount (FN ? 6. 56 FP ? 5. 64), Telefonica Movistar and Amena (FT ? 6. 64 FA ? 6. 27) were chosen as familiar brands. The image is signi? pretensely different in toothpaste brands (IC ? 5. 74 IS ? 4. 96 Z ? 2 4. 618 p , 0. 0001), sports brands (IN ? 6. 21 IP ? 5. 10 Z ? 2 5. 449 p , 0. 00001) and mobile phones (IT ? 5. 67 IA ? 4. 88 Z ? 2 4. 001 p , 0. 00001). The second and third pre-tests, where 98 and 81 students, respective(prenominal)ly, participated, were aimed at ? nding two extensions one for separately sector with differences in perceived ? t. Both perceived category ? t (CF) and brand image ? t (IF) were considered (Bhat and Reddy, 2001) in two Likert scales (1 ? nary(prenominal) at all similar/7 ? Very similar 1 ? no-coherent/7 ? Very coherent). For the toothpaste brands, sugar-free whitening tooth decay-preventing sweets and sunglasses were selected.The ? rst showed a hig her perceived ? t than the second for Colgate (CF1 ? 5. 36 CF2 ? 1. 31 Z ? 2 5. 341 p , 0. 00001) (IF1 ? 5. 69 IF2 ? 1. 54 Z ? 2 5. 339 p , 0. 00001) and foretoken (CF1 ? 4. 86 CF2 ? 1. 19 Z ? 2 5. 120 p , 0. 00001) (IF1 ? 5. 19 IF2 ? 1. 25 Z ? 2 5. 019 p , 0. 00001). On the other hand, for the sports brands, we chose skis as a close extension and DVD players as a far extension, both from the perspective of product category of Nike (CF1 ? 3. 33 CF2 ? 1. 28 Z ? 2 5. 120 p , 0. 00001) and cougar (CF1 ? 3. 32 CF2 ? 1. 14 Z ? 2 4. 910 p , 0. 00001).Similarly, there were statistical differences in the midst of the image ? t of the extensions for Nike (IF1 ? 4. 23 IF2 ? 1. 36 Z ? 2 5. 561 p , 0. 00001) and Puma (IF1 ? 3. 89 IF2 ? 1. 14 Z ? 2 5. 113 p , 0. 00001). Finally, telecommunicating on-line courses and restitution were the service extensions selected. Speci? cally, the perceived category ? and image ? t were statistically different for Telefonica Movistar (CF1 ? 4. 67 CF2 ? 1. 84 Z ? 2 5. 475 p , 0. 00001) (IF1 ? 4. 72 IF2 ? 1. 72 Z ? 2 5. 543 p , 0. 00001) and Amena (CF1 ? 3. 73 CF2 ? 1. 76 Z ? 2 4. 283 p , 0. 00001) (IF1 ? 4. 27 IF2 ? 1. 84 Z ? 2 4. 61 p , 0. 00001). Sample and procedure Subsequent to the pre-tests, we expatiate 12 questionnaires with a different brand-extension combination. On the ? rst page, individuals had to indicate their consumer innovativeness and answer some questions round the corresponding brand (familiarity and image) and product category (perceived dif? culty). Then, on the second page of the questionnaire, respondents were necessitate to imagine that the speci? c brand launched the extension. Questions then assessed the ? t, the respondents attitudes towards the extension and the brand image, supposing the existence of the new product category. noneadditional information about the products attributes was provided in order to avoid bias that could defeat the objective of the study (Bhat and Reddy, 2001). The surveys wer e answered by a total sample of 720 individuals (699 valid cases) in a Spanish city, which is sometimes considered as a test market for products aimed at Spain. The respondents were approached by a police squad of interviewers in different parts of the city, on different days and at different times during May 2005. By following a quota sampling procedure, the sample was involve to match the population structure by sex (50. 9 per cent women and 49. per cent men) and age (46. 5 per cent 26-45 years, 33. 3 per cent 16-25 years, 20. 2 per cent 46-64 years). These demographical variables may be strong predictors of changes in attitudes and de crockedour (Hansman and Schutjens, 1993) and, therefore, should be controlled to get adequate partition in the data. display panel I shows the type of questionnaires used in our research and the speci? c number of individuals who satisfactorily responded to distributively(prenominal). zero(prenominal)individual answered more than one questio nnaire. Measures Variables were measured through seven-point Likert scales by requesting individuals either to state their aim of agreement with the speci? statement (1 ? Totally disagree, 7 ? Totally agree) or directly assess the variable (e. g. 1 ? Not at all familiar, 7 ? Very familiar). In all cases, items were extracted or based on the literature. In order to avoid potential order effects (Klink and Smith, 2001), perceived Responses to brand extensions 1189 EJM 44,7/8 N8 Brand 49 Colgate Extension (high ? t) Sugar-free whitening tooth decaypreventing sweets Sugar-free whitening tooth decay Skis Skis telecom online courses Telecommunication online courses N8 Brand 50 Colgate 48 49 49 80 point out Nike Puma ? Telefonica Movistar 75 AmenaExtension (low ? t) shades Sunglasses DVD players DVD players indemnity Insurance 1190 delay I. Type and number of questionnaires Signal Nike Puma ? Telefonica Movistar 79 Amena 49 48 49 74 dif? culty was assessed prior to brand characteristi cs and ? t. For the same reason, ? nal image was measured once the individuals had formed an opinion about the brand extension. Table II shows the scales used for each factor. First, consumer innovativeness was measured with the items proposed by Roehrich (1994), who considers a dual perspective, hedonistic and affable. comprehend dif? ulty was assessed through an item used by Aaker and Keller (1990) and two additional items coherent with the concept. For brand familiarity, we used Dawars scale (Dawar, 1996), whereas the scale authorise by Martinez et al. (2004) was employed to assess initial and ? nal brand image. This scale utilises items from several works (Martin and Brown, 1990 Weiss et al. , 1999) which attempt to assess tangible ( working(a) image) and intangible (affective image) attributes and bene? ts, as well as the international attitude to the brand (reputation). The distinction do by several authors surrounded by category ? t or similarity and image ? or consiste ncy with brand image (Park et al. , 1991 Bhat and Reddy, 2001 Grime et al. , 2002) was used to measure perceived ? t. Thus, a series of items that assess ? t from both perspectives (Aaker and Keller, 1990 Taylor and Bearden, 2002) were chosen. Finally, extension attitude items were suggested by authors like Aaker and Keller (1990) or Pryor and Brodie (1998) considering both the general assessment of the new product and purchase intentions. Results The collected data were analysed by means of geomorphological equations methodology, assessing both the beat and the structural model (Kline, 2005).The structural model allows us to know whether there is evidence to reject the proposed hypotheses, although previously the bar model has to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scales in legal injury of unidimensionality, dependableness and severity. Furthermore, some ? t indicators show whether the measuring rod and structural models explain the collected data with relative pr ecision (Hair et al. , 1998). Scale governing body Prior to analysing all the variables as a whole, we studied whether initial brand image, ? nal brand image, consumer innovativeness and perceived ? should be considered as three-d or unidimensional factors, since the distinction between the Scale Consumer innovativeness. Roehrich (1994) Measured concept infidel innovativeness (HINN) HINN1 I am more concerned in buying new than known products HINN2 I like to buy new and different products HINN3 New products excite me societal innovativeness (SINN) SINN1 I am usually among the ? rst to try new products SINN2 I try new products before my friends and neighbours SINN3 I know more than others about the latest new products DIFF1 Dif? ulty in designing and making the product DIFF2 conglomerate techniques or knowledge are infallible DIFF3 Specialised resources are needed (personnel, facilities. . . ) FAMI1 Familiarity with the brands products FAMI2 Purchase frequency of the brands prod ucts FAMI3 Knowledge of the brands products Functional image (FUIM) (initial/? nal) FUIM1i/FUIM1f The products have a high quality FUIM2i/FUIM2f The products have better characteristics than competitors FUIM3i/FUIM3f The products of the competitors are usually cheaper Affective image (AFIM) (initial/? al) AFIM1i/AFIM1f The brand is nice AFIM2i/AFIM2f The brand has a personality that distinguishes it from competitors AFIM3i/AFIM3f It is a brand that does not disappoint its customers Reputation (REIM) (initial/? nal) REIM1i/REIM1f It is one of the best(p) brands in the sector REIM2i/REIM2f The brand is very consolidated in the market stratum ? t (CAFI) CAFI1 The extension is similar to the brands products CAFI2 The ? rms resources are reformatory to make the product extension see to it ? t (IMFI) IMFI1 The product extension ? s with the brand image IMFI2 Launching the extension is logical for the company IMFI3 Launching the extension is appropriate for the company EXAT1 Favourable attitude towards the extension EXAT2 Perceived quality of the extension EXAT3 Likelihood of trying the extension Responses to brand extensions 1191 Perceived dif? culty (DIFF). Aaker and Keller (1990) Brand familiarity (FAMI). Dawar (1996) ? Brand image. Mart? nez et al. (2004). Based on Martin and Brown (1990) Aaker (1996) Weiss et al. (1999) Villarejo (2002) Perceived ? t. Aaker and Keller (1990) Taylor and Bearden (2002) Extension attitude (EXAT).Aaker and Keller (1990) Pryor and Brodie (1998) Table II. Scales used in the questionnaires EJM 44,7/8 1192 proposed dimensions (e. g. hedonistic and social innovativeness) could be statistically non- best(predicate). Through a previous analysis with SPSS 13. 0, we detected a weak item-total correlation of FUIM3i (corr. ? 0. 281) and FUIM3f (corr. ? 0. 296) with the respective dimensions of functional image. After eliminating them, we conducted an explanatory factor analysis for the unidimensional and four-dimensional models using the EQS 5. b and ERLS (elliptical re- exercising weighted least agoras) thought method.The initial image, ? ?nal image and perceived ? t scales proved to be reliable in both models (Joreskog and ? Sorbom, 1993), although it was advisable to eliminate HINN1 related to consumer innovativeness. Although the factor turn onings exceeded the rationalize point lU ? 0540 lM ? 0673? the R 2 coef? cients ? R 2 ? 0292 R 2 ? 0453? were below those recommended in the literature (Hair et al. , 1998). Once the scales had been properly re? ned, we proceeded to correspond the unidimensional and multidimensional models through several indicators (Hair et al. , 1998 Kline, 2005). Tables III and IV display the coef? ients obtained, which clearly favour the consideration of independent dimensions for all the factors analysed. The only world poweres in which the unidimensional model surpasses the multidimensional one are PNFI and PGFI for the factors of initial brand image (PNFI ? 0. 511 , 0. 638 rel ative indicators sign image Unidimen. Multidimen. 126. 181 0. 047 0. 221 112. 181 0. 160 0. 638a 0. 466a 154. 181 72. 177a 0. 034a 0. 152a 61. 177a 0. 088a 0. 511 0. 377 106. 177a Final image Unidimen. Multidimen. 211. 559 0. 053 0. 343 197. 559 0. 283 0. 628a 0. 449a 239. 559 51. 082a 0. 027a 0. 122a 40. 082a 0. 057a 0. 516 0. 382 85. 082a x2RMSR ( stem mean straightforwardly residual) ECVI (Expected cross-validation proponent) NCP (Noncentrality parameter) SNCP (Scaled noncentrality parameter) PNFI (Parsimonious normed ? t index) PGFI (Parsimonious faithfulness of ? t index) AIC (Akaike information measuring stick) Table III. Indicators of the option models of brand image (initial and ? nal) Note aCoef? cients that are favourable to the speci? ed model Comparative indicators Consumer innov. Unidimen. Multidimen. 195. 411 0. 079 0. 309 190. 411 0. 272 0. 453a 0. 292a 215. 411 31. 088a 0. 022a 0. 076a 27. 088a 0. 039a 0. 394 0. 261 53. 088a Perceived ? t Unidimen. Multidimen. 77. 634 0. 34 0. cxl 72. 634 0. 104 0. 483a 0. 314a 97. 634 50. 164a 0. 025a 0. 103a 46. 164a 0. 066a 0. 391 0. 256 72. 164a x2 RMSR ( calm mean square residual) ECVI (Expected cross-validation index) NCP (Noncentrality parameter) SNCP (Scaled noncentrality parameter) PNFI (Parsimonious normed ? t index) PGFI (Parsimonious good of ? t index) AIC (Akaike information criterion) Table IV. Indicators of the alternative models of consumer innovativeness and ? t Note aCoef? cients that are favourable to the speci? ed model PGFI ? 0. 377 , 0. 466), ? nal image (PNFI ? 0. 516 , 0. 628 PGFI ? 0. 382 , 0. 449), consumer innovativeness (PNFI ? . 394 , 0. 453 PGFI ? 0. 261 , 0. 292) and perceived ? t (PNFI ? 0. 391 , 0. 483 PGFI ? 0. 256 , 0. 314). Nevertheless, the parsimony indicator, AIC, which allows us to submit between models with a different number of latent variables, as in our case, presents better set in the multidimensional structure initial image (AIC ? 106. 177 , 154. 181), ? n al image (AIC ? 85. 082 , 239. 559), consumer innovativeness (AIC ? 53. 088 , 215. 411) and perceived ? t (AIC ? 72. 164 , 97. 634). After verifying the multidimensional character of initial brand image, ? nal brand image, consumer innovativeness and perceived ? , our next step was to conduct a factor analysis of all the scales. Again, we used EQS and ERLS, obtaining the results shown in Table V. We can infer from these results that the scales present good statistical properties. As can be seen in Table V, all the proposed items unidimensionally ? t the respective 13 factors or latent variables. The set obtained in composite reliability coef? cients and extracted fluctuation analysis (EVA) are higher up 0. 6 and 0. 5, respectively, which guarantees the internal consistency of the scales. Moreover, the validity criterion was satis? ed from both convergent and discriminant viewpoints.Thus, all lambda coef? cients for the ascertained variables are signi? cant (t . 1. 96) and they lo ad on the corresponding factors with standard loadings above 0. 5. The con? dence intervals of between-factor correlations were calculated to analyse discriminant validity. No intervals included value 1, which indicates the differentiated character of the factors. The main goodness-of-? t indicators for the metre model are shown at the bottom of Table V, distinguishing between world-wide and incremental ? t indexes. On the whole, the indicators are positive and above the minimum established by researchers (Hair et al. 1998 Kline, 2005). With regard to global ? t, GFI is above 0. 8 (GFI ? 0. 884), whereas RMSEA and SRMR illusion statistics were below the maximum value of 0. 06 (RMSEA ? 0. 053) and 0. 08 (SRMR ? 0. 040) recommended by Hu and Bentler (1999). The only unsuitable indicator is the Chi-square test (x 2(417) ? 1224. 142 p , 0. 001), which often occurs in samples of over 400 observations. On the other hand, all the incremental ? t measures were above the required 0. 8 (AG FI ? 0. 844) and 0. 9 (CFI ? 0. 973 IFI ? 0. 973 NFI ? 0. 960 NNFI ? 0. 966) levels, which proves the statistical public toilet of the proposed model.The validation process concluded with the inclination of three second-order models for the dimensions of brand image (initial and ? nal) and consumer innovativeness. These models presented favourable ? t indicators for initial image (GFI ? 0. 958 SRMR ? 0. 035 NFI ? 0. 975 IFI ? 0. 979), ? nal image (GFI ? 0. 972 SRMR ? 0. 028 NFI ? 0. 985 IFI ? 0. 989) and consumer innovativeness (GFI ? 0. 978 SRMR ? 0. 022 NFI ? 0. 985 IFI ? 0. 987). Model and hypotheses contrasting After analysing the psychometric properties of the scales, we proceeded to the attachment of the structural model, which corresponds to the structure shown in Figure 1. earlierly, the global effect of extensions on brand image was analysed, comparing the values of initial and ? nal image in each scenario. Responses to brand extensions 1193 EJM 44,7/8 Factor HINN SINN I tems HINN2 HINN3 SINN1 SINN2 SINN3 FUIM1i FUIM2i FUim1f FUIM2f AFIM1i AFIM2i AFIM3i AFIM1f AFIM2f AFIM3f REIM1i REIM2i REIM1f REIM2f FAMI1 FAMI2 FAMI3 DIFF1 DIFF2 DIFF3 EXAT1 EXAT2 EXAT3 CAFI1 CAFI2 IMFI1 IMFI2 IMFI3 dependableness t (. 1. 96) l(. 0. 5) 22. 230 20. 993 26. 547 25. 862 19. 829 22. 534 20. 543 24. 779 24. 208 21. 076 19. 473 17. 864 21. 545 21. 680 17. 880 23. 342 18. 125 25. 834 19. 868 22. 112 19. 930 20. 822 18. 05 24. 402 18. 291 22. 956 18. 606 21. 579 22. 312 18. 837 26. 733 26. 683 24. 607 0. 861 0. 820 0. 915 0. 899 0. 744 0. 835 0. 776 0. 873 0. 859 0. 787 0. 741 0. 693 0. 798 0. 802 0. 694 0. 871 0. 706 0. 919 0. 751 0. 838 0. 771 0. 799 0. 729 0. 926 0. 725 0. 831 0. 712 0. 795 0. 839 0. 730 0. 906 0. 905 0. 859 Convergent validity * CRC (. 0. 6) EVA (. 0. 5) 0. 828 0. 891 0. 787 0. 857 0. 785 0. 810 0. 770 0. 825 0. 845 0. 839 0. 824 0. 763 0. 920 0. 707 0. 733 0. 650 0. 750 0. 550 0. 587 0. 629 0. 704 0. 645 0. 638 0. 610 0. 618 0. 793 1194 FUIM (i) FUIM (f) AFIM (i) AFIM (f) REIM (i) REIM (f) FAMI DIFF EXAT CAFI IMFITable V. Reliability, convergent validity and ? t of the measurement model Notes Fit indices Global ? t x 2 ? 1224. 142 (417) p , 0. 001 GFI ? 0. 884 RMSEA ? 0. 053 SRMR ? 0. 040. additive ? t AGFI ? 0. 844 CFI ? 0. 973 IFI ? 0. 973 NFI ? 0. 960 NNFI ? 0. 966 CRC Composite reliability coef? cient EVA Extracted dissension analysis, GFI Goodness of ? t index RMSEA Root mean square error of estimation SRMR Standardised root mean square residual AGFI Adjusted goodness of ? t index CFI Comparative ? t index IFI additive ? t index NFI Normed ? t index NNFI Non-normed ? t indexGiven that the Cronbach importants exceeded 0. 7, a wizard measure of initial and ? nal image, obtained as the mean of all the underlying items, was considered. Figures 2-4 gather the results according to the sector. For a better understanding of the effect on image, a single initial image (IMAG * (i)), calculated as the mean of initial brand imag es for close and far extensions, was taken into consideration. A new ? nal brand image (IMAG * (f)), resulting from adding IMAG * (i) to the difference obtained between the ? nal and the initial image in each scenario, was also considered. In general, these Responses to brand extensions 195 Figure 2. Brand image variation (toothpaste brands) Figure 3. Brand image variation (sport brands) Figure 4. Brand image variation (mobile phones brands) graphics suggest that ? rms should avoid entering markets far from their sector, since such extensions clearly entail brand image dilution. Once the global effect of extensions was analysed, the model hypotheses were tested. To test hypotheses related to feedback effects we created new variables based on unstandardised residuals. These residuals represent the brand image variation in such a way that higher values indicate more favourable feedback effects.They were obtained by regressing the post-test scores against the corresponding post-test sc ores, and the psychometrical properties of the resulting construct were similar to those of brand image factors (Cronbachs alpha ? 0. 795). EJM 44,7/8 1196 Table VI contains the results of the model estimation and goodness of ? t measurements, which are acceptable and above the thresholds established in literature. Again, reasonable values were obtained for the error statistics (RMSEA ? 0. 044 SRMR ? 0. 077) and the global ? t GFI (0. 892). The incremental ? t indexes also met the statistical requirements (AGFI ? 0. 74 CFI ? 0. 972 IFI ? 0. 972 NFI ? 0. 952 NNFI ? 0. 969). Next, the speci? c results concerning the hypotheses are commented. First, familiarity has a direct and signi? cant in? uence on initial brand image (best ? 0. 485 t-value ? 10. 419), as proposed in H1. However, contrary to H2, familiarity seems to have no signi? cant effect on extension attitude (best ? 2 0. 052 t-value ? 2 1. 443). Consequently, the most familiar brands will lead to more favourable brand associa tions, although not necessarily to a better assessment of the extension. The effect of initial brand image on extension attitude is signi? ant and positive (best ? 0. 232 t-value ? 6. 351), as proposed in H3. Therefore, consumers will prefer the brand extensions of companies that have managed to number and communicate positive brand associations. Since brand image depends on brand familiarity, consumer attitude toward brand extensions seems to be the result of a cognitive-affective sequence (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975). Supporting H4, category ? t seems to be a clear determinant of extension attitude (best ? 0. 299 t-value ? 2. 439). In the same way, extension attitude is signi? cantly dependant on image ? t (best ? 0. 587 t-value ? 4. 76), which con? rms H5. Consequently, consumers will prefer those extensions marketed in a category that ? ts the brand portfolio, particularly in terms of general brand associations. The effect of perceived dif? culty on extension attitude is positiv e (best ? 0. 035), as expected. Nevertheless, the coef? cient relating both factors fails to reach statistical signi? cance (t-value ? 1. 186), which implies rejecting H6. This lack of statistical signi? cance reveals that consumers do not consider dif? culty of manufacturing as a heuristic program of the perceived quality of the new product. Hypotheses H1 FAMI IMAG (i) H2 FAMI EXAT H3 IMAG (i) EXAT H4 CAFI EXAT H5 IMFI EXAT H6 DIFF EXAT H7 INNV EXAT H8 EXAT IMAG variation H9 CAFI IMAG variation H10 IMFI IMAG variation Standardised b (t) 0. 485 * 2 0. 052 0. 232 * 0. 299 * 0. 587 * 0. 035 0. 093 * 0. 631 * 2 0. 050 0. 159 (10. 419) (2 1. 443) (6. 351) (2. 439) (4. 876) (1. 186) (2. 924) (5. 846) (2 0. 313) (1. 004) Hypotheses validation Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Table VI. Results of the structural model Notes *Signi? cant at p 0. 05 Fit indices Global ? t x 2 ? 1131. 700 (481) p , 0. 001 GFI ? 0. 892 RMSEA ? . 044 SRMR ? 0. 077. Incremental ? t AGFI ? 0. 874 CFI ? 0. 972 IFI ? 0. 972 NFI ? 0. 952 NNFI ? 0. 969 CRC Composite reliability coef? cient EVA Extracted class analysis, GFI Goodness of ? t index RMSEA Root mean square error of appraisal SRMR Standardised root mean square residual AGFI Adjusted goodness of ? t index CFI Comparative ? t index IFI Incremental ? t index NFI Normed ? t index NNFI Non-normed ? t index Regarding H7, consumer innovativeness appears to have a clear, though reduced, effect on extension attitude (best ? 0. 093 t-value ? 2. 924).All in all, attitude towards extensions will be fundamentally explained by the initial brand image (H3), perceived ? t (H4 and H5) and, to a lesser extent, by other factors such as consumer innovativeness (H7). H8 to H10 indicate the factors that explain the potential feedback effects of brand extensions on brand image. With respect to H8, extension attitude has a positive and signi? cant effect on brand image variation (best ? 0. 631 t ? 5. 846). Hence, the more favourable the attitu de to the extension is, the more favourable the attitude toward the extended brand will be. Because of the high coef? ient obtained, companies launching brand extensions will have to avoid damaging their brands with low quality products. Contrary to our expectations, perceived category ? t has no direct effect on brand image variation, which rejects H9 (best ? 2 0. 050 t ? 2 0. 313). Despite showing a relatively high and positive coef? cient, the effect of image ? t proposed in H10 is not signi? cant either (best ? 0. 159 t ? 1. 004). The lack of signi? cance in both coef? cients suggests that the in? uence of ? t on brand image variation is only indirect through extension attitude (H4 and H5).To sum up, then, while perceived image and category ? t are essential factors for the success of a brand extension, it is signi? cant that extension attitude synthesises their effects. The centralising role of extension attitude was also corroborated by checking through the estimation of comp etitive models that neither brand familiarity nor consumer innovativeness nor perceived dif? culty have direct effects on brand image variation. Given the brilliance that literature attaches to perceived ? t to explain feedback effect (e. g. Loken and John, 1993 John et al. , 1998) and the lack of signi? ant effects in our model, we took a new step in the analysis. According to Czellar (2003), perceived ? t may moderate the in? uence of the attitude to the extension on the attitude to the extended brand. In the same way that high-perceived ? t increases the transference of brand associations to the new product (Aaker and Keller, 1990 Czellar, 2003), we think that the opposite effect could take place. This possibility was explored by means of two multi-sample analyses for each of the ? t dimensions, category ? t and image ? t. Speci? cally, the sample was abound into high ? t (mean . 4) and low ? (mean , 4) and the structural model were replicated without considering direct effects of ? t. The Lagrange multiplier factor (LM) Test and the maximum likelihood estimation method determined whether the model coef? cients are signi? cantly different (Iglesias and ? Vazquez, 2001). The comparison between the considered sub-samples yields elicit results. Although the effect of extension attitude on image variation was similar for category ? t (x2dif ? 0. 182 p . 0. 1), the results lend support to the existence of moderating effects for image ? t at 90 per cent (x2dif ? 2. 868 p ? 0. 090). In the expected direction, the in? ence of extension attitude was higher in the high ? t condition (best ? 0. 810 t ? 12. 740) than in the low ? t one (best ? 0. 666 t ? 11. 203). In mo, spillover effects between the brand and the extension (forward and backward) will depend on image ? t perceptions quite than on category ? t. Responses to brand extensions 1197 EJM 44,7/8 1198 Discussion A brand is one of the most important assets for ? rms and, therefore, marketing managers ess ential be on the alert for unretentive strategies that erode brand assets. One of this potentially risky strategies involves the launching of unsuitable brand extensions ? hat erode extended brand bene? ts and associations (Mart? nez and de Chernatony, 2004 Diamantopoulos et al. , 2005). However, so far there is no clear understanding of the main variables trail to spillover effects between brand extensions and parent brands and their relative in? uence. The present work proposes a model to ? nd out how extension strategies affect brand image, one of the major dimensions of brand equity. Unlike most previous research, this paper focuses on extension evaluation and feedback effects on the core brand as interrelated quite a than independent phenomena.Moreover, it incorporates a few find variables into an operative model instead of considering most of the potential variables that might divert the attention of researchers and practitioners alike. The estimation of this model showed positive goodness-of-? t indexes and, without considering non-validated relationships, it sheds some light on the main factors and processes explaining consumer attitude. According to the literature, core parent brand experience positively in? uences fortune of extension trial (Swaminathan et al. , 2001 Swaminathan, 2003).However, our results reveal an indirect effect of brand experience or brand familiarity on consumer attitude to brand extensions. This variable has a distinctive in? uence on brand image, which, in turn, affects the assessment of the new category. These results are coherent with the doings models de? ned by some authors who maintain that the individuals beliefs determine attitude and this, in turn, determines purchase behaviour (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975). From this perspective, brand image, earlier than brand familiarity, would explain consumer attitude to the extension. Our ? dings validate previous results in the literature concerning the positive effects of p erceived ? t, either category or image ? t, on consumer attitude. In the same way, it was con? rmed that consumer innovativeness increases likelihood of consumer ? sufferance, although to a lesser extent than perceived ? t (Volckner and Sattler, 2006). Nevertheless, we could not verify the proposed relationship between the attitude to the extension and dif? culty in manufacturing the new category. Due to the clear inconsistency of results on studies, the relevance of this variable proposed by Aaker and Keller (1990) should be questioned.In relation to feedback effects, our results suggest that perceived ? t (category and image) has no direct effect on the extended brand image, though an indirect effect occurs through attitude to the extension. Previous works focusing on the in? uence of perceived ? t on parent brand associations have mostly resorted to data-based settings (e. g. Loken and John, 1993 Milberg et al. , 1997 John et al. , 1998) kinda than SEM models. Therefore, this relationship cannot be taken for granted in complex models where several constructs are interrelated. The estimation of the model also revealed that image ? moderates the effect of extension attitude on image variation. In the light of the results, consumers that perceive the extension as coherent with the brand image will measure up their brand associations mainly on the basis of their resulting attitude. A high ? t perception usually entails a assortment process where the extension is associated to the brand category and leverages the current beliefs and attitudes (Monga and Houston, 2002). According to our results, this process occurs in the opposite direction in such a way that a high ? t will involve the leverage of the attitude to the extension.The results obtained are thus in line with those works that indicate that consumer attitude toward brand extensions mainly depends on perceived ? t (Aaker and ? Keller, 1990 van Riel et al. , 2001 Volckner and Sattler, 2006). Moreover , it contributes to the body of knowledge by showing that the effect of perceived category and image ? t on the extended brand image is not direct. On the contrary, it occurs an indirect effect through extension attitude and, in the case of image ? t, a further moderating effect on the relationship between extension attitude and image variation. To sum up, the coef? ients obtained indicate that extension attitude is peculiarly determined by perceived category ? t, image ? t and initial brand image, which, in turn depends on familiarity. Consumer innovativeness is also a factor that explains consumer response to brand extensions. Furthermore, the results reveal that the existence of positive feedback effects will be an immediate consequence of the attitude to the extension. These results clearly support the introductory argument of our model the consumer will assess the product according to a series of variables and, as a result, the consumers will modify the initial brand schema.I mplications Considering all the results obtained as a whole, we can make some recommendations for ? rms launching brand extensions. There is no doubt that the most important aspect for the success of an extension is coherence with the image of the extended brand. Though positive, it is not essential that the new product or service belongs to a new category, but the ? rm has to be able to communicate the brand essence to the different markets (Kim, 2003). Once the new product is ? rmly associated to the current brand image, consumers will perceive a high quality of the new product and the risk associated to purchasing it will be lowered.Although innovative consumers are expected to prefer low-? t products (Xie, 2008), consumer innovativeness is a factor with a weak effect on the attitude to the extension. In comparison to introducing a new brand name, brand extensions will increase consumer trust and reduce the weight of consumer innovativeness as a risk reliever. Since consumer beha viour will be relatively similar regardless of consumer predisposition to new products, this factor should not be used for potential market segmentation. In consequence, companies must identify other consumer characteristics able to alter perceptions of quality and purchase ntentions of speci? c product categories. A favourable initial image will also be positive for consumer acceptance increasing the appeal of the new product. This image is hard to obtain in the miserable term, although our model suggests that increasing familiarity through communication or brand trials is an effective way of building brand associations. Since brand familiarity does not directly in? uence extension attitude, companies do not have to worry when their brands are not familiar enough or the current market share is scarce.Whenever they are capable of transmitting a positive brand image and ? t is high, success should be easy to obtain. Moreover, launching products perceived as trivial or very easy to m ake will not prevent consumers from trying the new product, a concern highlighted by Aaker and Keller (1990). Responses to brand extensions 1199 EJM 44,7/8 1200 Once consumers have developed a favourable attitude toward the new product, the brand associations might not be thin but even strengthened. Provided perceived ? between the extension and the core brand is high, especially on the basis of image ? t, the attitude to the extension will be the main driver of feedback effects. Consequently, increasing the success of brand extensions and protecting the leveraged image are not con? icting but complementary goals. Companies should thus address their efforts towards the success of the extension by building a bundle of coherent and strong brand associations. This is the best way to avoid the risk of image dilution. emerging research Our ? ndings raise several issues for time to come research. The ? st issue refers to the lack of time between the extension stimulus and the subsequent measurement of brand image, which is the common procedure in most studies. The fact of the matter is that higher experience reduces the likelihood of negative feedback effects (Sheinin, 2000 Swaminathan, 2003), since the mere exposure to the new product affords consumers to establish links with the brand that, otherwise, would not exist (Klink and Smith, 2001). However, experiments requiring the cooperation of respondents over time are likely to suffer from a explanation problem caused by the in? ence of external events (Campbell ? and Stanley, 1963). By analysing FMCG through a longitudinal study, Volckner and Sattler (2008) show that feedback effects diminish over time, although they also admit the possibility of bedevil effects. Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the different procedures, the present study opted to exclude extraneous variables by minimising the time between pre and post-test scores. Since we aimed to test the interrelationships between fac tors, the setting of the study was designed to repay internal validity as much as possible.Consequently, it must be observed that the paper generates a picture of feedback effects in the short-term and these effects should be checked through a long period of time. It would be also advisable to verify whether the validated relationships are ordered when consumers are exposed to all the market signals (competitors action, distribution support, etc. ) by using real extensions. Another issue to consider is whether the model can be applied to extensions of the same category or line extensions. Since line extensions are products with a higher perceived degree of ? t (Grime et al. 2002), there is a possibility that the relationships are sustained. It might be even more elicit to study whether service companies can successfully extend to the goods markets and vice versa. Indeed, it would be worthy to examine the brand and extension conditions that lead to higher effects of perceived ? t dimensions on the extension attitude toward the brand. Given that the in? uence of consumer innovativeness on extension attitude was less than expected, further research could also explore whether consumer innovativeness has moderating effects rather than mediating ones.Klink and Smith (2001) proved that the in? uence of perceived ? t on extension attitude is lower among innovative consumers, who are more receptive to new products. The in-depth study of other variables related to personality, such as sensation-seeking or impulsive decision-making, also deserves attention Finally, it would be convenient to revise other measurement scales for brand image, which include a higher number of items. Brand image is a complex construct that sums up either association linked to the brand and may involve attributes, bene? ts, and attitudes (Keller, 1993).Although the proposed scale can be a suitable proxy, further research should deal with the limitations derived from the items used for measu ring brand image and the remaining factors as well. References Aaker, D. A. (1996), criterion brand equity across products and markets, atomic number 20 Management Review, Vol. 38 No. 3, pp. 102-20. Aaker, D. A. (2002), Brand Portfolio Strategy, The Free Press, New York, NY. Aaker, D. A. and Keller, K. L. (1990), Consumer evaluations of brand extensions, ledger of Marketing, Vol. 54 No. 1, pp. 27-41. 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