Conceptualising and measuring consumer perceptions of brand wastefulness

Consumers consider the wastefulness of brands and are predisposed to exhibit aversion to those perceived as wasteful. However, there is a lack of consensus on how consumers associate wastefulness with brands and how this impacts downstream consumer brand responses. Integrating conceptualisations in the literature with original consumers’ insights, we conceptualise consumer perceived brand wastefulness (CPBW) as a multidimensional construct comprising perceptions of (1) unnecessary consumption, (2) inefficient utilisation, and (3) tangible waste. A multi-phase scale development process validated a CPBW scale measuring each dimension. The scale distinguished between consumer perceptions of more vs less wasteful brands and demonstrated CPBW as conceptually distinct from perceptions of brands’ environmental friendliness and corporate social responsibility (CSR). CPBW was related to unfavourable consumer brand responses, including a reduced purchase likelihood, lower willingness to pay a price premium, negative self-conscious emotions, and lower perceptions of brand quality and credibility. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications and directions for future research.