How Social Media Influencer’s Event Endorsement Changes Attitudes of Followers: The Moderating Effect of Followers’ Gender

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-17-2021

Publication Title

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

First page number:

1

Last page number:

15

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to study how a social media influencer (SMI) endorsement affects followers’ event attitude and behavioral intentions. More importantly, it comparatively examines the role of followers’ gender in event SMI marketing effectiveness. Design methodology approach: Based on the congruity theory of attitude change, the current study developed an integrated framework of SMI marketing. In total, 335 online surveys were collected. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings: Results show that a follower’s attitude and behavioral intentions toward the event are affected by his or her influencer attitude. The present study also finds that follower’s social media post attitude plays a mediating role. Moreover, female followers are impacted more directly by their influencer attitude, while male followers are affected more indirectly through their attitude toward the social media posts. Research limitations implications: The current study not only extends the event literature on SMI marketing but also provides recommendations for event professionals on SMI selection. Originality value: This study examines SMI endorsement as a relatively new marketing tool in the event setting. It also is a pioneer study in testing the effect of social media followers’ gender differences.

Keywords

Gender difference; Congruity theory of attitude change; Event endorsement; Social media influencer (SMI)

Disciplines

Social Influence and Political Communication | Social Media

Language

English

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