CHAPTER FIVE: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Throughout this thesis the researcher aimed to answer the following two questions: (1) How do millennial consumers perceive brands that engage in brand activism and (2) How can marketing and public relations professionals ensure brand activism resonates with millennial consumers? To conclude this thesis, further

recommendations - of best practices and areas for future research - as well as a summary of the answers of the two research questions will be provided.

In the second chapter, millennial perception of brand activism was discussed. From the secondary research analyzed and primary research conducted, the answer to the first research question was made. Millennial consumers are cognitive of a brand’s association, although they may not consider associations too seriously when making a purchasing decision. Liberal millennials are much more likely to notice and engage with the activism of corporate brands than are conservative or moderate millennials. All consumers are very cautious of brand activism, as they are still unsure of a corporation’s role in societal issues. This cautiousness of millennial consumers displays just how careful and thoughtful brands must be with their brand activism, and how important and beneficial studying the practice truly is. Although the researcher’s primary research displayed that millennials may not be as enthusiastic or affected by brand activism as some secondary sources suggest, overall, when considering both the primary and

secondary research, it is evident that millennial brand perception is moderately impacted by brand activism.

When attempting to answer the second research question, “How can marketing and public relations professionals ensure brand activism resonates with millennial consumers?” the researcher analyzed prior activist-minded campaigns and spoke to industry professionals with experience and knowledge of brand activism. From this analysis of industry trends, the question was answered.

From looking at Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” and Airbnb’s “#WeAccept” campaigns, it can be learned that brands must have a great understanding of all six elements of their brand identity. Brands should remain consistent with their personality, culture, and relationship. Brands must have a solid understanding of their consumer to create campaigns that resonate. If pre-existing brand identity is ignored, controversy and backlash can result as displayed by Gillette. However, if the brand remains true to their prior values and understands their consumer, brand activism can be incredibly beneficial, as it was for Airbnb.

The interviews gave insight from communications experts. From these valuable interviews, four major recommendations were discovered. Brands must have a strong, consistent, well-developed brand identity that consumers recognize. Brands must

dedicate time and resources to research. Research will provide the brand insight into the desires, opinions, and demographics of the brand’s target consumer. Brands must be authentic in their activism. The causes or issues brands choose to take a stance on must be relevant to the brand’s industry, consumer, and identity. In order to connect with consumers, the activism must be related to the brand. The delivery of the message must

remain authentic to the brand’s pre-existing identity. If a brand is not authentic, it risks losing the trust of consumers. Finally, brands must take steps to truly enact change and make an impact on the cause or issue chosen. Brands can do this by connecting with a non-profit, pledging to donate money or time, or encouraging consumers to get involved. These steps must be done consistently over time. If a brand neglects to provide evidence of meaningful contribution, the activism will look as though it was just a superficial attempt to look compassionate.

Brand activism is a relevant and effective way to gain the attention of millennial consumers. It builds trust and loyalty among consumers and a brand when their social and political views are aligned. If a well-established brand researches the wants, needs, and demographics of their target consumer, displays a substantial commitment to the cause or issue, and remains authentic and true to their values, brand activism is a powerful practice for gaining the respect and endorsement of millennial consumers.

Although this thesis provides a satisfactory amount of information regarding brand activism’s impact on millennial consumer and best practices, further research should be completed by future students and academics. Brand activism is not a trend; the marketing practice is here to stay. After reviewing and analyzing this research, academics could be prompted to further look at how demographics impact a millennial’s perception or more specific tactics to increase success with brand activism. There is a plethora of specific research topics possible for further investigating brand activism - an analysis of cultural groups or regional segmentation within generational groups would be beneficial to the industry. It is only with further research on the intersection of corporations and activism that the practice will be fully understood. The researcher hopes that the

information presented in this thesis will be both useful to marketing professionals and inspire further learning and research by academics and professionals.