Influence of interfirm brand values congruence on relationship qualities in B2B contexts

Adopting a new perspective of brand values, this study explores the influence of brand values congruence between buyers and sellers on relationship qualities in B2B contexts. To expand knowledge on this issue, the authors introduce the construct of brand identification to explain how brand values congruence exerts influence. The results show that self-enhancement congruence and self-transcendence congruence positively affect brand trust, word of mouth, and value co-creation through the mediating role of brand identification. In addition, brand sensitivity positively moderates the effect of self-enhancement congruence on brand trust, word of mouth, and value co-creation through brand identification. However, the mediated moderation effect disappears in self-transcendence congruence. On the basis of these findings, the authors present implications for B2B companies with regard to developing effective branding strategies in accordance with brand values.