Negative effects of sponsorships : A quantitative study on negative effects of image transfer through sponsorship in the U.K

Abstract: Title: Negative effects of sponsorship – A quantitative study of negative effects of image transfer through sponsorship in the U.K Course: European Business, Undergraduate thesis at C-level, 15 Hp. Authors: Alexander Runsbech & Daniel Sjölin   Objective: The objective with this thesis is to identify and describe how a sponsoring company’s image and reputation is affected by negative behaviour by the sponsored resource and its effects on consumer attitude and buyer behaviour. Methodology: An abductive approach, with an extensive procedure, which has been conducted through a quantitative study.  Theoretical frame of reference: In order to gain a better understanding and greater knowledge of sponsorship and its surrounding concepts, three models has been used in the thesis; The Sponsorship Portfolio Model, A-ERIC Model and The Image Creation and Image Transfer Model. In the basis to these three, a new model has been developed to explain the linkage between negative exposure and negative consumer attitude changes – The Negative Sponsorship Effects Model (N-SEM). Results: A quantitative study has been preformed with the help of a questionnaire, based on 26 questions regarding sponsorship knowledge, attitude changes and buyer behaviour changes. 12 of the questions have been based on actual case studies regarding sponsorship incidents. Analysis: The analysis has been based on the results provided by the quantitative survey and has been divided into two parts, according to the structure of the survey – a section analysing the general questions and a section analysing the case study questions. Both parts have then been linked the newly developed N-SEM to provide a deeper analysis and understanding of the subject. Conclusion: The effects of negative exposure, due to an incident involving the sponsored could result in a transfer of image, which can affect the consumer’s attitude negatively towards the sponsoring company. However, the negative attitude does not necessarily imply an alteration in buyer behaviour. The intensity of media exposure will influence the extent of transferral of associations between sponsored and sponsor, and subsequently the degree of which attitude could change.