The development of an analytical framework for the measurement of city brands

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Abstract

This study investigates the potential to develop an analytical framework for the measurement of city brands. The research objectives are: (1) to identify any city brand attribute dimensions; (2) to develop a research framework to investigate the city branding related attributes that impact on city branding; (3) to develop a research process to identify additional attributes or variables that have not been recognised as components of city branding in related literature; (4) to develop a city brand measurement tool; and (5) to refine a city brand measurement tool using a case study approach.The research process took a standard format of literature review, method development, data collection and analysis, work critique and further work discussion. The purpose of the literature review was to identify a gap in the city branding academic literature in relation to the existence of a concise city branding measurement framework. A judgement was made that the literature search should also incorporate three brand related subject areas: corporate branding (including corporate reputation); city branding and country branding.The primary research instrument phase 1 was then developed. It took the form of a combined semi-structured interview guideline and a questionnaire. The semi-structured interview was devised to detect potential attributes not identified in the literature review. The questionnaire was devised to test the veracity of the finalised potential city branding attributes derived from the literature review. The target audience consisted of city branding experts from four cities: Dubai; Dublin; Manchester; and Moscow. This enabled views from different cultures and aspects to be explored. They were interviewed and asked to complete the questionnaire.The results of the primary research phase 1 were analysed. New potential attributes were identified from the semi-structured interviews; and added to the listings. Furthermore, most potential city branding attributes were retained from the questionnaire analysis. However, some of the attributes were deemed to be not applicable and deleted from the research instrument.The primary research instrument phase 2, a questionnaire, was derived from the remaining potential city brand attributes from the phase 1 questionnaire analysis and the addition of the potential new attributes. A sample of one hundred and fifty people took part in the research focused on the cities of London and Paris. The sample population consisted of an international population who are UK and Irish residents. It was established that participants had awareness and some knowledge of the two target cities.The results from the primary research instrument phase 2 were initially analysed using exploratory factor analysis. The results provided a refined list of potential city brand attributes. The attribute list was loosely grouped into three dimensions: city brand personality; city business and infrastructure attributes and city cultural/educational and history related attributes. These results were then analysed using confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequently 46 city brand attributes were identified: 16 within a city personality dimension, 16 within a business related and infrastructure dimension and 14 within a history and culture dimension.The finalised city brand measurement framework is then described. An ensuing critique of this study and suggestions or further related work is provided.

Keyword(s)

city branding; place brandng

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