How anthropomorphized brand spokescharacters affect consumer perceptions and judgments: Is being cute helpful or harmful to brands?

MANAGEMENT SLANT

• When the relationship norm is perceived as communal, a cute anthropomorphized spokescharacter using nonassertive language is more effective than a mature character using the same language.
• When the relationship norm is perceived as one of exchange, a mature anthropomorphized spokescharacter using assertive language will be more effective than a cute anthropomorphized spokescharacter using the same language.