The Effect of Need for Uniqueness on Word of Mouth

Journal of Marketing Research, 47, 553-63, 2010

11 Pages Posted: 25 Apr 2009 Last revised: 13 Jun 2012

See all articles by Amar Cheema

Amar Cheema

University of Virginia (UVA), McIntire School of Commerce

Andrew Kaikati

Saint Louis University - Chaifetz School of Business

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

This research studies a psychosocial cost associated with positive word of mouth (WOM): positive WOM can decrease the uniqueness of one’s possessions, which hurts high-uniqueness individuals (pilot study 1). As a result, high- (vs. low-) uniqueness individuals are less willing to generate positive WOM for publicly consumed products that they own. However, high uniqueness does not decrease willingness to generate WOM for privately consumed products (studies 1 and 2) or for products that participants don’t intend to buy (study 2). The effect of uniqueness is more pronounced for WOM that includes positive recommendations, compared to WOM that only contains product details (study 2). Illustrating the process, pilot study 2 demonstrates that for publicly consumed products, WOM recommendations are perceived to be more persuasive than WOM that provides details. Study 3 confirms that high- (vs. low-) uniqueness consumers are less willing to recommend a public product to others, but are as willing to discuss product details. Study 4 analyzes content of real-world WOM and finds evidence that supports these results.

Keywords: word of mouth, need for uniqueness, recommendations, social influence

JEL Classification: C91, C93, M31, M37, D82

Suggested Citation

Cheema, Amar and Kaikati, Andrew, The Effect of Need for Uniqueness on Word of Mouth (2010). Journal of Marketing Research, 47, 553-63, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1394517

Amar Cheema (Contact Author)

University of Virginia (UVA), McIntire School of Commerce ( email )

125 Ruppel Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States
434-924-4350 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.commerce.virginia.edu/faculty/cheema

Andrew Kaikati

Saint Louis University - Chaifetz School of Business ( email )

Cook Hall
3674 Lindell Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63108
United States

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