• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.897-908
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• 2018

This study investigates the effect of mimicry buying on differentiation behavior in the context of fashion product consumption. Merging insights from social identity theory, optimal distinctiveness theory and previous research on narcissism, this article presents ingroup-outgroup categorization, narcissistic tendency and social status to serve as boundary conditions of this effect. Experiment 1 supports the hypothesis that more differentiation behavior against mimicry buying is reinforced when the mimicker is an in-group member compared to an out-group member. Based on this result, we conducted Experiment 2 to understand the effect of narcissistic tendency and mimicker's social status on differentiation behavior in the in-group context. The results show that the effect of narcissistic tendency on differentiation behavior is mediated by a perceived distinctiveness threat when the mimicker is an in-group member. In addition, this mediating effect is moderated by the mimicker's social status. Narcissistic tendencies have a direct negative effect on differentiation behavior when the mimicker is an in-group member with a high social status. However, high narcissistic tendency induces a more distinctiveness threat when the mimicker is an in-group member with a low social status. This then results in a greater differentiation behavior. Implications for marketers and suggestions for future research are also discussed.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.55-67
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• 2017

This study explores the influence of reference groups depending on the type (in-group versus out-group) and the size (an individual member versus a group as a whole) of reference groups. We propose a mixed conformity model, which suggests that people want to fit in with their in-group but at the same time they want to stand out within their in-group members. We found that in moderately identity-relevant product categories, people tend to diverge from individual members of their in-group while conforming to their in-group as a whole. However, in highly identity-relevant product categories, people conform to their in-group independent of the referent's size. Directions for future research are outlined in order to further establish and understand the proposed phenomenon.