Modeling the constituents of the image of a country for the determination of priorities related to strategic image management: the case of Turkey

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to create a model representing the antecedents and the consequences of the country image. The model is operationalized through a scale developed for detecting the most significant factors in the formation of country image in order to create strategies for image management. The model is tested empirically by taking Turkey as a case. United Kingdom and Italy are selected as two countries to conduct the research. First, a qualitative exploratory investigation is carried out among participants from these countries, in order to determine the factors affecting the country image. In the following phase, a survey reaching a sample of 129 British and 129 Italian respondents in their home country is used. The research reveals that the historical relationships among countries play an important role in the country image formation. Although the respondents who visited Turkey are generally satisfied, issues related to security, hygiene, and ease of travel need to be reinforced in order to improve the image. The findings related to the fact that Turkey is known more and thus rated more favorably by the older respondents imply the need for promotion targeted to the younger segment of the market. The findings suggest that there is a lack of information especially related to the influence of religion on the life style in Turkey. Therefore, the research suggests the need for more emphasis on the secularism for all image management activities. Furthermore, the results point out that the human aspect and the modern face of Turkey have to be promoted more effectively. The study also highlighted that the creation of successful Turkish brands and their promotion worldwide would contribute to the improvement of country image. The main contributions of this thesis would be: the integration of the literature on image and brand image, country image and country-of-origin effect, positioning, strategic image management and different country image research including those related to Turkey, and furthermore to develop a unique model and a scale for assessing the country image.