Should Brand Design using Brand Personality be adapted to the cultural differencesof international markets‪?‬

Global brands are probably the most obvious outcome of globalization. Many companies drive a global marketing strategy in order to stay competitive and to address a more diverse customer base. However, little research has been done on Brand Cultures and their personality in the international markets. Global brands are appealing from both the supply side and the demand side perspective.

For the supply side for instance, they can create economies of scale, and scope in research and development. Whereas the demand side benefits from worldwide availability. Sony, BMW, Coca-Cola or Mc. Donald´s are only some of the global brands that are known for being successful with their business throughout the whole world.

Some of them stick to a more standardized international Brand Personality, which does not change in any way respective the individual markets. Others, like for example Nestlé with its world brand Nescafé, adapt their advertising messages according to the preferences of the country concerned.

Both of these strategies seem to be successful. One hardly finds a definite answer to the question, whether to pursue maximum adaption or general standardization, when it comes to the complex task field of international Brand Planning. Also, the subject of Brand Design is barely mentioned in this context. These are the gaps, this term paper is going to fill.