Case Study
Selected Answer Guide: CASE STUDY
CASE 2-3 CAMRY goes interactive to attract black women
Q1) There are three types of reference group influence – informational, normative, and identification. Assuming Bianca is a representative for the group consisting of successful, urban, professional African-American women, which type(s) of group influence do you see operating in this campaign?
Informational influence is a potential since a member of the target group is implicitly saying, “You are like me and I like this car, so you will too”.
Normative influence is not really being utilized in this campaign. There is no threat of punishment or promise of a reward by the group for compliance (buying the Camry).
Identification influence is likely the strongest influence being utilized. The goal here is to have the target market identify and internalize group values and beliefs and then act on them. The implicit belief is that Camry is part of an active, adventurous, urban lifestyle. Notice the strategy of showing a member of the target group using the automobile which is consistent with an identification influence strategy.
Q3) What values and aspirations does this campaign tap into relating to the sub-groups of professional women and professional African-American women?
This campaign taps into both professional women and African-American women – values and aspirations relating to modern gender roles and upward mobility and status for women and Blacks and so on.
Q7) Why do you think Camry chose to try to change perceptions of their car rather than changing the car itself?
Camry has been highly successful in reaching a mass audience and leading car sales in the US. And while it might at first seem odd that Camry tried to change perceptions rather than reality, it is worth noting that for such a “mass-market” brand, major changes to the product and product position could hurt it in the mass market. After all, the Camry has been
CASE 2-3 CAMRY goes interactive to attract black women
Q1) There are three types of reference group influence – informational, normative, and identification. Assuming Bianca is a representative for the group consisting of successful, urban, professional African-American women, which type(s) of group influence do you see operating in this campaign?
Informational influence is a potential since a member of the target group is implicitly saying, “You are like me and I like this car, so you will too”.
Normative influence is not really being utilized in this campaign. There is no threat of punishment or promise of a reward by the group for compliance (buying the Camry).
Identification influence is likely the strongest influence being utilized. The goal here is to have the target market identify and internalize group values and beliefs and then act on them. The implicit belief is that Camry is part of an active, adventurous, urban lifestyle. Notice the strategy of showing a member of the target group using the automobile which is consistent with an identification influence strategy.
Q3) What values and aspirations does this campaign tap into relating to the sub-groups of professional women and professional African-American women?
This campaign taps into both professional women and African-American women – values and aspirations relating to modern gender roles and upward mobility and status for women and Blacks and so on.
Q7) Why do you think Camry chose to try to change perceptions of their car rather than changing the car itself?
Camry has been highly successful in reaching a mass audience and leading car sales in the US. And while it might at first seem odd that Camry tried to change perceptions rather than reality, it is worth noting that for such a “mass-market” brand, major changes to the product and product position could hurt it in the mass market. After all, the Camry has been