9th Student Research Conference in Marketing (SRCM) - 2025
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Item The Influence of YouTube Influencers' Trustworthiness on Followers' Purchase Intentions: A Study of the Sri Lankan Restaurant Industry(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Madhuranga, L. P.; Wijenayaka, S. I.This study explores the impact of YouTube influencers' trustworthiness on followers' purchase intentions, with a special focus on the Sri Lankan restaurant industry. The central research question guiding this study is: “Investigating the impact of trustworthiness of social media influencers on YouTube on followers' purchase intention: Special reference to the restaurant industry in Sri Lanka.” The primary objective is to identify how influencer trustworthiness influences consumer decisions in this sector. Additionally, the study examines the specific roles of honesty, content trustworthiness, reliability, and authenticity in shaping consumer behavior. Positioned within the growing literature on influencer marketing, this research provides insights relevant to both academia and industry practitioners. The conceptual framework illustrates the relationship between influencer trustworthiness and followers' purchase intentions in the restaurant industry. It posits that influencer trustworthiness—measured through honesty, expertise, and reliability—positively affects followers’ attitudes toward the influencer’s recommendations, ultimately increasing their likelihood of visiting or purchasing from promoted restaurants. This framework is supported by prior research, including Galina Ilieva (2024), which emphasizes the significance of these three trustworthiness dimensions in influencing consumer behavior. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The study targeted individuals familiar with the restaurant industry and influencer marketing, yielding 404 valid responses. Statistical analyses, including reliability testing, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, were conducted using SPSS to assess the relationships between trustworthiness dimensions and purchase intention. The hypotheses testing results confirm significant positive relationships between all three dimensions of trustworthiness—Honesty, Expertise, and Reliability—and Purchase Intention. Honesty (β = 0.123, p = 0.011) significantly influences followers' willingness to act on recommendations, highlighting the importance of authenticity. Expertise (β = 0.112, p = 0.023) further strengthens purchase intention by enhancing influencer credibility. Reliability (β = 0.219, p = 0.000) emerged as the strongest predictor, reinforcing the critical role of consistency and dependability in fostering consumer trust. These findings align with prior studies emphasizing the role of trustworthiness in influencer marketing and highlight the significant impact of reliability in shaping consumer purchasing behavior. However, the research is limited by its geographical scope, as the sample is confined to the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the exclusive focus on YouTube influencers may not fully capture variations across other social media platforms. Future research could explore trustworthiness in broader regional or cross-platform contexts. Theoretically, this study contributes to influencer marketing literature by emphasizing key trustworthiness dimensions that drive purchase intention. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for marketers, stressing the importance of selecting influencers with high reliability, honesty, and expertise to foster consumer trust. Policymakers may also leverage these insights to establish ethical guidelines for influencer marketing. Future studies could extend this research to other industries and explore cross-cultural or platform-based comparisons.Item The Impact of Influencer’s Message Value and Credibility on Consumer Trust: Special Reference of Luxury Branded Cosmetics in Sri Lanka(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Wickramasinghe, M. C. J.; Wijenayaka, S. I.Influencer marketing is a widely used marketing strategy in the Sri Lankan cosmetic industry today. However, many companies do not use this marketing strategy with proper understanding. For this reason, many brands do not improve their brand but rather damage it. Therefore, there is a decrease in trust among consumers. This study investigates the impact of influencers' message value and credibility on consumer trust within the context of luxury branded cosmetics in Sri Lanka. It seeks to address gaps in understanding how key components of influencer communication, such as information, entertainment, trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise, affect consumer trust. Building on existing literature, this research highlights cultural nuances specific to the Sri Lankan market, distinguishing it from global studies in the field. Key arguments and findings emphasize the roles of both emotional and informational appeal in shaping trust within high-value consumer sectors. The research adopts a quantitative approach grounded in a deductive methodology. Therefore, in this study, based on the literature, the study has developed an existing model and studied how influencer message value and credibility affect customer trust using a structured questionnaire survey with 27 questions involving 321 respondents aged 18 years or above. Statistical analyses were conducted using correlation and multiple regression techniques to test hypotheses derived from a conceptual framework. These analyses examine the relationships between influencers' message components and consumer trust within the luxury cosmetics sector in Sri Lanka. Results indicate that both message value and credibility significantly influence consumer trust. Informational and entertainment values were particularly instrumental in fostering trust, as were influencer attributes such as trustworthiness, attractiveness, and expertise. The study underscores the unique importance of culturally relevant and authentic marketing strategies in the Sri Lankan luxury beauty sector. The findings align with existing research in highlighting trust as a determinant of consumer engagement but contribute novel insights into local consumer dynamics and preferences. The study's scope is limited to luxury branded cosmetics within a single geographic market, potentially constraining the generalizability of findings. Additionally, reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias. Future research could expand the framework to include broader geographic contexts, as well as longitudinal analyses to observe changes over time. The findings offer theoretical contributions by validating and refining models linking message value and credibility to trust in the context of luxury goods marketing. Practically, the study provides actionable insights for brand managers and influencers in Sri Lanka, suggesting tailored strategies that prioritize credibility and consumer engagement. Future research should explore underrepresented factors such as parasocial relationships and the long-term effects of influencer collaborations.Item Investigating the Impact of TikTok Influencers on Purchase Intention of Cosmetic Products among Gen Z in Sri Lanka: Examining the Mediating Effect of Consumer Trust(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Thamel, W. S. N.; Udara, S. W. I.The rapid growth of social media platforms, particularly such as TikTok, significantly impacts influencer marketing in the form of the way the brands connect with consumers. This study addresses the critical role of influencer marketing in an era where trust and authenticity are paramount in driving purchases, especially in industries like cosmetics that rely on customer confidence. The study analyzes the impact of TikTok influencer attributes by five key attributes such as expertise, interactivity, popularity, argument quality, and homophily, on the purchase intention of cosmetic products among Gen Z TikTok users in Sri Lanka, focusing on the mediating role of consumer trust. By examining the impact of influencer attributes, the researcher provides a nuanced understanding of how TikTok’s unique engagement can leverage purchase intention among Gen Z consumers, shaping consumer trust and providing useful information for marketers, influencers, customers, brands, and stakeholders by concentrating on specific attributes of the TikTok influencers. Highlighting a recent case in the Sri Lankan cosmetic market, such as the promotion of unauthorized products, the study emphasizes trust and authenticity in the influencer-driven market strategies. In 2024, TikTok reached over 1 billion active users worldwide, resulting in one of fast growing social media platforms, particularly among Gen Z, who form a substantial segment of its user base as platform species for short form video content and algorithm driven personalized feed. A quantitative research method was used, and the data was collected from the Gen Z TikTok users by using a structured questionnaire from 412 Gen Z TikTok users in Sri Lanka. The data was analyzed by applying correlation, multiple linear regression tests, and other relevant techniques using SPSS to outline influencer attributes, consumer trust, and purchase intention. Mediator analysis was used to assess the role of customer trust. The framework was developed by integrating insights from the existing literature and expert opinions in the industry. Based on that, four hypotheses were generated for the study. Overall, all four main hypotheses have supported the study, determining that TikTok significantly impacts the purchase intention of cosmetic products among Gen Z in Sri Lanka. The findings suggest that homophily (0.878) and interactivity (0.846) of influencers are the most effective factors for encouraging purchase intention, while popularity (0.784) has minimal significance among others. However, using correlation and regression analysis, the study's results reveal that Expertise does not significantly influence purchase intention. It also shows that consumer trust can mediate the effect of the influencer attributes on purchase intention, which means that influencers need to be genuine. The brands must be aligned with the consumer preferences when selecting the influencers without depending only on the follower base. The study is geographically limited to the Sri Lankan context and focuses exclusively on the TikTok organic engagement of the influencers and consumers, as paid advertising has not yet been introduced in the local landscape. In addition, self reported survey data may include biases in customer preferences and individual behaviors. Understanding these managerial implications accurately indicates that brands should aim at engaging influencers with high audience values, improve credibility and drive customer engagement. Brands can build trust and maximize influencer marketing on TikTok, growing its audience’s engagement with the content. The findings suggest that influencer marketing significantly impacts the intention to purchase cosmetic products, and the trust of social media influencers strongly mediates the intention to purchase. This research is part of social media marketing discussions to extend the understanding of TikTok influencers’ contribution to consumer behaviour based on literature. Future research should examine these types of contexts in diverse regions and industries, especially because paid media will be available for TikTok in the near future, considering the development of social commerce and customer engagement in a dynamic environment.Item Investigating the Impact of Influencer Marketing on Brand Evangelism of Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) Industry: The Mediating Role of Brand Trust with Special Reference to Generation ‘Z’ in Sri Lanka(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Sachintha, H. P. K.; Dissanayake, D. M. R.This study critically investigates the impact of influencer marketing (IM) on brand evangelism (BEV) within Sri Lanka’s Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry, with a focus on Generation Z consumers. The research is motivated by the pressing need to address a critical challenge: the inability of IM campaigns to consistently convert high digital engagement into actionable consumer trust and advocacy. This issue is particularly significant in the BPC sector, where Generation Z, a digitally native demographic, prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and relatability in their interactions with brands. The study emphasizes the mediating role of brand trust (BT) as a pivotal factor that bridges IM dimensions—source credibility, source attractiveness, source familiarity, and attitude toward influencers—with BEV outcomes, such as purchase intentions, positive referrals, and oppositional referrals. Positioned within the evolving discourse on digital marketing and consumer behavior, this research contributes by constructing a localized, context-specific framework to evaluate how IM strategies influence BEV through the mediating effect of BT. By focusing on the unique preferences and behaviors of Generation Z in Sri Lanka, the study bridges a critical gap in the literature, which has insufficiently addressed the mechanisms driving advocacy in this market. The findings underscore the strategic importance of trust in leveraging IM as a tool for fostering long-term consumer loyalty and advocacy. Moreover, the study provides actionable insights for marketers and businesses to design effective, trust-centric IM campaigns tailored to the competitive and rapidly evolving BPC industry in Sri Lanka. The research employs a robust quantitative methodology anchored in the positivist paradigm, ensuring methodological rigor and replicability. Data were collected from 385 Generation Z respondents across Sri Lanka using a structured online survey. These respondents were selected based on their active engagement with BPC industry influencers on social media. The survey employed validated scales to operationalize IM sub-variables, BT, and BEV. Statistical analyses, including multiple regression, mediation testing, and correlational analysis, were conducted using SPSS 23 to test the hypothesized relationships within the conceptual framework. This methodological approach ensured the reliability and validity of findings while offering nuanced insights into the influence of IM on BEV through the mediating role of BT. The findings provide empirical evidence that IM significantly influences BEV, with BT serving as a critical mediator. Regression analyses reveal that IM explains over 79% of the variance in BEV behaviors, underscoring its strategic importance in fostering consumer advocacy. Among IM sub-variables, source credibility and source attractiveness are the most impactful in building BT, while source familiarity and positive attitudes toward influencers enhance BEV behaviors. Mediation testing confirms that BT partially mediates the relationship between IM and BEV, reinforcing the pivotal role of trust in converting digital engagements into actionable advocacy. These results align with global IM literature while emphasizing unique dynamics in Sri Lanka, such as the heightened importance of authenticity and relatability in influencing Generation Z consumers. Despite its contributions, the study is subject to several limitations. First, its focus on Generation Z within the BPC industry in Sri Lanka may limit the generalizability of findings to other demographic groups or industries. Second, reliance on cross-sectional data constrains the ability to capture temporal shifts in consumer behavior and the evolving dynamics of IM practices. Third, the use of self-reported data introduces potential biases, such as social desirability bias, that may affect the accuracy of responses. Future research should address these limitations by employing longitudinal designs, expanding the demographic and industrial scope, and integrating advanced qualitative methods to provide deeper insights into consumer perceptions and behaviors. Theoretically, this study advances the field by integrating IM, BT, and BEV into a cohesive framework tailored to an emerging market. It bridges significant gaps in the literature by offering localized insights into how IM strategies foster trust and advocacy in a socioculturally distinct context. The findings extend the application of key theories, such as the Source Credibility Theory, by demonstrating their relevance in shaping consumer behavior in Sri Lanka’s BPC sector. Practically, the study offers actionable recommendations for marketers and policymakers. Marketers are advised to prioritize influencer authenticity, demographic alignment, and culturally resonant messaging to build trust and drive advocacy. BT should be positioned as a strategic priority in IM campaigns, as trust fosters long-term consumer loyalty and advocacy beyond transactional engagements. Policymakers, in turn, are encouraged to develop guidelines that promote ethical practices and transparency in influencer collaborations, ensuring consumer protection and equitable market dynamics. The research also has implications for academia, providing a foundation for future studies exploring IM’s impact in other emerging markets. It highlights the importance of incorporating cultural and generational nuances into theoretical and practical applications, paving the way for comparative studies across diverse contexts. By addressing the interplay of IM, BT, and BEV in Sri Lanka’s BPC industry, the study contributes to the global discourse on digital consumer engagement and advocacy.Item Impact of Micro-Influencers on E-Brand Loyalty of Online Consumers in Sri Lankan Ayurveda Cosmetic Industry: Moderating Effect of E-WOM(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) De Silva, G. W. K. N.; Udara, S. W. I.This study examines how micro-influencers affect online consumers' e-brand loyalty in the Sri Lankan ayurvedic cosmetics industry, with a particular focus on the moderating role of electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM). The digital era has significantly impacted the corporate environment, with social media marketing becoming a primary strategy for marketers to shape brand loyalty among their target audience. Influencer marketing has grown significantly in the digital era, with a global valuation of $21.1 billion in 2023. In Sri Lanka, the market for influencer advertising is expected to generate US$17.23 million in ad spending by 2024. Among various influencer categories, micro-influencers are seen as crucial in the growing significance of influencer marketing because they engage with niche audiences to shape consumer experiences with more personal and interactive content. Despite the growing importance of influencer marketing, gaps remain in understanding how micro-influencers influence brand loyalty, particularly in the Sri Lankan context. This study addresses these gaps by exploring how key micro-influencer attributes such as expertise, trustworthiness, and attractiveness impact e-brand loyalty and how E-WOM strengthens these relationships. A quantitative research approach was adopted, with data collected through an online survey. A sample of 385 participants was targeted, yielding 288 valid responses for analysis. The study measured key variables using a five-point Likert scale. Micro-influencers' trustworthiness, expertise, and attractiveness were considered independent variables, while e-brand loyalty served as the dependent variable, and E-WOM functioned as the moderator. Statistical analysis, including multiple linear regression and Andrew F. Hayes’ Process Macro in SPSS, was used to examine the relationships and moderating effects. The findings indicate that micro-influencer attributes significantly influence e-brand loyalty. Specifically, trustworthiness and attractiveness had a strong positive impact, whereas expertise showed no significant direct effect. However, the association between micro-influencer variables and e-brand loyalty was considerably modulated by E-WOM, which increased the influence of attractiveness and trustworthiness on e-brand loyalty outcomes. Given that the study focused exclusively on the Sri Lankan Ayurveda cosmetics market, its findings may not be generalizable to other industries or geographic regions. Additionally, reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases, such as social desirability effects. Moreover, the study did not incorporate qualitative insights from brands or influencers regarding effective micro-influencer strategies, which could be explored in future research. This study makes important theoretical and practical contributions. It extends the literature on micro-influencer marketing by contextualizing its effects within the Sri Lankan market and examining the interplay between influencer attributes and E-WOM. By aligning with the Source Credibility Theory, the study enhances understanding of how micro-influencers foster brand loyalty through perceived trustworthiness and attractiveness, particularly when reinforced by E-WOM. From a practical standpoint, the findings offer valuable insights for marketers and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of building authentic, visually appealing, and trustworthy influencer relationships while leveraging E-WOM strategies to enhance consumer engagement. Additionally, the study provides a conceptual framework for future research in emerging economies, where digital marketing is rapidly evolving alongside cultural and technological shifts.Item Exploring the Role of Influencer Marketing on Green Brand Loyalty: Study the Mediating Effect of Environmental Consciousness with Special Reference to the Personal Care Industry in Sri Lanka: A Literature Review(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2025) Vidanagama, A. S.; Udovita, P. V. M. V. D.With the increasing global focus on sustainability, consumer behavior has shifted toward environmentally conscious purchasing decisions, particularly in the personal care industry. Influencer marketing has emerged as a key driver in promoting green brands and fostering consumer engagement. This study explores the impact of influencer marketing on green brand loyalty in Sri Lanka’s personal care industry while examining the mediating role of environmental consciousness. The research provides insights into how sustainability-driven influencer strategies can enhance consumer loyalty and strengthen brand positioning. A deductive approach and quantitative research methodology were employed to validate the conceptual framework and hypotheses. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 364 respondents from the Western and Southern provinces, where awareness and accessibility to green products are relatively high. Key variables, including influencer marketing, environmental consciousness, and green brand loyalty, were measured using validated scales. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis, were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro to assess the relationships among the variables. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between influencer marketing and green brand loyalty (β = 0.737, p < 0.001). Influencers who demonstrate credibility, relatability, and expertise effectively build trust and emotional connections with consumers. Content formats such as tutorials, testimonials, and eco-friendly lifestyle demonstrations play a crucial role in driving brand loyalty. Furthermore, influencer marketing significantly influences environmental consciousness (β = 0.689, p < 0.001), as influencers serve as educators who raise awareness about sustainability and eco-friendly behaviors. Additionally, environmental consciousness positively impacts green brand loyalty (β = 0.709, p < 0.001), indicating that consumers who are more environmentally aware exhibit stronger brand commitment. Environmental consciousness also partially mediates the relationship between influencer marketing and green brand loyalty (β = 0.268, 95% CI [0.172, 0.369]), suggesting that while influencer marketing directly influences loyalty, its impact is enhanced when consumers develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases, as respondents may overstate their environmental consciousness or loyalty. The cross-sectional design limits the ability to track long-term changes in consumer behavior. Furthermore, the study focuses on urban and suburban areas, which may not fully represent rural populations where access to green products and engagement with influencer marketing may differ. Theoretically, this study contributes to the green marketing and influencer marketing literature by demonstrating the mediating role of environmental consciousness in shaping brand loyalty. Practically, it offers actionable recommendations for brands, influencers, and policymakers. Brands should collaborate with credible influencers who align with sustainability values to amplify green messaging and foster stronger customer loyalty. Transparency in sustainability claims and the use of engaging content formats such as eco-friendly tutorials and testimonials can enhance trust and consumer engagement. For influencers, the findings highlight the importance of creating authentic, educational content that emphasizes the environmental benefits of green products. Policymakers can use these insights to establish regulations ensuring transparency in influencer marketing campaigns and preventing greenwashing. Future research could explore the role of different social media platforms in shaping consumer perceptions of green brands and investigate cross-cultural variations in sustainability-focused influencer marketing. Additionally, examining the influence of price sensitivity and product quality on green brand loyalty would offer deeper insights into consumer decision-making.