3. Strategic Consistency
This dimension recognizes that all parts of the brand entity send a message to customers and other stakeholders. The co-ordination of brand messages, from whatever source, including other aspects of the marketing mix, coordination of customer-facing staff, and, more broadly, contact with the organization, must be consistent to protect brand image (Duncan and Moriarty 1997). Achieving strategic consistency has also been likened to central coordination of IMC programs (Cornelissen 2001; Duncan and Moriarty 1997; Eagle and Kitchen 2000; Low 2000; Pickton and Hartley 1998). Enabling strategic consistency requires the use of meetings and other planning mechanisms that facilitate linkages between marketing and brand strategy and IMC strategy, and also the use of mechanisms to ensure that the brand has the best opportunity for achieving one voice/one look across all elements of the marketing mix (Duncan and Moriarty 1997; Eagle and Kitchen 2000; Schultz 1998; Smith 1996). The issue of consistency should also extend to cover the design and implementation of campaigns over time (Duncan and Moriarty 1997; Eagle and Kitchen 2000; Phelps and Johnson 1996).