Brand equity, key to the
evaluation of marketing
performance, exists in the
hearts and minds of consumers,
and other marketplace
players, but is largely
assessed on the basis of
observed behaviours. Such
measures are typically
relative (to other brands) –
e.g. market share and relative
price – whereas direct measures
of brand equity – e.g.
awareness and attitudes – are
conventionally expressed in
absolute terms. The correlation
between the two sets has
been poor. Expressing brand
equity in relational terms
opens a new line of research
which may provide better
performance prediction and
assessment. Trust is the most
popular measure for relationship
assessment and may
similarly prove to be the
leading indicator for brand
equity. Some research proposals
are made.