Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Research & Publications
Original research examining the foundations of brand theory, emotional connection, and systematic identity-building.
Original research examining the foundations of brand theory, emotional connection, and systematic identity-building.
Original research examining the foundations of brand theory, emotional connection, and systematic identity-building.
Published
Published
Published
The Linguistic Collapse of "Brand": Semantic Inflation and Definitional Failure in Marketing Discourse
The Linguistic Collapse of "Brand": Semantic Inflation and Definitional Failure in Marketing Discourse
The Linguistic Collapse of "Brand": Semantic Inflation and Definitional Failure in Marketing Discourse
The term "brand" has become ubiquitous in business discourse, yet exhibits fundamental definitional incoherence. This paper provides the first systematic documentation of how "brand" has undergone semantic inflation to the point of operational uselessness, using etymological analysis, cross-linguistic comparison, and substitution testing.
The analysis reveals that "brand" can mean logo, reputation, promise, feeling, story, or experience depending on context, and therefore means nothing specific in any context. This definitional collapse prevents systematic building, academic teaching, and measurable outcomes.
This paper diagnoses the problem. Future research will explore operational alternatives.
Read on SSRN | DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5741483
Status: Published on SSRN. Submitted for peer review.
The term "brand" has become ubiquitous in business discourse, yet exhibits fundamental definitional incoherence. This paper provides the first systematic documentation of how "brand" has undergone semantic inflation to the point of operational uselessness, using etymological analysis, cross-linguistic comparison, and substitution testing.
The analysis reveals that "brand" can mean logo, reputation, promise, feeling, story, or experience depending on context, and therefore means nothing specific in any context. This definitional collapse prevents systematic building, academic teaching, and measurable outcomes.
This paper diagnoses the problem. Future research will explore operational alternatives.
Read on SSRN | DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5741483
Status: Published on SSRN. Submitted for peer review.
The term "brand" has become ubiquitous in business discourse, yet exhibits fundamental definitional incoherence. This paper provides the first systematic documentation of how "brand" has undergone semantic inflation to the point of operational uselessness, using etymological analysis, cross-linguistic comparison, and substitution testing.
The analysis reveals that "brand" can mean logo, reputation, promise, feeling, story, or experience depending on context, and therefore means nothing specific in any context. This definitional collapse prevents systematic building, academic teaching, and measurable outcomes.
This paper diagnoses the problem. Future research will explore operational alternatives.
Read on SSRN | DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5741483
Status: Published on SSRN. Submitted for peer review.
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
Forthcoming
The Law of Emotional Consistency: A Unified Theory of Lasting Human Connection
The Law of Emotional Consistency: A Unified Theory of Lasting Human Connection
The Law of Emotional Consistency: A Unified Theory of Lasting Human Connection
Building on the definitional analysis above, this paper establishes the underlying principle that governs lasting emotional connection across contexts, from religion to politics to commerce. The central thesis: people don't trust what they like; they trust what they can predict emotionally.
Status: In preparation for submission.
Building on the definitional analysis above, this paper establishes the underlying principle that governs lasting emotional connection across contexts, from religion to politics to commerce. The central thesis: people don't trust what they like; they trust what they can predict emotionally.
Status: In preparation for submission.
Building on the definitional analysis above, this paper establishes the underlying principle that governs lasting emotional connection across contexts, from religion to politics to commerce. The central thesis: people don't trust what they like; they trust what they can predict emotionally.
Status: In preparation for submission.
Academic Profile
Academic Profile
Academic Profile
ORCID: 0009-0009-7221-6138
SSRN: Author Page
ORCID: 0009-0009-7221-6138
SSRN: Author Page
ORCID: 0009-0009-7221-6138
SSRN: Author Page