The emergence of Generation Z as a dominant consumer group has transformed brand equity dynamics in the digital era. This study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4 to empirically examine the influence of Gen Z’s digital engagement behaviours on brand equity growth. The analysis centres around four key constructs: Consumer Engagement Behaviours, Digital Brand Engagement, Word-of-Mouth Marketing, and Brand Equity Perceived Growth. Findings indicate that DWOM_ (0.4489) has the strongest positive impact on, followed by (0.3044) and (0.2579), underscoring the pivotal role of peer-driven brand advocacy. The model explains 76.96% of the variance in, demonstrating high predictive power. Reliability and validity assessments confirm strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability exceeding 0.7, ensuring measurement robustness. Discriminant validity is largely upheld, though and exhibit some correlation with. The results affirm Gen Z’s heavy reliance on digital brand interactions, social media engagement, and peer influence as driving forces behind perceived brand value. This study highlights the strategic importance of digital-first engagement models, encouraging brand managers to optimize interactive and community-driven marketing strategies for sustained brand equity growth. Future research should explore moderation effects based on cultural variations and digital platform-specific interactions to further refine generational impact models. Additionally, integrating AI-powered sentiment analysis and predictive analytics could enhance consumer engagement insights, enabling brands to adapt to fast-evolving digital behaviours among Gen Z consumers.
In the dynamic landscape of contemporary marketing, the digital revolution has catalyzed significant transformations in consumer behaviour, brand engagement, and strategic branding. Among the emergent consumer segments, Generation Z (Gen Z)—those born approximately between 1997 and 2012—has emerged as a pivotal force shaping the future of brand equity. Characterized by digital nativity, hyper-connectivity, and social consciousness, Gen Z exhibits unique attitudes and behaviours toward brands, often mediated through digital platforms. Their interactions with brands are largely experiential, participatory, and values-driven, which calls for a reevaluation of traditional brand equity frameworks.
As businesses increasingly rely on digital channels to build and communicate brand value, understanding how Gen Z contributes to or transforms brand equity is essential. The digital era, marked by the proliferation of social media, e-commerce, influencer culture, and algorithm-driven personalization, offers both opportunities and challenges in maintaining and enhancing brand equity. This study endeavors to empirically investigate the influence of Generation Z consumers on brand equity within this digital environment, shedding light on how their digital behaviour, preferences, and values reshape brand perceptions and loyalty.
This paper aims to bridge the gap in empirical studies concerning the Gen Z–brand equity relationship in the digital context. By examining relevant constructs such as brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality, and brand associations, the study seeks to offer nuanced insights into how digital-native consumers perceive and co-create brand value. The findings are expected to provide valuable implications for marketers, brand strategists, and digital communication experts in designing effective brand strategies tailored to the Gen Z cohort.
Generation Z (Gen Z):
Generation Z refers to individuals born approximately between 1997 and 2012. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up entirely in the digital age. Their worldview is shaped by constant internet connectivity, smartphones, social media platforms (like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube), and exposure to global cultures. They are pragmatic, socially conscious, and value authenticity, inclusivity, and real-time engagement.
Digital Era:
The digital era refers to the period characterized by the widespread use of digital technology and the internet. It encompasses the use of smartphones, digital marketing, AI, data analytics, social networking, and online commerce. In this context, it represents a transformative period for businesses, where consumer-brand interactions are increasingly mediated through digital touchpoints.
Brand Equity:
Brand equity refers to the value a brand adds to a product or service beyond its functional benefits. It is typically composed of several dimensions, including:
Understanding Generation Z as Digital Consumers
Generation Z has been the subject of increasing scholarly attention due to its distinctive digital behaviour and its potential to reshape consumer-brand relationships. According to Williams, Page, Petrosky, and Hernandez (2010), Gen Z differs significantly from previous generations in terms of communication preferences, content consumption, and purchasing behaviour. Born into a world already shaped by internet and mobile technology, they are considered “digital natives” (Prensky, 2001), comfortable with multitasking across platforms, and skeptical of traditional advertising.
A study by Turner (2015) further emphasized that Gen Z is socially conscious, entrepreneurial, and expects instant gratification, which influences how they interact with brands. They gravitate toward brands that offer personalization, inclusivity, and purpose-driven messaging (Francis & Hoefel, 2018). This generation also displays a shorter attention span (McKinsey, 2018), necessitating brands to develop more engaging and visually dynamic content to maintain relevance.
Digital Era and Its Transformative Effect on Brand Strategies
The digital era, characterized by the ubiquity of the internet, mobile applications, AI, and social media, has redefined traditional marketing paradigms. Mangold and Faulds (2009) argue that social media platforms have become a hybrid element of the promotional mix where consumers are not just passive receivers but active content creators and brand advocates.
Digitalization allows for two-way communication, enabling brands to interact with consumers in real time and on a personal level. Kumar and Kaushik (2020) discuss the rise of content marketing, influencer collaborations, and experiential campaigns that create stronger emotional connections with digitally native audiences. These interactions are no longer linear but iterative and dynamic, with consumers contributing to brand narratives through comments, hashtags, and user-generated content.
Brand Equity: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives
Brand equity has long been a cornerstone of marketing strategy. Aaker (1991) conceptualized brand equity through a model comprising brand awareness, perceived quality, brand associations, and brand loyalty. Keller (1993) introduced the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model, which emphasizes the importance of brand knowledge structures in shaping consumer responses.
While these frameworks are still relevant, scholars like Christodoulides and de Chernatony (2010) argue that digital environments necessitate a more participatory view of brand equity. In digital spaces, brand equity is no longer unidirectionally communicated but co-created through interactions, sharing, and peer influence (Gensler et al., 2013). This co-creation aspect becomes particularly pronounced with Gen Z, who often see themselves as collaborators rather than consumers.
Social Media’s Role in Shaping Brand Equity
Social media platforms have emerged as critical enablers of brand engagement and equity building, particularly among younger audiences. Research by Bruhn, Schoenmueller, and Schäfer (2012) shows that brand-related user-generated content significantly affects brand trust and purchase intentions. Gen Z's extensive use of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for product discovery and brand evaluation makes these channels essential to brand equity strategies (Djafarova & Bowes, 2021).
Kaplan and Haenlein (2010) assert that brands that actively manage their online presence through content curation, influencer partnerships, and community engagement are better positioned to build equity. Generation Z, in particular, prefers brands that maintain authentic, interactive, and transparent digital communication (Chatterjee, Rana, & Sharma, 2021).
Influencer Marketing and Peer Influence
Influencer marketing plays a substantial role in shaping brand perceptions among Gen Z consumers. According to De Veirman, Cauberghe, and Hudders (2017), influencers serve as opinion leaders whose endorsements can enhance brand equity components such as perceived quality and trust. Unlike traditional celebrity endorsements, micro- and nano-influencers often possess a more relatable and trustworthy image, making them more effective in building authenticity among Gen Z audiences (Sokolova & Kefi, 2020).
Gen Z places significant trust in peer recommendations and online reviews over corporate messages (Pew Research, 2020). The value of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has increased, with studies by Cheung and Thadani (2012) confirming its impact on brand attitudes and loyalty.
Personalization and Brand Experience
The expectation of personalized experiences is another characteristic feature of Gen Z. Lemon and Verhoef (2016) highlight the importance of integrated customer journeys where digital and physical experiences align to create seamless brand encounters. Personalized marketing communications, dynamic product recommendations, and real-time customer service enhance the perceived value and relevance of the brand, thus positively impacting brand equity.
Yoon and Kim (2018) assert that brand experience—comprising sensory, affective, intellectual, and behavioural dimensions—mediates the relationship between brand engagement and equity. Gen Z responds particularly well to immersive digital experiences, such as virtual try-ons, gamification, and augmented reality (AR), which contribute to positive brand associations and emotional bonding.
Brand Authenticity, Purpose, and Trust
Authenticity is a crucial determinant of Gen Z’s brand loyalty and advocacy. Morhart et al. (2015) define brand authenticity as the extent to which consumers perceive a brand as genuine, original, and aligned with its stated values. Studies indicate that Gen Z favors brands that actively engage in social, environmental, and political issues, provided such engagements are perceived as sincere (Fromm & Read, 2018; Vredenburg et al., 2020).
Trust, as a dimension of brand equity, is particularly fragile in the digital era, where misinformation and performative marketing can quickly damage a brand’s reputation. Brands that maintain transparency in their supply chains, employee policies, and community impact are more likely to gain and retain the trust of Gen Z consumers (Bailey & Seock, 2010).
Challenges in Measuring Gen Z's Impact on Brand Equity
Despite the growing recognition of Gen Z’s influence, empirical studies remain limited. A key challenge lies in measuring the fluid and non-linear nature of digital engagement. Pappu and Quester (2006) stress the need for revised measurement tools that capture real-time behavioural metrics, such as click-through rates, shareability, sentiment analysis, and brand mentions.
Additionally, the heterogeneity within Gen Z complicates generalization. Cultural, regional, and socioeconomic factors affect how members of this generation interact with brands. Hence, localized studies and adaptive methodologies are necessary to develop a more granular understanding of their impact on brand equity (Becker & Lee, 2019).
Synthesis of Literature
The literature reveals a robust interplay between Generation Z’s digital behaviour and evolving brand equity models. Gen Z’s digital nativity, demand for authenticity, reliance on influencers and peers, and high standards for personalized experiences have substantially altered how brands build and sustain equity. Traditional constructs of brand equity remain valid but require expansion to include digitally mediated variables and participatory dynamics.
While theoretical frameworks have been proposed to address these new dynamics, empirical studies—particularly those using behavioural data from Gen Z audiences—remain underdeveloped. This gap necessitates research that combines classic brand equity metrics with digital engagement indicators to provide a holistic picture of Gen Z’s influence in the digital era.
Supporting Literature for Each Construct
Table-1 Relevant studies that support the constructs used in the analysis.
Construct |
Definition & Explanation |
Key Supporting Literature |
Consumer Engagement Behaviors (CEBQ_) |
Refers to consumers’ active participation, interaction, and emotional connection with a brand. |
Brodie et al. (2011) – "Consumer engagement: Conceptual domain, fundamental propositions, and implications" |
Digital Brand Engagement (DBGZ_) |
The interaction between consumers and brands through digital platforms, including social media and websites. |
Hollebeek et al. (2014) – "Consumer brand engagement in social media: Conceptualization, scale development, and validation" |
Word-of-Mouth Marketing (DWOM_) |
Consumer-driven promotion via personal recommendations, online reviews, and social media discussions. |
Keller (2007) – "Unleashing the Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing" |
Brand Equity Perceived Growth (BEPGZ_) |
The consumer’s perception of a brand’s increasing value over time, influenced by engagement and brand trust. |
Aaker (1991) – "Managing Brand Equity: Capitalizing on the Value of a Brand Name" |
Research Design
This study employs a quantitative research approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impact of Generation Z’s digital engagement behaviours on brand equity growth. PLS-SEM is chosen due to its suitability for complex models involving latent constructs, allowing for robust hypothesis testing and predictive analytics. Empirical, explanatory research method chosen with collection of 100 responses through Structured survey questionnaire
Sample Size and Method of Sampling
Sample Size Determination
The sample size for this study was determined using post-hoc minimum sample size calculations in SmartPLS 4, ensuring statistical validity for PLS-SEM modeling. Based on the model complexity and effect sizes, the recommended sample sizes were:
With an R² of 0.7696, the final sample size ensured robust model fit and predictive validity.
Sampling Method
This study employs a purposive sampling technique, specifically targeting Generation Z consumers actively engaged with brands in the digital landscape. The criteria for selecting respondents include:
Data Collection Process
This approach enhances representativeness of the Gen Z population while ensuring high response quality for PLS-SEM hypothesis testing.
Hypothesis of the Study
H1: Consumer Engagement Behaviours have a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth.
H2: Digital Brand Engagement has a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth.
H3: Word-of-Mouth Marketing has a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth.
H4: The model explains a substantial proportion of variance in Brand Equity, indicating strong predictive validity.
H5: There is no significant multicollinearity between predictor variables, ensuring robust estimation.
H6: Consumer Engagement Behaviours and Word-of-Mouth Marketing are highly correlated, potentially affecting discriminant validity.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Path Coefficients Table
Table 2: Strength and significance of relationships between independent and dependent variables.
Predictor Variable |
Dependent Variable |
Path Coefficient |
Interpretation |
CEBQ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.3044 |
Moderate positive effect |
DBGZ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.2579 |
Weak positive effect |
DWOM_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.4489 |
Strong positive effect |
> Key Insight: DWOM_ has the strongest influence on BEPGZ_, followed by CEBQ_ and DBGZ_.
R-Square (Explained Variance)
Table-3: Predictive power of independent variables for BEPGZ_.
Dependent Variable |
R-Square |
Adjusted R-Square |
Interpretation |
BEPGZ_ |
0.7696 |
0.7624 |
76.96% of the variance is explained, indicating strong predictive power |
> Key Insight: The independent variables explain a substantial portion of BEPGZ_.
Reliability & Validity
Table-4: Internal consistency and validity measures to ensure robust measurement.
Construct |
Cronbach's Alpha |
Composite Reliability (rho_c) |
AVE (Average Variance Extracted) |
Interpretation |
BEPGZ_ |
0.9108 |
0.9307 |
0.6613 |
High reliability & validity |
CEBQ_ |
0.6833 |
0.7907 |
0.4953 |
Moderate reliability |
DBGZ_ |
0.8416 |
0.8938 |
0.6783 |
Strong reliability & validity |
DWOM_ |
0.8852 |
0.9128 |
0.6362 |
High reliability & validity |
> Key Insight: BEPGZ_, DBGZ_, and DWOM_ have strong reliability and validity, while CEBQ_ is slightly below optimal AVE (0.4953).
Collinearity Statistics (VIF)
Table-5: Multicollinearity issues among independent variables.
Predictor Variable |
VIF (Variance Inflation Factor) |
Interpretation |
CEBQ_ → BEPGZ_ |
2.5650 |
Acceptable (No serious multicollinearity) |
DBGZ_ → BEPGZ_ |
1.8373 |
Low collinearity risk |
DWOM_ → BEPGZ_ |
1.8870 |
Low collinearity risk |
> Key Insight: No major multicollinearity concerns exist.
Model Fit Indices
Table-6: Assessing how well the PLS-SEM model fits the data.
Fit Metric |
Value |
Interpretation |
SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) |
0.1067 |
Moderate fit |
NFI (Normed Fit Index) |
0.677 |
Acceptable, but could be improved |
> Key Insight: While moderate model fit is achieved, further refinement may improve the results.
Total Effects Table
Table-7: Combined direct and indirect effects of predictor variables on the dependent variable (BEPGZ_).
Predictor Variable |
Dependent Variable |
Total Effect |
Interpretation |
CEBQ_ → BEPGZ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.3044 |
Moderate positive effect |
DBGZ_ → BEPGZ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.2579 |
Weak positive effect |
DWOM_ → BEPGZ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.4489 |
Strong positive effect |
> Key Insight: Total effects confirm that DWOM_ contributes the most to the variance in BEPGZ_, followed by CEBQ_ and DBGZ_.
Discriminant Validity – Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT)
Table-8: How distinct the constructs are from each other.
Constructs Compared |
HTMT Value |
Threshold (<0.85) |
Interpretation |
CEBQ_ <-> BEPGZ_ |
0.8715 |
Above |
Needs improvement |
DBGZ_ <-> BEPGZ_ |
0.7934 |
Below |
Acceptable |
DBGZ_ <-> CEBQ_ |
0.8540 |
Below |
Acceptable |
DWOM_ <-> BEPGZ_ |
0.8653 |
Above |
Needs improvement |
DWOM_ <-> CEBQ_ |
0.7679 |
Below |
Acceptable |
DWOM_ <-> DBGZ_ |
0.5743 |
Below |
Strong discriminant validity |
> Key Insight: CEBQ_ and DWOM_ exhibit high correlation with BEPGZ_, indicating potential overlap and requiring careful interpretation.
Variance Explained – f² (Effect Size)
Table-9: Measurement of importance of each predictor variable.
Predictor Variable |
Dependent Variable |
f² Value |
Interpretation |
CEBQ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.1568 |
Medium effect |
DBGZ_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.1571 |
Medium effect |
DWOM_ |
BEPGZ_ |
0.4635 |
Large effect |
> Key Insight: DWOM_ has the largest effect size, significantly influencing BEPGZ_ compared to CEBQ_ and DBGZ_.
Covariances Between Constructs
Table-10: Shows how correlated the latent variables are.
Constructs |
Covariance Value |
Interpretation |
BEPGZ_ & CEBQ_ |
0.7842 |
Strong correlation |
BEPGZ_ & DBGZ_ |
0.6891 |
Moderate correlation |
BEPGZ_ & DWOM_ |
0.7869 |
Strong correlation |
CEBQ_ & DBGZ_ |
0.6722 |
Moderate correlation |
CEBQ_ & DWOM_ |
0.6828 |
Moderate correlation |
DBGZ_ & DWOM_ |
0.5048 |
Weak correlation |
> Key Insight: Strong correlation between BEPGZ_ & DWOM_ suggests a closely related impact.
Standardized Residuals (Model Accuracy)
Table-11: Model errors and how well indicators measure latent constructs.
Indicator |
Residual Score |
Interpretation |
BEPGZ_1 |
0.1265 |
Low residual (accurate) |
BEPGZ_2 |
-0.2515 |
Moderate residual |
BEPGZ_3 |
-0.3903 |
Higher error (potential issue) |
CEBQ_1 |
0.3062 |
Low residual (accurate) |
DWOM_5 |
0.8376 |
High residual (needs attention) |
> Key Insight: While most residuals are low, BEPGZ_3 and DWOM_5 show high errors, which might need further refinement.
Measurement Model Assessment
This step ensures that the indicators are correctly measuring their latent constructs using:
Structural Model Evaluation
Hypotheses Testing
H1: Consumer Engagement Behaviours (CEBQ_) have a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth (BEPGZ_).
H2: Digital Brand Engagement (DBGZ_) has a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth (BEPGZ_).
H3: Word-of-Mouth Marketing (DWOM_) has a positive impact on Brand Equity Perceived Growth (BEPGZ_).
H4: The model explains a substantial proportion of variance in Brand Equity (BEPGZ_), indicating strong predictive validity.
H5: There is no significant multicollinearity between predictor variables, ensuring robust estimation.
H6: Consumer Engagement Behaviors (CEBQ_) and Word-of-Mouth Marketing (DWOM_) are highly correlated, potentially affecting discriminant validity.
Summary of Hypothesis Testing
Accepted Hypotheses:
Summary of Findings
This study provides empirical insights into the evolving role of Generation Z’s digital engagement behaviors in shaping brand equity in the digital era. Through PLS-SEM analysis in SmartPLS 4, the findings highlight the strong predictive capability of Consumer Engagement Behaviors (CEBQ_), Digital Brand Engagement (DBGZ_), and Word-of-Mouth Marketing (DWOM_) in influencing Brand Equity Perceived Growth (BEPGZ_).
The analysis reveals that DWOM_ (0.4489) has the strongest positive effect on BEPGZ_, emphasizing the power of peer-driven brand advocacy and digital word-of-mouth. CEBQ_ (0.3044) and DBGZ_ (0.2579) further contribute to brand equity growth, indicating the importance of consumer interaction and digital engagement. The model explains 76.96% of the variance in BEPGZ_, confirming its high predictive strength. Reliability and validity tests demonstrate strong internal consistency, while collinearity diagnostics and discriminant validity assessments affirm construct robustness.
The findings underscore the need for brands to actively engage with Gen Z through social media platforms, interactive digital experiences, and peer-driven strategies. Marketers should focus on strengthening consumer participation and leveraging digital word-of-mouth to enhance brand perception and loyalty.
Future research should explore moderation effects across different demographic groups, platform-specific engagement strategies, and longitudinal studies to assess brand equity evolution over time. Additionally, AI-powered sentiment analysis and machine learning-driven predictive models could enhance understanding of digital consumer engagement, optimizing brand strategies for long-term growth in an era dominated by Generation Z.