Research Article Open Access

Guerrilla Marketing Communication Tools and Ethical Problems in Guerilla Advertising

Canan Ay1, Pinar Aytekin2 and Sinan Nardali3
  • 1 Celal Bayar University, Turkey
  • 2 Turgutlu Occupational College, Turkey
  • 3 School of Applied Science, Turkey

Abstract

Problem statement: Companies attempt to reach private worlds of consumers and give them memorable experience with their brands by using guerrilla marketing tools. Guerrilla advertising, which is one of the guerrilla marketing tools, usually attracts the attention of consumers but sometimes irritates and annoys the consumers and even breaks the law. Approach: The study determined these ethical aspects by evaluating different guerilla advertising strategies of the companies. A critical assessment of the printed and visual discoursed of guerilla ads were made in this context. Results: The assessment indicated that there are some ethical problems about guerrilla advertising implementations. Especially the ads, which include fear-appeal, may irritate people. Also, distraction of attention in traffic is the other important ethical problem. Conclusion/Recommendations: These kinds of guerrilla ads may reduce the effectiveness of advertisements in general and dislike of a company’s ad may lead to biased reactions towards future advertisements. Ethical, legal and societal boundaries must be considered in guerilla advertising strategies. In sum today’s marketers have to take greater responsibility for the negative impacts of the practices of guerilla advertising.

American Journal of Economics and Business Administration
Volume 2 No. 3, 2010, 280-286

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajebasp.2010.280.286

Submitted On: 15 June 2010 Published On: 30 September 2010

How to Cite: Ay, C., Aytekin, P. & Nardali, S. (2010). Guerrilla Marketing Communication Tools and Ethical Problems in Guerilla Advertising. American Journal of Economics and Business Administration, 2(3), 280-286. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajebasp.2010.280.286

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Keywords

  • Marketing communication
  • guerrilla advertising
  • ethical problems