BSSS Journal of Management, Volume XVII, Issue-I

 

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS ON PURCHASE INTENTIONS OF GENERATION Z IN YANGON, MYANMAR

 

 

*Myo Aung, **Asst Prof Dr. Siriwan Kitcharoen, ***Dr. Bhumiphat Gilitwala

*MBA Student, **Assistant Vice President for Educational Innovation and Graduate Studies, ***Program Director MBA, Assumption University 

 

 

Abstract

This research aims to examine the effectiveness of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) on the purchase intentions of Generation Z consumers in Yangon, Myanmar. The framework includes digital advertising, influencer marketing, content marketing, public relations, social media marketing, and purchase intention as predictors of perceived influence. A quantitative research design was applied, using structured questionnaires distributed to 385 respondents aged 18–27 years in Yangon through purposive sampling. Content validity was tested with Item Objective Consistency (IOC), while Cronbach’s Alpha confirmed construct reliability. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and regression techniques using Jamovi software to evaluate the hypotheses and establish causal relationships. The findings indicate that influencer marketing and social media marketing have the strongest impact on Generation Z’s purchase intentions. Content marketing and public relations also play significant roles, while digital advertising shows only a marginal effect. These results highlight that Gen Z consumers are influenced more by effective information flow and interactive engagement on social media platforms than by mere exposure to digital advertising.  The study contributes to IMC literature in emerging markets and provides practical insights for marketers in designing consumer-centric strategies through credible influencers, engaging content, and active social media presence.

Keywords: Integrated Marketing Communications, Generation Z, Purchase Intention, Digital Advertising, Influencer Marketing, Content Marketing, Public Relation, Social Media Marketing

 

 

1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the study

In the fast-changing business landscape of today, integrated marketing communications (IMC) has become a vital strategic tool. It requires the coordination and integration of several marketing tools and channels such as advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing, and digital media to provide a consistent and powerful message to target audiences (Belch and Belch, 2021). Particularly in Myanmar, the fast expansion of digital platforms and rising smartphone penetration have substantially changed customer behavior, especially among younger generations.

Generation Z are those who were born between 1997 and 2012, is becoming a major consumer segment in Myanmar. Digital nativity, social media fluency, and a desire for customized and genuine brand engagements define this cohort (Williams et al., 2012; Seemiller and Grace, 2016). Understanding how IMC techniques affect Gen Z's purchasing intents gets increasingly important as companies move toward customer-centric and data-driven strategies.

Though Myanmar faces political and financial difficulties, digital transformation keeps advancing and provides marketers chances to use integrated campaigns successfully. There is little academic study available on how these techniques affect Gen Z's purchase intentions in a local setting. This study tries to close this gap by assessing how well integrated marketing campaigns affect Gen Z's purchase intentions in Myanmar.

 

1.1 Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated marketing communications on the purchase intentions of Gen Z consumers in Yangon, Myanmar. The specific objectives are:

  1. To identify the components of integrated marketing communications currently employed in Myanmar.
  2. To examine the effectiveness of these component of IMC on Gen Z’s purchase intentions.
  3. To determine which component of IMC are most effective in driving purchase intentions among Gen Z consumers.
  4. To provide recommendations for marketers to enhance IMC effectiveness targeting Gen Z.

 

2.Literature Review

2..1Purchase Intention

Purchase intention is defined as consumers’ reaction against marketing messages, which can include interest in purchase, evaluation, and finally a decision to buy. Based on Ajzen's (1991) work on the Theory of Planned Behavior, behavioral intention is the strongest predictor of actual behavior because it forms the bridge between attitudes and behaviors. Several studies in consumer behavior reveal a strong association between favorable purchase responses and purchase likelihood (Belch & Belch, 2021).

2.2 Digital Advertising

Digital advertising is the identification, access, and use of digital tools and technologies by consumers in daily practice. It includes the knowledge of platforms, advertisements and the new media content which shape the perception and behaviours of consumers (Rothman, 2019).          

2.3 Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is the practice of leveraging individuals with a prominent online identity and credibility to advertise products or services to their followers. Influencers are opinion leaders, whose endorsement can influence consumer perception and purchase intention (Freberg et al., 2011). Unlike traditional celebrities, digital influencers build credibility with their followers by being perceived as authentic, relatable, and frequently engaging with their audiences (Casaló et al., 2018). Influencer content is often integrated into social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which has made promotional influencer marketing one of the fastest growing methods of Integrated Marketing Communications.

2.4 Content Marketing

Content marketing means the creation, composition, design, and distribution of relevant and immersive marketing content that meets the interests and emotional needs of particular consumers (Ashley & Tuten, 2015). Meaningful content either informs, entertains, or inspires consumers and elevates them closer to the brand; contributing to the overall brand engagement. Scholars have shown that personalized, creative, and authentic content enhances the consumer-brand relationship significantly (Hollebeek & Macky, 2019).

 

 

2.5 Public Relation

As defined by Grunig and Hunt (1984), public relations (PR) is a strategic communication process that develops mutual-benefit relationships between organizations and their various publics. When applied to marketing, PR creates a corporate reputation, credibility, and trust among consumers, through a variety of ways such as media relations, publicity campaigns, and various forms of corporate social responsibility. The research supports this argument, as PR activities have a positive and favourable impact on brand perception and consumer attitudes. PR functions as a mechanism of IMC (Wilcox et al., 2015).

2.6 Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is defined as a process of reaching consumers and promoting brand offerings through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (Mangold & Faulds, 2009). Social media differs from typical media channels because it allows for various forms of two-way communication, allowing consumers to comment on, share, and even co-create content with brands. Several researchers find social media engagement leads to more awareness of the brand, increased trust of the brand, and positive purchase intention outcomes (Duffett, 2017; Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010).

2.7 Relationship between Digital Advertising and Purchase Intention  

       

Digital advertising is emerging as an essential part of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) with sophisticated segmentation, customization, and interactivity. Internet advertising includes banner ad, search engine ad, video ad, and programmatic ad on various digital media. For digitally empowered Generation Z consumers who are always accessible via smartphones and digital devices, internet advertising is a highly effective channel to build awareness, generate engagement, and drive purchasing intent (Duffett, 2017).

 

2.8 Relationship between Influencer marketing and Purchase Intention

Influencer marketing is a powerful driver of Internet-era Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), best suited in an era when consumer trust in conventional advertisement forms is low. It is a definition of collaboration between individuals and businesses who possess power over target publics through media like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For Gen Z consumers, who are extremely peer-referral, authenticity, and relatability-sensitive, influencer marketing is a powerful driver of purchase intentions (Schouten et al., 2020).

 

2.9 Relationship between Content Marketing and Purchase Intention

Content marketing is the process of developing and sharing valuable, consistent, relevant, and informative content with the aim of attracting and retaining a clearly defined audience. Content marketing is not selling the product directly but aims to offer content that is either educational or entertaining in character so that it allows it to build trust and build an emotional relationship with the brand (Pulizzi, 2012). In the world of Gen Z—cynical toward traditional advertising and super-duper smitten with authenticity—content marketing assumes a chief role in influencing buying intention. The value addition of content marketing is that it can create brand-consumer relationship, which is a major precursor of buying.

 

2.10 Relationship between Public Relation and Purchase Intention

Public relations (PR) is an activity of business communications employed to establish and maintain a positive reputation in front of target groups. As the central component of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), PR helps build credibility, instills confidence, and communicates a brand's values to the masses through media, press releases, sponsorships, events, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Its greatest strength lies in its power to influence perception and reputation, the two most powerful drivers of purchase intention (Grunig & Grunig, 2008). Positive PR generates two-way communication between the public and an organisation. Excellence Theory of PR advocates a symmetrical approach in which brands not only speak but also listen and converse with customers (Grunig & Grunig, 2008).

 

2.11 Relationship between Social Media Marketing and Purchase Intention

Social media marketing (SMM) is one of the most dynamic and powerful elements of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) in the age of the internet. SMM defines the use of social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to interact with customers, disseminate brand messages, and stimulate buying behavior. In Generation Z consumers, who are perpetually online and spend considerable hours on social media websites each day, SMM is halfway through influencing brand attitudes, trust, and ultimately purchase intention (Appel et al., 2020).

 

3. Research Methods and Materials

3.1Research Framework

This study's conceptual framework is based on and extends the literature on Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) and the consumer's purchase intention. The work of Mangold and Faulds (2009) on social media implications regarding consumer purchase intention, Duffett (2017) on the influence of digital marketing on young consumers' brand attitude, and Djafarova and Bowes (2021) on influencer credibility in relation to Gen Z consumers and their online purchasing behavior have added to the IMC literature. This study is based on a research area that has been a point of mention in the academic literature on IMC. This current study will measure five IMC dimensions (digital advertising, influencer marketing, content marketing, public relations and social media marketing), and the relationship they have with the purchase response and purchase intention. The conceptual framework for this study is illustrated in Figure 1.

 

 

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework (Constructed by Author)

 

·        H1: Digital advertising has a significant effect on purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in Yangon.

·        H2: Influencer marketing has a significant effect on purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in Yangon.

·        H3: Content marketing has a significant effect on purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in Yangon.

·        H4: Public relations has a significant effect on purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in Yangon.

·        H5: Social media marketing has a significant effect on purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in Yangon.

   

 

 

 

3.2 Research Methodology

Using a quantitative research approach, this study looked at Generation Z consumers’ purchase intentions in Myanmar and what effects different Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) preferences had on their decisions to purchase. A structured questionnaire was developed using measures validated in earlier research, to ensure the research instrument measured the right constructs. The survey instrument was divided into three sections. Section one asked screening questions to verify the respondents were members of Generation Z and were living in Yangon. Section two gathered demographic information such as gender, age, education level, and occupation. Section three used a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) on measuring six variables: digital advertising, influencer marketing, content marketing, public relations, social media marketing, and purchase intention.

Prior to fully administering the questionnaire, 30 respondents pilot tested the questionnaire for clarity and improved any unclear items. Reliability was examined with Cronbach’s Alpha, with coefficients over 0.7 suggested the acceptable threshold indicating internal consistency (George & Mallery, 2003). Data collection was done online via Facebook, Instagram, and university-related social media, utilizing Generation Z’s digital engagement. This method had the researchers seek a more diverse and representable sample with the least cost and convenience in mind.

The final dataset consisted of 385, valid responses, which is a sufficient sample size for conducting Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Saunders et al. (2016) noted that a clear definition of target population improves quality and comparability of the research. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) were used to analyze the demographic characteristics and provide a summary of responses. Inferential statistics tested the study’s hypotheses. Pearl correlation analyzed the strength and direction of relationships between IMC variables and purchase intention, whereas multiple regression analysis tested for the variables of IMC that were significant to Generation Z consumers’ purchase intention.

 

4. Results and Discussion

The study based on the data collected from the survey. The analysis was conducted using Jamovi and is presented in four main parts. First, reliability testing was performed using Cronbach’s alpha to determine whether the questionnaire items were consistent and reliable. Second, descriptive analysis was applied, using frequencies and percentages to summarize the demographic information of the respondents. Third, the mean and standard deviation were calculated to show the average scores and the variability of responses for each variable. Finally, multiple linear regression was used to test the research hypotheses and examine the relationships between the variables.

 

4.1 Reliability Analysis

Reliability tests were carried out to assess the internal consistency of the constructs used in this research. Values for Cronbach's alpha must be greater than or equal 0.70, and considered acceptable to indicate that researchers can have confidence in the reliability of the measurement scale (Hair et al., 2019). The results indicated all of the constructs for this study were above the minimum. 

 

Table 1 : Reliability  Test  Result

Variables

Measurement of Items

Number of Items

Cronbach’s Alpha

Strengths of association

Purchase Intention

5

0.824

Good

Digital Advertising

5

0.823

Good

Influencer Marketing

5

0.746

Acceptable

Content Marketing

5

0.702

Acceptable

Public Relation

4

0.835

Excellent

Social Media Marketing

5

0.760

Acceptable

Construct by Author

 

4.2 Descriptive Analysis

The sample (N = 385) had a nearly equal gender distribution: 47.5% male, 49.6% female, and 2.9% prefer not to say. In terms of age, most respondents were in the 21–24 years age group (54.8%) followed by 25–28 years (30.4%) and 18–20 years (14.8%). Based on educational attainment, 42.3% reported being undergrads, 39.7% were bachelor’s degrees, and 13.8% were master’s degrees. In terms of monthly income, most respondents' income was 400,001–700,000 Kyats (36.6%) followed by 200,001–400,000 Kyats (23.1%). In terms of professional status, the respondents were composed of private employees (25.2%), students (21.0%), and self-employed (19.0%) respondents while the rest is composed of smaller responses.

Table 2: Frequencies of Gender

Gender

Frequency

Percentage

Male

183

48%

Female

191

50%

Prefer not to say

11

3%

Total

385

100%

 

Table 3: Frequencies of Age

Age

Frequency

Percentage

21-24 years old

211

55%

25-28 years old

117

30%

18-20 years old

57

15%

Total

385

100%

Table 4: Frequencies of Education

 

 

 

Level of Education

Frequency

Percentage

Bachelor Degree

153

40%

Master Degree

53

14%

Under Bachelor Degree

16

42%

other

163

4%

Total

385

100%

 

Table 5: Frequencies of Income

Monthly Income

Frequency

Percentage

200,000-400,000 Kyats

89

23%

500,000-700,000 Kyats

141

37%

800,000 Kyats and Above

75

20%

Less than and equal to 150,000 Kyats

80

21%

Total

385

100%

 

Table 6: Frequencies of Professional Status

Professional Status

Frequency

Percentage

Private employee

97

25%

Self-employed

73

19%

State enterprise employee

12

3%

Searching for job

43

11%

Students

81

21%

Others

79

21%

Total

385

100%

 

 

4.3 Hypothesis Testing Result

The results reveal that respondents expressed generally positive views across most constructs and these findings indicate that while respondents demonstrated strong digital advertising and engagement with social media, actual purchase-related behaviors were more moderate.

Table 7: Regression Results

Predictors

Mean Range

Interpretation

Purchase Intention (PI)

3.61 – 4.24

Moderate to High

Digital Advertising (DA)

Above 4.0

High

Influencer Marketing (IM)

3.49 – 4.45

Mixed/Moderate

Content Marketing (CM)

4.14 – 4.46

High

Public Relation (PR)

3.36 – 3.81

Moderate

Social Media Marketing (SMM)

Up to 4.47

High

Construct by Author

 

Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of Digital Advertising (DA), Content Marketing (CM), Influencer Marketing (IM), Public Relation (PR), and Social Media Marketing (SMM) on Purchase Intention (PI).

The model was statistically significant, with R² = 0.513, indicating that approximately 51.3% of the variance in Purchase Intention was explained by the predictors. This reflects a moderately strong explanatory power (Cohen, 2013).

Table 8: Model Fit Measures

Model

R

Adjusted R²

1

0.716

0.513

0.507

Note. Models estimated using sample size of N=385

 

 

 

 

Table 9 : Hypothesis Testing Results

 

Predictor

β

 (Standardized)

 

t-value

 

p-value

 

Result

Digital Advertising (H1)

0.0728

1.97

0.050

Supported

Influencer Marketing (H2)

0.3249

6.67

< .001

Supported

Content Marketing (H3)

0.1662

3.17

0.002

Supported

Public Relation(H4)

0.1481

3.39

< .001

Supported

Social Media Marketing (H5)

0.2163

4.17

< .001

Supported

 

Influencer Marketing (IM) provided the strongest positive effect (β = 0.325, p < 0.001), suggesting that being able to manage information effectively is critically linked to perceived influence.

• Social Media Marketing (SMM) also yielded strong and significant effects (β = 0.216, p < 0.001), reflecting the discussion around social media engagement strategies.

• Content Marketing (CM) was also relevant but contributed at a more moderate level (β = 0.166, p = 0.002). This aligns with the general idea that by delivering relevant quality content, you build influence.

• Public Relation (PR) has a link (β = 0.148, p < 0.001) which probably means human purchase behaviors have a positive connection to perceived influence.

• Digital Advertising (DA) only has a marginal relatedness (β = 0.073, p = 0.050). This implies that awareness does not have a strong influence, alone, without relations, strategies, and planning.

 The results indicated high digital awareness and strong social media engagement, though purchase-related responses were moderate. Regression results revealed that Influencer Marketing and Social Media Marketing had the strongest effects, while Content Marketing and Public Relations were also significant predictors. Digital Advertising was weak but marginally significant. These findings highlight the importance of actionable digital engagement over mere awareness. The results support prior findings (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010; Mangold & Faulds, 2009).

 

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1  Discussion of the key findings

The results of this study also provide support for understanding how Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) factors significantly impact Generation Z consumers' purchase intentions in Myanmar. First, research indicates that digital advertising is significantly central to behavior transformation as broadly defined as closing the gap between the informed consumer and brand content in an engaging manner (Mansell & Faulds, 2009). When consumers are more knowledgeable and connected, they will more likely positively associate with brands or organizations, leading to positive engagement.

Second, while all the IMC factors were important in impacting purchase intention; influencer marketing was the most influential in shaping the attitudes of consumers. In fact, Gen Z consumers were very responsive to social media influencers, viewing them as relatable, credible and authentic in their follower's understanding of their product. To this end, Djafarova and Bowes (2021) present an argument that influencer credibility and relatability can be very effective in online purchasing decisions.

Third, content marketing is important to ensure that Gen Z audiences pay attention to brand messages, but also more broadly to content that is high quality, can grab their attention and even consume. As the aforementioned authors note (Kotler and Keller, 2016), content across platforms is important to maintain consistency and recalls as this can help convert in-purchase intentions.

Public relations and brand image appeared to also give a positive strategic impact to purchase intention; achieving trust of younger, and emerging market consumers will require transparency in communications, and pro-active relationship management. In like manner, social media marketing has a greater perceived impact because Generation Z engages with interactive, participatory, digital channels through product assessment or purchase.

Lastly, the final purchase response conceptualized through consumer attitudes, evaluations, and prior involvement- had a positive significant effect on purchase intention. This finding confirmed that consumer emotional and behavioral reactions play an important role in purchase decision-making leading toward actual consumption. In summary, our overall findings serve to demonstrate the importance of communicating through an IMC approach to generate effective engagement with Generation Z consumers in Myanmar.

5.2 Recommendation

The findings yield several practical implications for marketers and organizations in Myanmar who want to connect with Generation Z consumers through an integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategy. First, organizations should broaden their digital awareness campaigns supplemented with clear easy-to-follow information as a way for Generation Z consumers to better assess their purchase decision- effortlessly across varying online platforms.

Second, when collaborating with influencers, organizations should align their influencer strategies to ensure brand propositions integrate brand values and the influencer's credentials. Micro-influencers and brand ambassadors can be effective influencers, almost as a customer from generation Z, as they typically have greater engagement with niche communities.

Third, organizations should ensure they create quality content because Generation Z favors more appealing and engaging layouts. Organizations should create greater content variety to sustain Generation Z attention span and obtain preferred media formats like short video clips, live streams, storytelling campaigns, etc.

Fourth, public relations should simultaneously regard transparency, responsiveness, and authenticity in its communicative stance. Open communication to create strong relationships to build brand trust and credibility with consumers.

Fifth, organizations can conduct note leveraging social media marketing to improve purchase competence in the long run, especially as Generation Z consumers engage with these platforms for long periods of time every day; whether through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. There are examples of connecting content and brand through polls, social media challenges, user-generated content, etc.

Finally, organizations will need to continually track and evaluate consumer purchase responses regarding integrated marketing communications. Organizations are typically able to utilize consumer feedback, shopping engagement, purchase satisfaction, etc. to adjust marketers IMC strategies.

5.3 Limitation and Further Study

This current research, although informative, has certain limitations that should be addressed. First, the data were collected from Generation Z consumers in Yangon, which could limit the generalization of the data to other consumers in Myanmar. Future research could take a more regional or cultural view and expand the findings to a greater proportion of the Myanmar population.

Second, the data were self-reported through a survey which has its biases related to self-reported data. Future research could employ a combination of methods and collect mixed-methods data using surveys and in-depth interviews or observational studies to improve the validity.

Third, only five dimensions of integrated marketing communication were included in this current study, but even more could be added such as price, peer influence, cultural values, etc. Future research could expand the International Consumer Price Knowledge Model to add additional factors.

Finally, in this current study we captured consumer behavior at one point in time. Given the rapid digital evolution, a longitudinal study on tracking Generation Z consumer responses to IMC marketing applications from the traditional to the ubiquitous online might be useful.

In summary, by acknowledging the limitations of this research, future research might facilitate a deeper and richer perspective on the interplay between integrated marketing communication strategies and Generation Z consumer behavior; providing both academic engagement and practical wisdom.

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