Abstract:

Condolence ads can be defined as corporate messages that enable an organization to build empathy with its stakeholders. In this study, a research in Turkey has been carried out benefiting from a relatively small number of studies that describe the basic characteristics of condolence advertising. The research has three consecutive stages. The first one involves conducting a content analysis on the condolence advertisements in the days following the Soma mining accident. The findings obtained from content analysis serve as a basis for the experimental study of the second stage. For the last one, focus groups are utilized in order to interpret experimental results for different types of message appeals. The results have revealed that expression of grief over the loss is a sensitive issue that involves risks for organizations. The underlying motivations for giving condolences can be questioned by the audience. Keywords: mining accident, condolence ad, attitudes, quantitative and qualitative analysis and message appeal.

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