Hello there,

I am currently working on my master thesis and I have some difficulties with the identification of my variables. The topic of my thesis is about the role of transparency on sustainable brand extensions in the fashion industry.

Now, I have identified my dependent variables easily as: purchase intention and brand attitude. At the same time I have two mediating variables which are trust and reputation. I have also found a moderating variable which is awareness.

The part that I am stuck on however, are the variables ''information disclosure'' and ''perceived transparency''. I have found literature that states that information disclosure positively impacts perceived transparency. Information disclosure in this context are the used communication channels (by a company) and the content of the shared information by the companies.

In other words: if the company shares the right information about products through the right information channels, consumers might perceive the company as transparent.

However, I am not sure on how to identify the two variables: information disclosure as the independent variable and transparency as the mediator? Does it make sense to have trust and reputation as medaitors of transparency in that case? Because the ''main'' topic of my research is transparency.

I hope you can help me out, unfortunately my supervisor is not being helpful and does not have a lot of time for me.

Thank you in advance.



Link to conceptual model: