Production Claims as Multidimensional Signals: Perceived Ethicality, Quality, and Authenticity in Brand Image Formation

Data were collected from January to August 2025 via an online survey across 27 Asian countries, representing diverse geographic, cultural, and economic contexts within the region. Using purposive sampling, 780 questionnaires were distributed to consumers familiar with production-related claims. After screening for missing data, straight-lining, and inconsistent responses, 560 valid responses remained. The sample was educationally diverse: high school (20.3%), diploma (22.1%), bachelor's (19.2%), master's (20.5%), and doctoral (17.8%). Respondents were familiar with seven product categories: beverages (16.6%), electronics (15.9%), clothing (15.5%), packaged food (14.1%), household products (13.0%), personal care (12.9%), and automobiles (12.0%). This heterogeneity strengthens the generalizability of our findings across consumer segments and product contexts within Asian markets.