Zena Has Been Promoted to Vice-President at a Management Consulting

Zena has been promoted to vice-president at a management consulting firm.Her new status has led her to consider the need for a new car.Her trusty little Volkswagen Beetle has over 100,000 kilometres on it and no longer seems appropriate.Susanne,another vice-president,has suggested that Zena consider a car produced in Canada because the consulting firm she works for has a policy of supporting Canadian businesses.Zena began her quest for a new car by visiting several car dealers and obtaining pamphlets on the models she is considering.She also made a trip to the library to study Consumer Reports magazine and other consumer rating publications to see what the experts think.Finally,after evaluating all options,Zena decided to purchase a new Chrysler.She believes the car is a good fit with her new image and position in her company.However,now that she has purchased the car,she has seen more advertisements touting its features then she had ever noticed before.She also noticed many models of her car on the road.Zena views the fact so many others are driving the same model car as proof that she made a good decision.
-Refer to New Car Purchase.Susanne has influenced Zena's choice of a new automobile.In this instance,what is Susanne acting as?

A) a gatekeeper
B) a purchase catalyst
C) a social reference
D) an opinion leader