Research Article

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Consumer Behavior: Does Ethical Branding Drive Customer Loyalty?

Authors

  • Esther Hicks Nigeria

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial component of business strategy, with companies increasingly adopting ethical branding to differentiate themselves and build customer loyalty. This paper examines the relationship between CSR initiatives and consumer behavior, specifically exploring whether ethical branding contributes to increased customer loyalty. Drawing from recent empirical studies, the paper analyzes how various dimensions of CSR—such as environmental responsibility, social equity, and ethical governance—impact consumer perceptions, purchasing decisions, and long-term loyalty. The paper concludes by offering insights into how businesses can leverage CSR as a strategic tool to enhance brand loyalty while maintaining profitability.

Article information

Journal

International Journal of Business and Management

Volume (Issue)

3 (1)

Pages

8-12

Published

2024-03-21

How to Cite

Hicks, E. (2024). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Consumer Behavior: Does Ethical Branding Drive Customer Loyalty?. International Journal of Business and Management, 3(1), 8-12. https://doi.org/10.70560/6gmak586

References

Aguinis, H., & Glavas, A. (2012). What we know and don’t know about corporate social responsibility: A review and research agenda. Journal of Management, 38(4), 932-968. DOI: 10.1177/0149206311436079.

Beckmann, S. C. (2007). Consumers and corporate social responsibility: Matching the unmatchable? Australasian Marketing Journal, 15(1), 27-36. DOI: 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2007.00551.x.

Becker-Olsen, K. L., Cudmore, B. A., & Hill, R. P. (2006). The impact of perceived corporate social responsibility on consumer behavior. Journal of Business Research, 59(1), 46-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2005.06.001.

Carroll, A. B., & Shabana, K. M. (2010). The business case for corporate social responsibility: A review of concepts, research and practice. International Journal of Management Reviews, 12(1), 85-105. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2009.00275.x.

Chaudhary, R. (2018). Corporate social responsibility and employee engagement: Can CSR help in redressing the engagement gap? Social Responsibility Journal, 14(1), 136-152. DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-07-2016-0115.

Dahlsrud, A. (2008). How corporate social responsibility is defined: An analysis of 37 definitions. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 15(1), 1-13. DOI: 10.1002/csr.132.

Delmas, M. A., & Burbano, V. C. (2011). The drivers of greenwashing. California Management Review, 54(1), 64-87. DOI: 10.1525/cmr.2011.54.1.64.

Ellen, P. S., Webb, D. J., & Mohr, L. A. (2006). Building corporate associations: Consumer attributions for corporate socially responsible programs. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 34(2), 147-157. DOI: 10.1177/0092070305284976.

Forehand, M. R., & Grier, S. (2003). When is honesty the best policy? The effect of stated company intent on consumer skepticism. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 13(3), 349-356. DOI: 10.1207/S15327663JCP1303_15.

Kotler, P., Hessekiel, D., & Lee, N. R. (2010). Good Works!: Marketing and Corporate Initiatives That Build a Better World and the Bottom Line. John Wiley & Sons.

Leonidou, C. N., Leonidou, L. C., & Kvasova, O. (2013). Cultural drivers and trust outcomes of consumer perceptions of organizational unethical marketing behavior. European Journal of Marketing, 47(3/4), 525-556. DOI: 10.1108/03090561311297425.

Mohr, L. A., Webb, D. J., & Harris, K. E. (2001). Do consumers expect companies to be socially responsible? The impact of corporate social responsibility on buying behavior. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 35(1), 45-72. DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-6606.2001.tb00102.x.

Öberseder, M., Schlegelmilch, B. B., & Murphy, P. E. (2011). CSR practices and consumer perceptions: An overview of key concepts, trends, and research directions. Journal of Business Research, 64(8), 837-845. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2010.11.010.

Sen, S., & Bhattacharya, C. B. (2001). Does doing good always lead to doing better? Consumer reactions to corporate social responsibility. Journal of Marketing Research, 38(2), 225-243. DOI: 10.1509/jmkr.38.2.225.18838.

Torelli, C. J., Monga, A. B., & Kaikati, A. M. (2012). Doing poorly by doing good: Corporate social responsibility and brand concepts. Journal of Consumer Research, 38(5), 948-963. DOI: 10.1086/660851.

Downloads

Views

0

Downloads

0

Keywords:

Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical Branding, Consumer Behavior, Customer Loyalty, Brand Trust, Sustainability