Why Art Thou Resisting?: Consumer Resistance to the ‘Citizen Argument’ of Retailers

2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiraz Aouina Mejri ◽  
Dhruv Bhatli ◽  
Mouna Benhallam

Recent studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) illustrate the positive consumer reaction to the socially responsible practices of retailers, and outline the upside for retailers to engage in these practices. However, little is known about the downside of these practices: consumer negative reaction due to the ambiguous and complex nature of consumer reaction, and consumers' resistance to the ‘citizen argument’ put forth by retailers. This research, through 17 interviews, fills this gap to explore the complex nature of consumer reaction to CSR practices, and investigates motivations and manifestations of consumer resistance to the ‘citizen argument’ of mass-market retailers. The findings reveal consumer responses to CSR practices (their resistant behaviour), their causes, and classify them in two forms - resistance to the consumerist practice attributed to retailing, and resistance to an ‘insidious’ commitment to sustainable development where sincerity is claimed by the mass-market retailers.

Author(s):  
Alla Zlenko ◽  
Оlena Isaikina

Relevance of the research topic. In the conditions of systemic restructuring of the economy of Ukraine in the direction of its adaptation to world standards, one of the integral components of the successful functioning of modern business is the development of a strategy of corporate social responsibility. Today, sustainable economic development is not determined by the factor of availability of raw materials or markets, but the opportunity for companies to join the market of highly skilled labor, scientific inventions and the latest technologies. The problems of employment, social instability, and deteriorating environment are becoming more acute and urgent in the world. All this necessitates the formation of an innovative model of development and principles of corporate social responsibility, which is becoming one of the most important areas of a market economy. Formulation of the problem. It is theoretically proven and confirmed by the practice of the world's leading companies that social responsibility can and should be considered as an important social resource of the organization, able to form concrete benefits, ensure sustainable development, adequately respond to social challenges (both internal and external), turning the latter into opportunities. It should be emphasized that social responsibility appears as an important social resource, regardless of the concept of social responsibility the company adheres to. Analysis of recent research and publications. Theoretical and methodological aspects of the formation and development of social responsibility of business are embedded in the studies of the following leading foreign scientists: A. Berle, G. Bowen, M. Velazquez, A. Carroll, F. Kotler, G. Minz, J. Rawls, K. Smith, M Friedman et al. Of particular interest in studying this problem are the works of modern domestic scientists: O. Danylenko, V. Yevtushenko, A. Kolota, N. Kyryliuk, M. Kuzhelev, V. Mamontova, O. Sheremeta and others. Selection of unexplored parts of the general problem. The issue of the effectiveness of the functioning of corporate social responsibility in Ukrainian business practice and the formation of the domestic model of CSR remains insufficiently studied in the domestic scientific environment. Problem statement, purpose of research. The key direction of the world community today is the development of human capital as the basis of the general welfare of the state. One of the conditions for the implementation of the concept of human development and human capital is the introduction and compliance with the basics of corporate social responsibility of business (CSR). The purpose of the work is a comprehensive analysis of the development of CSR in Ukraine. Research methodology. During the writing of the article the methods of analysis and synthesis, system approach, statistical analysis, generalization and structuring were used. Presentation of the main research material. The institution of socially responsible business is typical of most countries with economies based on market values, long-standing democratic traditions, and a developed civil society. In modern conditions in different countries, the participation of business in solving social problems is either strictly regulated under current commercial, tax, labor, environmental legislation or carried out independently under the influence of specially established incentives and benefits. In Ukraine, this process is in the initial stages of its development and takes place in a dominant position of the state, extremely weak development of civil society institutions and oligarchic business development. Field of application of results. The results of the study can be applied in the process of forming a strategy of corporate social responsibility of a modern enterprise. Conclusions in accordance with the article. Corporate social responsibility in the developed world has long been part of society. Today, domestic business leaders are joining the global movement for socially responsible business. In order for funds allocated for social initiatives to bring sustainable results and work on the image of the business, companies must move to building these activities on a systemic basis in accordance with the strategy. It is here that broad prospects open up for the joint efforts of companies, civil society organizations, the media and the state. The immediate business benefits of CSR are the creation of a stable business environment, reduced operational risks, increased financial performance and sales, increased productivity, reduced recruitment costs, market expansion and, consequently, increased market value in the future. The interaction of political, social and economic actors, based on the principles of social partnership, allows to ensure the stable progressive development of the state. With the increasing importance of non-financial factors of sustainable development (social stability, environmental security, etc.), the practical and theoretical aspects of social responsibility are updated.


Author(s):  
Dolores Gallardo Vazquez ◽  
Luis Enrique Valdez Juárez ◽  
Juan de la Cruz Sánchez Domínguez

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a current important strategy in organizations today. Numerous factors that affect the global functioning of organizations have determined the need to incorporate a look towards sustainable development. This implies considering the integration of not only economic, but also social and environmental concerns in the day-to-day of the companies. We move, therefore, under the perspective of the Triple Bottom Line. In addition, the exercise of CSR will motivate the achievement of competitive advantages for organizations. Given this, this article seeks to analyze the numerous benefits derived from the implementation of socially responsible actions in companies. These are structured from different organizational approaches: personal sphere, organizational field, personal and organizational fields and financial area. Together with them, the implementation of the CSR may entail the need to incur certain costs, which are also referred to in the study. Finally, we propose some future lines of research


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
Stanisław Tkaczyk ◽  
Joanna Kuzincow ◽  
Grzegorz Ganczewski

Abstract The following paper presents dangerous and evident phenomenon of communicational chaos in the field of environment protection and sustainable development in a turbulent external environment. It is pointed that this phenomenon gives organizations an opportunity to take pretended pro-environmental actions, such as socially critical greenwashing. As a counterbalance to those practices, a concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is presented, underlining the possibility of developing honest environmental marketing basing on methods such as Life Cycle Assessment.


Author(s):  
Mobin Fatma

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and there is a legitimate pressure on business from the stakeholders to behave in a socially responsible manner. Growing complexity of business, increasing concern for sustainable development, need for managing of natural resources and call for enhanced transparency have not only magnified the significance of CSR but also heightened the inclination towards integration of CSR principles in the corporate activities. The purpose of this study is to understand how CSR initiatives influence the consumer responses in the hospitality industry. Findings suggest that corporate ability has a strong effect on customer purchase intention while CSR activities were found to exert influence on customer purchase intention in cases where the customer was aware of such activities being conducted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-227
Author(s):  
M. A. Izmailova

Purpose: the main purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility of transnational corporations on the sustainable development of the territories of its presence and on its basis to develop recommendations for the integration of domestic business in the implementation of social projects abroad. In this regard, it is necessary to summarize the real experience and identify the best practices of Russian TNCs, positioning themselves as socially responsible companies.Methods: this article is based on the modern concept of corporate social responsibility – its understanding from the standpoint of the market approach to socially responsible behavior, state regulation of socially responsible practices, corporate conscience as a criterion of moral responsibility of the agent of economic relations, the theory of stakeholders, considering the Corporation as part of the social structure of society and responsible to a wide range of stakeholders. The study was conducted using the methods of comparative analysis, inductive-deductive and General logical methods.Results: the analysis of the impact of corporate social responsibility of transnational corporations on the sustainable development of the territories of its presence. The importance of the return of moral criteria in the economic sphere, which form the basis for assessing the level of socially responsible business behavior, is revealed. The article substantiates the increasing role of TNCs in the sustainable development of the global economy against the backdrop of a shortage of foreign direct investment needed to achieve sustainable development goals. The necessity of dialogue between TNCs and the national governments of the territory of their presence on a wide range of issues of support for the national economy, social investment in local communities and solving environmental problems is shown. The best practices of Russian TNCs in the field of corporate social responsibility are reviewed. The recommendations on the integration of domestic business in the implementation of social projects abroad.Conclusions and Relevance: one of the trends of sustainable development of the global economy is the recognition by economic agents of the importance and prospects of cooperation with ethically-oriented business, the imperative of which is corporate social responsibility. Investment by foreign affiliates of TNCs in the basic infrastructure, production capacity, social and environmental sphere of the territory of their presence should be considered from the perspective of corporate social responsibility. The content and volume of financing of corporate social responsibility programs by foreign affiliates of TNCs is largely determined by the specifics of the business. The implementation of corporate social responsibility, which has become part of the systematic approach of Russian business and is implemented within the framework of a common business strategy in foreign countries, is becoming an undeniable competitive advantage of Russian TNCs over foreign partners.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11/1 (-) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Yuliia CHYRKOVA ◽  
Mariana BORTNIKOVA

Introduction. Nowadays, the development of an enterprises social responsibility (SR) strategy is one of the integral components of its successful functioning as it transfers the relationship between the enterprise and society to a higher level and becomes one of the most important factors on the way to the economic development of both an individual enterprise and our country as a whole. Modern business cannot consider itself separately from its most important stakeholders, therefore, the implementation of corporate social responsibility concept is the indirect factor that provides the link SR – stakeholders – enterprise total efficiency increasement. Purpose. The theoretical basis of the study is the works of leading domestic and foreign scientists, as well as international and national legislative and regulatory acts in the field of the enterprise’s social responsibility concept formation and development. In the process of performing the work and reflecting the results, such general scientific research methods were applied as etymological, comparable, systematical, synthesis and analysis, generalization, statistical comparison, etc. Results. The essence of the “social responsibility” concept is viewed through the prism of its key elements (economic, legal, moral, philanthropic and environmental), only a comprehensive implementation of which allows you to verify that the company is making progress towards sustainable development. The article analyzes the successful experience of applying the concept of social responsibility among world famous companies of different industry sectors, and also clarifies how the management systems of domestic enterprises are adapted to the principles of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in general. As a result, the advantages of introducing social responsibility in Ukrainian companies are outlined, and problematic issues accompanying this process are highlighted and general recommendations for their effective elimination are presented. Conclusion. The SR management system is a set of interrelated functions of analysis, planning, organization and control that ensure a continuous process of interaction between enterprise management and stakeholders. At the same time, only well-coordinated actions of business entities and the state towards the development of applied tools for socially responsible company management will allow us to bring the concept of social responsibility in Ukraine to a qualitatively new level, ensuring the intensification of our society development in the direction of sustainable development.


Author(s):  
Mobin Fatma

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and there is a legitimate pressure on business from the stakeholders to behave in a socially responsible manner. Growing complexity of business, increasing concern for sustainable development, need for managing of natural resources and call for enhanced transparency have not only magnified the significance of CSR but also heightened the inclination towards integration of CSR principles in the corporate activities. The purpose of this study is to understand how CSR initiatives influence the consumer responses in the hospitality industry. Findings suggest that corporate ability has a strong effect on customer purchase intention while CSR activities were found to exert influence on customer purchase intention in cases where the customer was aware of such activities being conducted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
Iryna Vasylchuk ◽  
Kateryna Slyusarenko ◽  
Inta Kotane

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a good business practice and an organized movement develops and gains increasing support not only among entrepreneurs and businesspersons but also among consumers choosing goods and services from reputable enterprises that implement generally accepted business ethics in their daily operation. The problem of CSR has become urgent in the context of ensuring economic and sustainable business development. Increasing attention is paid to raising the competitiveness and efficiency of business through the principles of CSR. The latest research on reputation and CSR in Latvia shows that there are few entrepreneurs, national institutions and members of the public in Latvia who understand the basics of CSR and support the manifestations thereof. In Ukraine, CSR practices of companies are also at the initial stage of their development, they are carried out epidemically, and only large companies have sustainable development strategies and publish non-financial reports. The aim of the research is to assess CSR practices in Ukraine and Latvia. General scientific research methods were used in the given research, namely: the monographic and descriptive methods and comparative analysis. The results of the research revealed that socially responsible entrepreneurship related to the principles of sustainable development, i.e. meeting current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable development is characterized by three interrelated dimensions: environmental, economic and social, through which socially responsible entrepreneurship could be assessed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 74 ◽  
pp. 06004
Author(s):  
Konstantin Belousov

This paper investigates comparative analysis in order to trace approaches to interpretation of the content and principles of sustainable development due to increasing number of companies, declaring their commitment to the principles of sustainable development. I review a degree of compliance of Russian companies to international and national standards, relevant to practices of leading companies, a degree of involvement of Russian companies in general sustainable development. Particular interest lays in the study of influence of social responsibility of business, socially responsible sustainable development on the company. This line of research is only beginning to emerge in Russia. Interpretation of corporate social responsibility role allows a different look at the phenomenon of social responsibility and its role in sustainable development. Russian companies quickly accepted the concept of sustainable development, as well as the corresponding terminology. It is important to trace now how basic ideas and principles of sustainable development are reflected in the company’s strategy and implemented in practice. By analyzing non-financial reporting I will introduce ways, tendencies and problems of corporate social responsibility implementation by Russian companies.


10.33117/512 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-69

Purpose: This paper presents aspects of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Implementation Success Model to guide CSR engagements. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative case methodology is used to investigate two CSR companies in Uganda. Semi-structured interviews with managers and stakeholders are conducted. Data triangulation includes reviewing CSR reports and documents, and visiting communities and CSR activities/projects mentioned in the case companies’ reports. Grounded theory guides the data analysis and aggregation. Findings: The findings culminate into a “CSR Implementation Success Model. ” Key aspects of CSR implementation success are identified as: (i) involvement of stakeholders and management (i.e., co-production) at the start and during every stage of CSR implementation; (ii) management of challenges and conflicts arising within/outside of the company itself; and (iii) feedback management or performance assessment—i.e., accountability via CSR communications and reporting. Stakeholder involvement and feedback management (accountability) are pivotal, though all three must be considered equally. Research limitations: The studied companies were large and well-established mature companies, so it is unclear whether newer companies and small and medium-sized enterprises would produce similar findings. Practical implications: Successful CSR implementation starts with a common but strategic understanding of what CSR means to the company. However, CSR implementation should (i) yield benefits that are tangible, and (ii) have a sustainable development impact because these two aspects form implementation benchmarks. Additionally, top management should be involved in CSR implementation, but with clear reasons and means. Originality/value: This paper unearths a CSR Implementation Success Model that amplifies views of “creating shared value” for sustainable development. It guides organizations towards strategic CSR, as opposed to the responsive CSR (returning profits to society) that largely dominates in developing countries. Additionally, it explains how to add value to the resource envelope lubricating the entire CSR implementation process


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