Corporate Sustainability and the Role of the Consumer

Corporate Sustainability and the Role of the Consumer PDF Author: Jeffrey M. Gauthier
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
The challenge of sustainability has become an increasingly important concern for organizations. Sustainability raises new questions of legitimacy for organizations, compelling them to address stakeholder expectations of economic, environmental, and social performance. Although consumer stakeholders act as the ultimate arbiter of legitimacy for many firms, we know little about how consumers may influence corporate sustainability. This dissertation consists of three essays that examine the role of consumers in influencing corporate sustainability. The first essay examines how companies may attempt to manage sustainability ratings assigned by ratings agencies in an attempt to retain consumer stakeholder support. I argue that an understanding of cognitive choice models helps to reveal conditions under which firms may pursue improvements in sustainability performance in non-core practices rather than in core practices. The second essay is a quantitative analysis of corporate social performance in theU.S.insurance industry. With arguments grounded in the stakeholder salience framework of stakeholder theory, I argue that a firm's proximity to end-consumers will be related to specific dimensions of corporate social performance (community and diversity performance). Results of the study indicate that closer proximity to end-consumers (i.e., a greater percentage of revenues from end-consumers as opposed to businesses) is associated with stronger community and diversity performance. The third essay is a discourse analysis that examines how discourse is used to maintain legitimacy when consumer stakeholders' legitimacy concerns pose a threat to the firm's legitimacy. Drawing on rhetorical analysis and critical discourse analysis, I identify three themes (social, environmental, and economic) and three rhetorical justifications (ethos, logos, and pathos) in texts produced by Monsanto. I offer potential explanations for the relative frequency of themes and rhetorical justifications, and further identify taken-for-granted assumptions in Monsanto's texts. Taken together, these essays suggest that consumer stakeholders hold a significant role in influencing firms' actions, as well as the communication of those actions, regarding sustainability. More broadly, this dissertation reveals the insights that may be gained by foregrounding consumer stakeholders in management research.

Corporate Sustainability and the Role of the Consumer

Corporate Sustainability and the Role of the Consumer PDF Author: Jeffrey M. Gauthier
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 109

Get Book Here

Book Description
The challenge of sustainability has become an increasingly important concern for organizations. Sustainability raises new questions of legitimacy for organizations, compelling them to address stakeholder expectations of economic, environmental, and social performance. Although consumer stakeholders act as the ultimate arbiter of legitimacy for many firms, we know little about how consumers may influence corporate sustainability. This dissertation consists of three essays that examine the role of consumers in influencing corporate sustainability. The first essay examines how companies may attempt to manage sustainability ratings assigned by ratings agencies in an attempt to retain consumer stakeholder support. I argue that an understanding of cognitive choice models helps to reveal conditions under which firms may pursue improvements in sustainability performance in non-core practices rather than in core practices. The second essay is a quantitative analysis of corporate social performance in theU.S.insurance industry. With arguments grounded in the stakeholder salience framework of stakeholder theory, I argue that a firm's proximity to end-consumers will be related to specific dimensions of corporate social performance (community and diversity performance). Results of the study indicate that closer proximity to end-consumers (i.e., a greater percentage of revenues from end-consumers as opposed to businesses) is associated with stronger community and diversity performance. The third essay is a discourse analysis that examines how discourse is used to maintain legitimacy when consumer stakeholders' legitimacy concerns pose a threat to the firm's legitimacy. Drawing on rhetorical analysis and critical discourse analysis, I identify three themes (social, environmental, and economic) and three rhetorical justifications (ethos, logos, and pathos) in texts produced by Monsanto. I offer potential explanations for the relative frequency of themes and rhetorical justifications, and further identify taken-for-granted assumptions in Monsanto's texts. Taken together, these essays suggest that consumer stakeholders hold a significant role in influencing firms' actions, as well as the communication of those actions, regarding sustainability. More broadly, this dissertation reveals the insights that may be gained by foregrounding consumer stakeholders in management research.

Customer Satisfaction and Sustainability Initiatives in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Customer Satisfaction and Sustainability Initiatives in the Fourth Industrial Revolution PDF Author: Silvestri, Cecilia
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799814211
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 389

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Book Description
A well-planned marketing orientation strategy that keeps customers informed is the first step to building a long-term relationship with customers and providing them with appropriate incentives. The difficulty with providing a winning strategy in a highly competitive market, however, stems from responding to the specific needs of the customers. Customer Satisfaction and Sustainability Initiatives in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is an essential reference source that links together three highly relevant topics in the business of modern economy—innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability—and analyzes their synergies. Featuring research on topics such as e-business, global business, and sustainable innovation, this book is ideally designed for business consultants, managers, customer service representatives, entrepreneurs, academicians, researchers, and students seeking coverage on directing sustainable companies.

Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Marketing

Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Marketing PDF Author: Ipek Altinbasak-Farina
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9811379246
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 279

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Book Description
This book addresses the rising concept of 21st century societal marketing which entails that marketers should fulfill the needs of their target group in ways that enhance the well-being of a society as a whole. In the past, social responsibility and corporate ethics may not have been the key elements of corporate and business strategy. However, in the last decade the picture has changed dramatically. Consumers are more concerned about ethical issues and the effects of business activities on the environment and the society. The impact and importance of ethical consumerism is escalating. The consumers are more attentive and expect companies promote their ethical credentials in order to make them more accountable of their actions. This book also reveals how companies should realize that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not an illustration of corporate altruism but a source of opportunity, and competitive advantage. Finding and following social initiatives as a part of the key business model is proved to be one of the competitive strengths in many instances. This book covers different issues related to ethics, social responsibility and sustainability in marketing and presents different cases and applications from different countries. Together with the best practices, each case and research is expected to shed light on how to improve the role of marketing in helping to the development and well-being of the society.

Consumers, Society and Marketing

Consumers, Society and Marketing PDF Author: Dilip S. Mutum
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031393597
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
Environment and social responsibility are paramount for any modern business strategy, and the field of marketing is adapting itself to the new focus on sustainability. The study of the interface between consumers, society, and marketing is crucial for understanding the complex interactions between individuals and the products and services they consume and the resulting implications. In this book, the authors delve into the latest research and theories on the subject, providing insight into the various factors that shape consumer behavior and the broader impacts of marketing on society. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply curious about the topic, this book will provide a valuable resource for your learning and exploration. Instead of treating ethical foundations and critical marketing perspectives separately, this book merges them and takes a broader sustainability perspective. It examines the various ways in which businesses are incorporating sustainability into their marketing strategies, and the impact these efforts are having on consumers, the economy, and the planet. Topics covered in this book include: Evolution of marketing thought Critique of marketing Sustainable marketing Social marketing Evolving consumer representations and roles, and many more

Green Marketing and Environmental Responsibility in Modern Corporations

Green Marketing and Environmental Responsibility in Modern Corporations PDF Author: Esakki, Thangasamy
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1522523324
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 319

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Book Description
In modern society, it has become increasingly important to consumers that their products be environmentally safe. Green marketing is the most efficient way for corporations to convey that their merchandise is environmentally ethical, which in turn increases profit. Green Marketing and Environmental Responsibility in Modern Corporations is a comprehensive resource for the latest material on the methods and techniques that contemporary industries are employing to raise awareness on sustainable products. Featuring comprehensive coverage across a range of relevant topics such as green consumption, organic food products, supply chain performance, and ecological marketing, this publication is an ideal reference source for professionals, practitioners, academics, and researchers interested in the latest material on sustainable corporate operations.

Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability and Markets

Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability and Markets PDF Author: Cláudia Simões
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783030796617
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book explores the interaction between sustainability, corporate responsibility, consumers, and the market. It aims to discover if consumers are seeking out small, ethical, socially responsible firms to buy from rather than large corporations; if markets and organisations are supported by a new sensitivity to social responsibility and sustainability ideas; if the integration of corporate responsibility strategies and practices change how market sectors are assembled. Bringing together international case studies - including research on the Italian wine industry, German butchers, Spanish football, Polish marketing and the Portuguese financial sector - this book is valuable reading for scholars working on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and good governance. Cláudia Simões is a Professor of Management (Marketing and Strategy area) and Dean of the School of Economics and Management at the University of Minho in Portugal. Alin Stancu is Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations in the Department of Marketing from The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania. Georgiana Grigore is Associate Professor in Marketing at University of Leicester, School of Business. She is also chair of an annual international conference in 'Social Responsibility, Ethics and Sustainable Business', which she co-founded in 2012. .

Towards Sustainable Household Consumption? Trends and Policies in OECD Countries

Towards Sustainable Household Consumption? Trends and Policies in OECD Countries PDF Author: OECD
Publisher: OECD Publishing
ISBN: 9264175067
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 158

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Book Description
This book provides a comprehensive analysis of household consumption patterns in five key areas: food, tourism-related travel, energy, water and waste generation.

Leveraging Corporate Responsibility

Leveraging Corporate Responsibility PDF Author: C. B. Bhattacharya
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107009170
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 341

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Book Description
This book shows how companies can maximize the value of their CR initiatives by fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

The Importance of Consumer Decision Making of Sustainability in the Fashion Industry

The Importance of Consumer Decision Making of Sustainability in the Fashion Industry PDF Author: Camry Marianna Hicks
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Behavioral psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The research gathered focuses on sustainable fashion companies with fast-fashion and higher-end products. The importance of sustainability in consumer decision-making is measured with the company's CSR reports, secondary research, consumer reviews, and community conversations about the two brands, H&M and Chloe. The research moreover identifies the practices of moral responsibility of corporate sustainability. H&M is a fast-fashion brand while Chloe is a luxury brand determining the consumers' thoughts and decision-making on sustainability between these two brands will also determine if sustainable fashion is even an important factor when consumers obtain this distinctive type of fashion. This determination also reveals the brand image of the higher end fashion company Chloe and the fast-fashion company H&M. This research will also include the Corporate Social Responsibilities for implementing the goals of sustainable fashion between the French luxury brand Chloe which has become the first brand of B-Corporation and H&M which has encompassed a new sustainable product line called Conscious.

Sustainable Consumption and Production, Volume II

Sustainable Consumption and Production, Volume II PDF Author: Ranjula Bali Swain
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030552853
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 387

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Book Description
Circular economy principles are driving to overcome the challenges of today’s linear take-make-dispose production and consumption patterns through keeping the value of products, materials, and resources circulating in the economy as long as possible. Sustainable Consumption and Production, Volume II: Circular Economy and Beyond aims to explore the sustainable consumption and production transition to a circular economy, while addressing critical global challenges by innovating and transforming product and service markets towards sustainable development. This book explores how consumers, private sector, relevant international organizations, and governments can play an active role in innovating businesses to help companies, individuals (consumers and citizens), organizations, and sectors, to remain competitive, while transitioning towards sustainable markets and economies. It is of interest to economists, students, businesses, and policymakers.