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Business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and brand attitudes: An exploratory study

Author

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  • Ferrell, O.C.
  • Harrison, Dana E.
  • Ferrell, Linda
  • Hair, Joe F.

Abstract

It is important to understand the relative importance of business ethics and social responsibility in determining brand attitudes. However, there has been a failure in prior research to differentiate between attitudes toward business ethics and CSR. This research reviews customer-brand research related to business ethics and social responsibility and conducts a study to evaluate customer attitudes. Four scenarios offer variations in company behaviors related to positive and negative conduct of customer social responsibility and business ethics. Study findings from a panel of 351 respondents provide new insights related to a customer's expectations and perceptions of company CSR and business ethics behavior. We conclude that although CSR attitudes remain important, customers value business ethics as a critical behavior in their perceptions of brand attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferrell, O.C. & Harrison, Dana E. & Ferrell, Linda & Hair, Joe F., 2019. "Business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and brand attitudes: An exploratory study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 491-501.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:95:y:2019:i:c:p:491-501
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.07.039
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