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Profiling socially responsible investors: Australian evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Blanca Pérez-Gladish

    (Departamento de Economía Cuantitativa, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain)

  • Karen Benson
  • Robert Faff

    (UQ Business School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia)

Abstract

With the aid of an online survey, the purpose of this study is to examine financial preferences; social, environmental and ethical concerns; and socio-demographic characteristics of Australian socially responsible (SR) investors. The study advances knowledge of SR investors’ profiles and their motivations when making investment decisions. Based on a sample of 145 investors, our findings suggest that SR investors seek financial return as well as non-financial benefits. Social conscience and social health issues, as opposed to environmental issues, are relevant to investors. Interestingly, investor risk tolerance is a relatively unimportant factor in the choice of SR investments. Finally, in terms of socio-demographics, SR investors tend to be middle-aged, be middle-income professionals and have tertiary qualifications.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanca Pérez-Gladish & Karen Benson & Robert Faff, 2012. "Profiling socially responsible investors: Australian evidence," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 37(2), pages 189-209, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:37:y:2012:i:2:p:189-209
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896211429158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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