1 Section 1: Comparing two research methodologies

1.1 Research Problem

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a crucial facet of strategic management because to its anticipated impact on company reputation, consumer loyalty, and bottom-line results. However, assessing the impact of CSR on consumer behaviour remains challenging and understudied. As consumers grow more informed about the ethics and sustainability of the businesses they patronise, the value of CSR has increased. Specifically, this research seeks to answer the following question: “How do CSR efforts influence consumer purchasing decisions?” This research aims to learn whether and how corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes affect consumers’ inclination to buy, brand loyalty, and overall perceptions of a company. By reviewing pertinent theoretical frameworks, current research techniques, and suggesting a data collecting instrument, this study will look at this topic.

Figure 1: Research Problem

1.2 Selected Key Readings

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its influence on consumer behaviour is a frequent topic of study and recording in academic circles. A review of canonical literature will offer the theoretical underpinnings for this study, shedding light on the relationship between CSR and consumer behaviour, and serving as a springboard for an examination of research methodology.

Chen, Peng, and Hung’s (2015) study is essential since it analyses how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and other elements affect diners’ sentiments towards and commitment to upscale dining establishments. This evidence suggests that CSR may have an indirect influence on customer behaviour by encouraging positive brand perceptions. We may now consider the impact of CSR on consumer sentiment as well as their actions.

Figure 2 – Literature Writing

Zarantonello et al. (2016) discuss the importance of brand loyalty to a company’s bottom line. It clarifies the impact of consumers’ emotional ties to certain brands on their purchasing behaviour. This is in line with the research of Chen et al. (2015), which found that CSR activities may increase consumer attachment to a brand, which in turn influences purchasing decisions.

The research by Yu, Ramanathan, and Nath (2017) is noteworthy because it takes a more comprehensive view of the relationship between environmental stresses and performance. It indicates that companies are under increasing pressure to implement CSR practises due to increased consumer interest in ethical and sustainable production. These types of pressures might lead to shifts in consumer behaviour towards CSR-apathetic companies.

The 2018 contribution of Hagos, Izak, and Scott is also notable. Immigrant company owners are discussed, along with the challenges and possibilities they encounter. The focus of this study is not corporate social responsibility, although it does provide information on the context in which businesses operate. The CSR literature sheds light on how social and economic factors may influence the success of CSR initiatives and, by extension, how these initiatives may affect consumer behaviour.

Finally, the study of intellectual capital, leadership, and strategic transformation by Slack and Munz (2016) provides useful insights for implementing CSR into a company’s strategy and operations. Institutions now have a vantage position from which to study the interplay between CSR and consumer behaviour.

These readings provide a comprehensive introduction to the existing body of knowledge on the problem, covering everything from the impact of CSR on customers’ emotional responses and brand loyalty to the environmental and social restrictions that drive firm CSR. When viewed as a whole, these publications provide insight on the complex web of relationships between CSR and consumer behaviour (Torraco, 2005). In view of the intricacy of the subject, the subsequent sections will describe how to use suitable research methods to delve further into the matter. The graphic below is a mind map, a visual representation of the aforementioned material.

Figure 3: Mind map

1.3 Two Appropriate Research Methods

1.3.1 Quantitative Method: Survey Research

Survey Research, a quantitative approach, is often used to investigate CSR and its effect on consumer behaviour (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Surveys are used because they allow for the collection of data from a large sample, which increases the generalizability of the results.

Survey research was used by Chen, Peng, and Hung (2015) to look at how CSR activities and other features of upscale dining establishments affect customers’ moods and loyalty. Using surveys, the researchers were able to measure customers’ emotional reactions and loyalty and establish a quantitative link between these factors and CSR initiatives.

Figure 4 – Quantitative Research

Survey research offers many advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. Surveys may oversimplify complicated attitudes and actions connected to CSR (Gary, 2009) because they limit respondents to predetermined possibilities. Surveys also rely on the honesty and self-awareness of respondents, which may not always be present or accurate (Fisher, 2010). This approach also depends on the fact that poll respondents’ stated preferences correspond with their actual conduct, which is not always the case.

Let’s investigate how, where, and whether the Survey Research technique may be used to learn more about CSR’s effect on customer behaviour.

Table 1: Overview of Survey Research in studying CSR’s impact on Consumer Behaviour.

	Survey Research
Application	Often used to measure consumer attitudes and perceptions about a company’s CSR initiatives. It involves administering questionnaires to a large sample of consumers.
Contribution to Theory and Research	Provides statistically significant findings on consumer responses to CSR, helping to identify patterns and trends across a population.
Gaps and Opportunities for Further Research	It may oversimplify or misrepresent complex attitudes and behaviours related to CSR due to the structured nature of surveys. This presents an opportunity to explore these complexities through more flexible and in-depth methodologies, such as qualitative methods.

Following attempt to discuss more about the table’s contents now.

In order to examine how CSR affects consumer behaviour, survey research is often conducted via the distribution of questionnaires. Structured questions on customers’ impressions, opinions, and actions in response to a company’s CSR efforts are included in these surveys (Hansen & Gauthier, 2014). Researchers may recruit from a larger pool of people in more places using this strategy, broadening the applicability of their results.

Research and Theory Advancement: Survey research has made important contributions to our knowledge of consumers’ reactions to CSR programmes by measuring and statistically assessing their answers. It has helped to construct theories and models that explain consumer reactions to CSR, such as the CSR-Customer Satisfaction-Loyalty model established by Luo and Bhattacharya (2006), by recognising patterns and trends throughout a population.

Despite the substantial contributions, there are still areas where further study is needed. Consumers’ complicated views and behaviour regarding CSR may be oversimplified due to the study’s rigour (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2009). It has limitations, such as not being able to account for the subtleties and complexity of customers’ moral concerns when responding to CSR or the potential gap between consumers’ stated sentiments and their actual buying behaviour.

Podsakoff, MacKenzie, & Podsakoff (2012) warn that respondents may report more positive attitudes and behaviour than they really hold because of social desirability bias. This is because doing survey research depends on respondents being truthful and introspective.

Because of these limitations, more research may be conducted using other methods. Customers’ viewpoints on CSR might be better understood, for instance, via the use of qualitative methods like interviews or focus groups. They are useful because they enable the investigation of complexities and moral quandaries that could otherwise go unnoticed in surveys (Creswell, 2014). A fuller picture of the problem may be gained by combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies into a single study (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004).

In the context of the suggested study subject, survey research may provide insight on broad trends and patterns in consumers’ attitudes to CSR, but it may fail to capture the intricacies of these emotions. Therefore, in-depth methods must be added to present a more full view of how CSR influences consumer behaviour.

1.3.2 Qualitative Method: Case Study Research

Case study research is a qualitative approach that examines a specific situation in great depth to draw conclusions (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Researchers may use this approach to learn more about the subtle and multifaceted ways in which consumers really react to CSR efforts.

Figure 5 – Case Study

For example, Zarantonello and Luomala’s (2011) research on chocolate consumption experiences used a case study approach to comprehend the emotional investment buyers have in the commodity. If this method were applied to a well-known business’s CSR efforts, we may learn more about the customers’ emotional connection to that brand and how it influences their purchase decisions.

Case studies, however, do not come without flaws. They take a long time to complete and often use a smaller sample size, reducing their generalizability (Yin, 2014). They may also be affected by researcher bias because of how the data is interpreted (Baaij, 2014).

The mixed-methods approach combines the strengths of both approaches to create a more complete picture of the issue (Bryman & Bell, 2015). While the survey approach may generalise the effect of CSR on customer behaviour, the case study approach can delve deeply into the nuances of this connection, providing valuable insights. Triangulation, in which results from several research techniques are independently confirmed, is bolstered by this combination.

Therefore, although the current literature does give useful insights into the link between CSR and consumer behaviour, the gaps and limitations in the methodology utilised provide an opportunity for future study. The suggested research might investigate the impact of CSR activities on customer behaviour by combining the strengths of survey and case study methodologies in a mixed-methods approach.

In order to better understand how CSR affects consumer behaviour, we need to go further into the process of Case Study Research and investigate its strengths and weaknesses.

Table 2: Overview of Case Study Research in studying CSR’s impact on Consumer Behaviour.

	Case Study Research
Application	Used to gain an in-depth understanding of a specific case, such as a company’s CSR initiatives and their impact on consumers.
Contribution to Theory and Research	Offers rich and detailed insights into the complexities of consumer responses to CSR initiatives, thereby enhancing the understanding and prediction of these responses.
Gaps and Opportunities for Further Research	Its limited generalizability presents an opportunity to combine it with a quantitative method in a mixed-methods approach, providing both depth and breadth of understanding.

Following is the further explanation of the table.

Case study research is used when a thorough examination of a specific instance (or a limited number of instances) is required. Consumers’ impressions and reactions to a company’s CSR programmes may be studied by collecting data from a variety of sources, including interviews, observations, and document analysis (Stake, 1995). This approach enables for a thorough investigation of the case’s complexity and subtleties, yielding insightful findings that can’t be gleaned through surveys alone.

Case study research gives to a better understanding of the nuanced dynamics of consumer reactions to CSR activities by providing a thorough analysis of the unique case(s). By illuminating the mediating factors and processes that surveys may miss, it aids in determining how CSR affects consumer behaviour (Yin, 2014). Therefore, it promotes the development of more nuanced hypotheses and increases the predictability of these reactions.

However, there are limits to case study research that provide opportunities for further study. The results may not be transferable to other situations because of the study’s narrow scope (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Because of this, its usefulness for making policy or strategic choices that depend on a comprehensive knowledge of consumer behaviour is limited. Furthermore, researcher bias is possible due to the method’s heavy reliance on interpretation (Flyvbjerg, 2006).

These restrictions raise a question that may be investigated further. To get around these restrictions, researchers might use a mixed-methods strategy that blends case study research with a quantitative method, such a survey. Case studies may go further into the unique dynamics of the link between CSR and consumer behaviour than quantitative methods (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2017). Triangulation, in which results from several sources are independently verified, increases confidence in the study’s conclusions (Jick, 1979).

While case study research may provide light on the unique dynamics of consumer reactions to CSR in the context of the intended research topic, it may not offer a comprehensive picture of these responses. For a more complete picture of how CSR affects customer behaviour, it should be supplemented with a larger approach, such a survey. By combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, this study can fill in the blanks left by the existing literature and provide light on the subject at hand.

2 Section 2: Instrument and Conclusions

2.1 Instrument

In the appendix, we detail our proposed study technique, a mixed-methods approach that combines a survey questionnaire with semi-structured interviews. This suggested integration makes use of and makes up for the limitations of both approaches, resulting in a more complete picture of the study issue.

In order to quantify how customers feel about a company’s CSR efforts and how that makes a difference in their purchase decisions, a questionnaire has been developed. Likert scale, multiple choice, and demographic items are interspersed throughout the questionnaire, as is typical for quantitative surveys (Fink, 2013). Consumers’ perspectives on CSR and their influence on purchasing decisions are assessed using Likert-scale measures. Consumers’ level of familiarity and comprehension of CSR is gauged using a series of multiple-choice questions. Finally, questions on age, gender, and wealth are included to account for any confounding factors in consumer behaviour (Malhotra & Birks, 2007).

The purpose of this survey is to collect data from a sizable sample, making the results more representative of the population at large and amenable to statistical analysis. However, surveys are supplemented with semi-structured interviews since they may oversimplify the complex attitudes and behaviours associated to CSR (Gary, 2009).

Our knowledge of how CSR affects consumer behaviour will be enhanced by the qualitative information provided by the semi-structured interview guide. Detailed and nuanced insight into the phenomenon is gained via the use of open-ended questions included in the interview guide (Brinkmann, 2013). Consumers’ knowledge of CSR, the value they place on it, and the weight it carries in their purchase choices are all fair game.

The goal of these interviews is to get a deeper knowledge of the drivers and roadblocks of CSR-driven consumer behaviour by delving into the specific elements of CSR that connect with and affect customers. In-depth interviews may supplement and improve upon survey results, but they are time-consuming and entail lower sample numbers (Yin, 2014).

Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are included into the recommended research tools in order to thoroughly investigate the issue at hand. We seek to give a thorough knowledge of the effect of CSR on consumer behaviour by combining a survey questionnaire with semi-structured interviews, so combining the survey’s breadth with the interviews’ depth. This mixed-methods strategy has the potential to provide more credible results, enhancing our knowledge of the research topic and adding to the body of work on corporate social responsibility and consumer behaviour (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004).

2.2 Conclusions

This research topic, which seeks to understand the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities on customer behaviour, shows great potential for the research tools used, namely a survey for quantitative data and case study research for qualitative insights. Using them together as part of a mixed-method approach provides a rich combination of depth and breadth, allowing for an in-depth comprehension of the intricate interplay between CSR and consumer behaviour (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

The survey instrument provides a means of drawing strong conclusions at the population level by measuring consumer reactions to CSR activities. It is possible to draw broad generalisations about how CSR affects consumer behaviour from such massive datasets (Chen, Peng, & Hung, 2015).

However, despite its lack of generalizability, case study research provides a level of detail not available through surveys. Studying specific ‘cases’ allows researchers to go deep into the complexities of customer reactions to CSR programmes. This is crucial due to the fact that customer opinions and responses to CSR projects may vary widely (Zarantonello & Luomala, 2011).

Due to the limitations and gaps in the prior research, a mixed-method approach was used, using both surveys and case studies (as discussed in Section 1). For instance, case study research might alleviate worries about the superficiality of surveys by offering in-depth insights. Similar to how survey results may compensate for the narrow focus of case studies, so can the other way around. Therefore, this integrated method may greatly deepen our knowledge of how CSR activities affect consumer behaviour, pointing the way towards a fruitful line of inquiry for the future.

In sum, the suggested research instruments have some obvious drawbacks and restrictions, but they also have a lot of untapped potential for answering the study topic. Together, they may shed light on the nuanced connection between CSR and consumer behaviour by capitalising on their advantages and making up for their shortcomings.

2.3 Bibliography

Baaij, C. (2014). The Role of Qualitative Research in Business Studies. The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Strategic Management. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137294678.0405
Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative Interviewing. Oxford University Press.
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford University Press.
Chen, Y. C., Peng, C., & Hung, K. P. (2015). Strategic management of green innovation: An empirical study of luxury restaurants. Journal of Business Ethics, 132(2), 349-361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2312-z
Fisher, R. J. (2010). Participant fraud in online surveys: Prevalence, methods, and implications. Journal of Business Research, 63(9), 941-949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2009.02.012
Fink, A. (2013). How to Design Surveys. SAGE Publications.
Gary, K. (2009). Survey Research Methodology, 1990-1999: An Annotated Bibliography. ABC-CLIO.
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X033007014
Malhotra, N. K., & Birks, D. F. (2007). Marketing Research: An Applied Approach. Prentice Hall.
Moisescu, O. I. (2017). The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Buying Behaviour. Journal of International Studies, 10(2), 20-31. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-8330.2017/10-2/2
Saha, M., & Darnton, G. (2005). Green companies or green con-panies: Are companies really green, or are they pretending to be? Business and Society Review, 110(2), 117-157. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0045-3609.2005.00007.x
Zarantonello, L., & Luomala, H. T. (2011). Exploring the role of values in R&D capability-building processes: a qualitative case study of a fast-growth R&D-intensive firm. R&D Management, 41(4), 320-343. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2011.00657.x
Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research Design and Methods (5th ed.). Sage.

3 Section 3: Research Dissemination

3.1 Relevance and Audience

Retail businesses, especially those with a strong commitment to CSR, may be the most appropriate target audience for this study’s conclusions. The findings of this research may influence CSR strategies and, in turn, provide these companies a competitive edge by helping them understand the effects of their CSR activities on customer behaviour. The findings may also be instructive for marketers that want to include CSR activities into their plans (Moisescu, 2017).

Additionally, legislators and regulatory organisations may find value in the study results. Given the growing importance of CSR in today’s culture, these groups may utilise the research to promote ethical corporate procedures. Evidence of the beneficial effects of CSR on customer behaviour might be provided by the results, bolstering the argument for CSR in company (Saha & Darnton, 2005).

3.2 Communication of Research

The findings of this study might be presented through a thorough report supplemented with charts and diagrams to illustrate the data. The report might be written such that it is accessible to both academic and non-academic readers by including an accessible executive summary (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

Figure 6 – Research Communcations

Public organisations like the Department of Trade and Industry are a possible dissemination partner since they can incorporate the results into CSR policy. It’s possible that non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially those that promote ethical and environmentally sound business practises, may help spread the word. To encourage ethical business practises, the results might be disseminated by trade groups like the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

In addition, the results might be disseminated to a larger audience by being presented at academic conferences and industry events, published in academic journals, and shared through a variety of media channels, including social media (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004).

Table 3: Research Dissemination Strategy

Section	Description	Expanded Explanation
Relevance & Audience	Retail organisations, marketers, policymakers and regulatory bodies	Retail organisations and marketers can utilize the research insights to refine their CSR strategies and enhance their competitive advantage. Policymakers and regulatory bodies can leverage the findings to develop policies and regulations encouraging responsible business practices. Given the increased emphasis on CSR, the results can provide evidence of potential positive impacts of CSR on consumer behaviour, reinforcing CSR’s importance in business (Moisescu, 2017; Saha & Darnton, 2005).
Communication of Research	Comprehensive report with visual aids, partnerships with public organisations, NGOs, and industry associations	The research outcomes can be disseminated through a detailed report, which can cater to both academic and non-academic audiences. Visual aids can enhance data presentation. Partnerships for dissemination can include public organisations like the Department of Trade and Industry, NGOs focused on sustainable and responsible business practices, and industry associations like the Retail Industry Leaders Association. These partnerships ensure a wide reach and utilization of the findings to promote responsible business practices. Additionally, findings can be presented at academic conferences, published in academic journals, and shared through various media platforms, including social media, for broader reach (Bryman & Bell, 2015; Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004).

Many different groups would benefit greatly from the planned study, including retail businesses, marketers, government officials, and regulators. These parties have an interest in knowing the intricacies of consumer behaviour and the impact that CSR efforts may have on it. Research like this has the potential to shed light on and improve CSR tactics, marketing methods, and responsible company policy.

When it comes to talking to people, it’s best to use a variety of methods. A thorough report, complemented by visual aids, may communicate the results clearly and concisely. Any reader, from students to businesspeople, will find something of use in this paper. The reach and effect of the study may be increased by collaboration with public organisations, NGOs, and industry organisations. Collaborations of this kind may guarantee that the research’s results are put to good use in advocating for ethical corporate procedures. Findings may have a greater effect if they are widely disseminated through academic conferences, journals, and different media outlets.

3.3 References:

Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford University Press.
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational researcher, 33(7), 14-26.
Moisescu, O. I. (2017). The influence of corporate social responsibility on consumer loyalty. A value-based perspective. Management & Marketing, 12(4), 580-596.
Saha, M., & Darnton, G. (2005). Green companies or green con-panies: Are companies really green, or are they pretending to be? Business and Society Review, 110(2), 117-157.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Consumer Behaviour