Does perceived consumer fit matter in corporate social responsibility issues?

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly important construct in academia, as well as a pressing item on the practical corporate agenda. Many firms do not recognize CSR activities as investments in improving company values both internally and in the eyes of consumers. This study examines how the perceived fit between consumers' point of view (i.e., their values and lifestyles) and CSR activities influences consumer loyalty through such mediating variables as consumer perception of CSR activities and C-C (consumer-company) identification. The empirical findings inform the suggestion that perceived consumer fit influences consumer perception of CSR activities and, consequently, on C-C identification and consumer loyalty. © 2011.