Exploring the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on customer buying behavior - Research Proposal Example

Exploring the Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Buying Behaviour Research Question and Aims Aims The aim of this paper is to examine the influence of corporate social responsibility on customer buying behavior. The paper also aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the two variables by exploring how they relate to each other directly and indirectly. The writer intends to provide new perspectives and outlooks on the two variables; perspectives that are either yet to be explored or have been lightly explored.

Research Question Is there a correlation between corporate social responsibility and customer buying behavior?Background Over the years, research has shown that identify and, if possible, predicting customer behavior is critical to meeting their needs (Howard, 2013:22). According to Zhang (2012:34), studies sponsored by the US Department of Commerce in 2012 showed that there is a positive correlation between an excellent understanding of consumer needs and good financial performance in American corporations.

However, studies also show that there is a need go deeper by examining the specific factors that allow businesses to predict or even manipulate customer behavior (Rosengren, 2013:47). One such factor is CSR, and it has become a core aspect in the observation of consumer behavior. The academic context of this topic revolves around previous research and the need to expand the breadth and scope of previous and current research (Mermod and Idowu, 2013:36). There is still a vacuum in the study of the relationship between CSR and customer buying behavior.

This paper aims to fill that vacuum. The novelty of this proposal lies in describing an ignored or unexplored body of scientific material on the relationship between CSR and customer buying behavior. There is a large body of empirical material that pertains to the topic but is yet to be brought to the fore (Mermod and Idowu, 2013:16). This paper will examine that material and also provide possible new perspectives on the subject.Proposal Methodology and MethodsThe research will employ a descriptive research design because it is the most suitable for examining relationships between phenomena.

Descriptive research methods such as observation, case study and surveys will be used to collect data, and then the relevant analysis tools – SPSS – and other statistical methods will be used to analyze the collected data. Findings will be presented using common methods like charts (pie charts), tables and graphs. The research will consider common research issues like bias, confidentiality and ethics. Bias will be avoided by using open-ended questions in the surveys to eliminate the possibility of appearing partial.

Participants will not only be assured of the confidentiality of the information of their information in word, but confidentiality will also be demonstrated through the handling of information during the research (Newman, 2014:26). Participants will be treated with respect during the research. They will be made to feel as comfortable as possible in order to provide the required feedback to facilitate research. Participants’ privacy will not be breached by asking personal or sensitive questions.

For participants who are unable to feature in person, transportation will be facilitated where necessary. Finally, the researchers will seek approval from relevant authorities when conducting research in specific regions (Hoyer and Pieters, 2013:19). ReferencesHoward, D. (2013) Social influence and consumer behaviour: a special issue of the journal Social Influence, Abingdon, Psycholog Press.Hoyer, W., & Pieters, R. (2013) Consumer behavior (Sixth ed.), Mason, OH, South-Western Cengage Learning.Mermod, A., & Idowu, S. (2013) Corporate social responsibility in the global business world, Dordrecht, Springer.Newman, K. (2014) The influence of corporate social responsibility efforts on the moral behaviour of consumers, Tucson, Arizona, University of Arizona.

Rosengren, S. (2013) Advances in advertising research, Wiesbaden, Springer Gabler.Zhang, W. (2012) Operational model with consumer behavior considerations, Montreal, McGill University Libraries.