The myth of the ethical consumer – do ethics matter in purchase behaviour?

2001-12-01articleJournal of Consumer Marketing1,653 citationsclosed

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Ethics in Business and Education Environmental Sustainability in Business Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Abstract

Marketing ethics and social responsibility are inherently controversial, and years of research continue to present conflicts and challenges for marketers on the value of a socially responsible approach to marketing activities. This article examines whether or not consumers care about ethical behaviour, and investigates the effect of good and bad ethical conduct on consumer purchase behaviour. Through focus group discussions it becomes clear that although we are more sophisticated as consumers today, this does not necessarily translate into behaviour which favours ethical companies and punishes unethical firms. The article concludes by some thoughts on how marketers might encourage consumers to engage in positive purchase behaviour in favour of ethical marketing.

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References

1990The Price Knowledge and Search of Supermarket Shoppers

1990Marketing Theory: Evolution and Evaluation

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