Consumer perceptions and corporate social responsibility: what we know so far

Abstract

The paper aims to give an overview of research on consumer perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the period between 2004 and 2017. Based on a systematic review of 111 articles and 2 conference proceedings, the study makes clear that consumer perceptions of CSR have emerged as a legitimate area of study of interest to a diverse range of disciplines. Surprisingly, only four articles were published in marketing-based journals. The most highly cited articles did not appear in what might normally be considered to be the top marketing journals according to the Academic Journal Guide 2015. The journals contributing the highest number of citations were Journal of Business Ethics, followed by Journal of Business Research, and California Management Review. The authors of the top 23 highly cited articles featured in this study are primarily affiliated with European universities. The study raises a concern over the impact of the published study. Specifically, 57 articles from 25 journals represent only 14% citations. The study also identifies a need for academic–practitioner collaboration in carrying out research. A future research agenda and implications are also offered.