Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Their Influence on Brand-Equity and Consumer Trust

International Journal of Economics and Management Intellectuals [IJEMI]

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Their Influence on Brand-Equity and Consumer Trust

Author : Dr. Aisha Al-Hassan

Open Access | Volume 2 Issue 4 | 2025 | Pages 30–38

https://doi.org/10.63665/ijemi-y2f4a004

How to Cite :

Al-Hassan, A., "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Their Influence on Brand-Equity and Consumer Trust", International Journal of Economics and Management Intellectuals [IJEMI], 2025, 2(4): pp. 30–38.
Journal Book

Abstract

Abstract - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming a strategic imperative for companies that want to build brand reputation and trust. While CSR's bottom-line economic benefits are forever in question, its effect on consumer loyalty and brand equity is becoming more and more considered as the key to competitive markets. This article analyses the impact of CSR initiatives on brand equity and consumer trust through quantitative information obtained from consumer surveys and qualitative data from CSR managers from various industries. On the basis of a mixed-methods research study, the article analyses the impact of CSR initiatives in sustainability, ethical management, and social responsibility on consumer attitude, loyalty, and trust in brands. The results list that strategic CSR not only enhances brand equity through enhanced awareness, perceived quality, and loyalty but also constructs consumer confidence, which subsequently ensures brand loyalty in the long term. The research contributes to the knowledge in corporate responsibility-consumer behaviour linkages and provides managerial implications for managers who aim to use CSR in an effort to attain competitive advantage.

Keywords

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Brand Equity, Consumer Trust, Brand Loyalty, Stakeholder Theory, Sustainability, Ethical Business Practices, Consumer Perception.

Conclusion

A. Summary of Key Findings

The prevalence of a strong link between CSR activities, consumer trust, and brand equity across various industries has been established by evidence. Strategic CSR initiatives across themes such as sustainability and ethics-based innovation, community engagement, and transparent governance have cause-and-effect relationships with brand reputation, loyalty, and trust. The research validates that while industry CSR agendas may differ, the inherent impact on customer perception across industries is robust and consistent. Consumer confidence has also been found to be an engaging mediator that facilitates mapping of CSR activities to tangible results in brand equity.

B. Contribution to Theory and Practice

The article speculates by drawing on stakeholder theory, signalling theory, and social identity theory to explain the signalling of CSR practice into brand value and consumer trust. From a practical perspective, the article provides takeout lessons to managers and shows that CSR must be strategically aligned, contextually adapted, and signalled in order to drive brand value. Cross-industry analysis also enhances the study by revealing industry-specific turns in CSR practice and consumer response.

C. Limitations of the Study and Suggestions for Future Research

Nonetheless, the research is not flawless. Cross-sectional study design is weak in temporal causal inference, and response bias can be a problem with self-reported consumer information. Although several industries were utilized for use in consideration in a study, in addition, findings may not generalize to small firms or emerging market settings with varying CSR maturity. Future studies must employ longitudinal study designs to assess the long-term impact of CSR on brand equity, investigate cross-cultural difference, and investigate digital communication plans for CSR exposure and stakeholder engagement.

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