I disagree with the author that the ethical consumer will not drive change. The data presented in the article do show that many consumers act unethically. The data also show that there is large gap between ethical consciousness and ethical consumerism. However, the relative unpopularity of ethical consumerism in the present is not evidence that ethical consumerism will not be a driver of change in the future. Indeed, with increased publicity of corporate behavior, we should expect that ethical considerations will figure more into the decision making of consumers than it has in the past.
I enjoyed reading your article, in fact I found it to be an easy and refreshing read. I work in Pakistan as a journalist for a business magazine. Often I cover CSR issues that relate to Pakistan. Your article provides a good framework for examining CSR. Rarely do I find such articles.
I too found your article of great interest, even though somewhat discouraging. While I agree there is a lot more to be done – and compulsory legislation and changing the legal structure of a company would fast-track this – I see the market potential in a more positive light. Ethical consumerism is growing, as is evident by the success of the many niche companies operating in this market. It is also key for the younger generation who are concerned with what sort of world they will be left to live in. These consumers are also investors and employees. Hence, if companies wish to attract these employees and investors they will need to meet their needs and expectations.
COMMENTS
BY Chris
ON July 17, 2006 07:37 PM
I disagree with the author that the ethical consumer will not drive change. The data presented in the article do show that many consumers act unethically. The data also show that there is large gap between ethical consciousness and ethical consumerism. However, the relative unpopularity of ethical consumerism in the present is not evidence that ethical consumerism will not be a driver of change in the future. Indeed, with increased publicity of corporate behavior, we should expect that ethical considerations will figure more into the decision making of consumers than it has in the past.
BY Muniza Agha-Fawad
ON May 18, 2007 04:10 AM
I enjoyed reading your article, in fact I found it to be an easy and refreshing read. I work in Pakistan as a journalist for a business magazine. Often I cover CSR issues that relate to Pakistan. Your article provides a good framework for examining CSR. Rarely do I find such articles.
BY Soul Economy
ON November 26, 2007 04:38 AM
I too found your article of great interest, even though somewhat discouraging. While I agree there is a lot more to be done – and compulsory legislation and changing the legal structure of a company would fast-track this – I see the market potential in a more positive light. Ethical consumerism is growing, as is evident by the success of the many niche companies operating in this market. It is also key for the younger generation who are concerned with what sort of world they will be left to live in. These consumers are also investors and employees. Hence, if companies wish to attract these employees and investors they will need to meet their needs and expectations.