Fashion Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Image, Product Preference, and Purchase Intention: Chinese Consumers’ Perspectives

In this age of information, companies are losing grip of their image. Perhaps this explains the reason why corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become somewhat of a buzzword among established fashion industry leaders —companies seem determined to show stakeholders that they have values, are responsible, and they are driven by more by values than the prospects of financial gain. This study assessed the effect of CSR have in the fashion industry on the corporate image, product preference, and purchase intention in China. Three hundred native residents in China participated in an online survey from 1-12th Jan 2017. The results were as follows: (1) CSR consists of five components; economic responsibility, ethical responsibility, environmental protection, consumer protection, and philanthropic responsibility. (2) Both economic and ethical responsibilities have significant positive effects on corporate image, while perceived CSR does not have significant effect on product preference or purchase intention. (3) Consumers’ product preference and perceptions regarding corporate image influence their intention on making a purchase. These findings might operationally assist Korean fashion corporations to identify and address the critical aspects of CSR management which will improve their image as good corporate citizens and foster favorable attitudes toward fashion products from China. Further results and direction of future research were discussed.