Date of Award
May 2020
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Public Relations
Advisor(s)
Joon Soo Lim
Keywords
Corporate Political Advocacy, Corporate Social Advocacy, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSA
Subject Categories
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Companies are constantly sharing and posting content related to social issues. It is increasingly becoming an expectation for brands to take a stance on such controversies even where they may not be inherently related or relevant to the company’s daily activity. However, the extent to which this form of advocacy has residual effects on the advocating company is still unclear. This thesis aims to provide clarity on this matter by examining its impact on consumers’ relationship with the company and related perceptions.
An online survey was conducted in March 2020. Findings were compared with social analytic research. A correlation analysis suggested a connection between post volume referencing the advocated issue and consumer perception of the company being associated with that issue. Analysis of survey results indicated that perceived fit between organizational identity and advocated issue impacts issue-specific corporate reputation. Findings also suggest perceived fit and perceived authenticity are highly correlated. Perceived fit between organizational identity and advocated social issue are also found to have positive effects on issue-specific reputation. Brand loyalty was similarly predicted by perceived fit and perceived authenticity of corporate social advocacy.
Practical and theoretical implications for research are discussed.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Young, Cayley, "The Impact of Ben & Jerry’s Corporate Social Advocacy on Corporate Reputation and Brand Loyalty" (2020). Theses - ALL. 416.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/416
