Exploring perceptions of customer value: The role of corporate social responsibility initiatives in the European telecommunications industry

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that describes and explains how corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are perceived by customers and links customer perception to the notion of customer value perception. To explore customer value conception firstly, the perception of CSR initiatives is investigated; secondly, indications for the value-enhancing effects of CSR initiatives are studied, and finally, the varying effects which different value categories can have on customer attitudes and behaviour are extracted.

The data consists of 12 semi-structured interviews with customers of European telecommunication companies.

The results suggest that CSR initiatives, when communicated efficiently and considered as relevant by customers, will enhance two customer value categories: the extrinsic self-oriented value defined as efficiency and excellence and the intrinsic other-oriented value pertaining to ethics or spirituality. Enhancement of extrinsic self-oriented value imbeds the potential of CSR initiatives to affect customers’ purchase behaviour and thus strengthen ethical consumerism within the telecommunications industry.

The main implication for research is a better understanding of the relationship between customer perception and customer value perception in the field of ethical consumerism. Focussing on one industry for the study can be named as a limitation.

As indicated by the research, results by customers prioritised CSR initiative can affect the customer value perception, mainly the extrinsic/self-oriented value. If the company is aiming to change customer behaviour and to strengthen ethical consumerism, it is important that the customer experience of CSR initiatives improve excellence (quality) and/or efficiency of the product/service.

This paper fulfils an identified need of research on how CSR initiatives can influence consumer behaviour.