Australian female consumers and employees are demanding transparency and ethical business practices, with more than 90 per cent saying that a company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a must and that it affects their purchasing and employment decisions.
Australian female consumers and employees are demanding transparency and ethical business practices, with more than 90 per cent saying that a company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a must and that it affects their purchasing and employment decisions.
A recent poll of 645 women by Heat Group found that, despite a recent downturn in spending, ethical consumerism is on the rise, and CSR has become a key distinguishing factor in a crowded marketplace.
A huge 70 per cent of respondents said awareness of a company’s activities in the area of CSR influenced their purchasing decisions.
When it comes to recruiting, companies looking to grab this year’s top graduates need to shape up – 75 per cent of women aged 18 to 24 look at CSR as a priority when choosing a future employer. This figure doesn’t diminish with age – 69 per cent of women overall said knowledge of a company’s ethical business values is a major factor in employment decisions.
The primary concern for women in the area of CSR is the environment,with 37 per cent ranking it as the most important activity.
Gender equality remains very much on the agenda – 28 per cent of women said equal opportunity and support for women was of the utmost significance to them. Charity beginning in the workplace, not at home, was also a priority for 10 per cent of respondents.
