Perception of corporate social responsibility in a morally contentious industry: the roles of consumption motives and ethical perspectives

Purpose

This study investigates the roles of consumption motives and ethical perspectives in explaining individuals’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the context of the recreational marijuana industry, often characterized as morally contentious.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Canada, a country where recreational marijuana is legally permitted. Through an online survey, 411 participants were recruited, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS4, employing ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.

Findings

ANOVA analyses reveal significant differences across four ethical perspectives: absolutism, subjectivism, situationism and exceptionism. Conformity motives are most prominent in the exceptionism group, while expansion motives are more common in the subjectivism group. CSR perceptions vary among these groups, with situationism showing the most favorable views. In the absolutism group, expansion and social motives positively influence CSR perception, whereas conformity motives negatively impact it. Conversely, in the exceptionism and situationism groups, only expansion motives positively affect CSR perception. Unexpectedly, within the subjectivism group, only conformity motives have a significant negative effect on CSR perception.

Originality/value

This study examines a controversial industry and contributes to research on recreational marijuana by comparing consumer motives from ethical perspectives. Unlike previous research focused on consumption behaviors (e.g. use frequency), this study investigates how CSR perceptions are shaped by consumption motives and vary with ethical viewpoints.