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Consumer Participation in Cause-Related Marketing: An Examination of Effort Demands and Defensive Denial

Author

Listed:
  • Katharine M. Howie

    (University of Mississippi
    University of Mississippi)

  • Lifeng Yang

    (University of Mississippi
    University of Mississippi)

  • Scott J. Vitell

    (University of Mississippi)

  • Victoria Bush

    (University of Mississippi
    University of Mississippi)

  • Doug Vorhies

    (University of Mississippi
    University of Mississippi)

Abstract

This article presents two studies that examine cause-related marketing (CRM) promotions that require consumers’ active participation. Requiring a follow-up behavior has very valuable implications for maximizing marketing expenditures and customer relationship management. Theories related to ethical behavior, like motivated reasoning and defensive denial, are used to explain when and why consumers respond negatively to these effort demands. The first study finds that consumers rationalize not participating in CRM by devaluing the sponsored cause. The second study identifies a tactic marketers can utilize to neutralize consumers’ use of defensive denial. Allowing the consumer to choose the sponsored cause seems to effectively refocus their attention and increases consumers’ threshold for campaign requirements. Implications for nonprofits and marketing managers include a tendency for consumers to be more likely to perceive a firm as ethical and socially responsible when they are allowed to choose the specific cause that is supported.

Suggested Citation

  • Katharine M. Howie & Lifeng Yang & Scott J. Vitell & Victoria Bush & Doug Vorhies, 2018. "Consumer Participation in Cause-Related Marketing: An Examination of Effort Demands and Defensive Denial," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 147(3), pages 679-692, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:147:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2961-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2961-1
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