Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Trust Post-Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly recalibrated consumer expectations and corporate responsibilities, significantly impacting the dynamic between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and consumer trust. This research examines the evolving landscape of CSR and its influence on consumer trust in the post-pandemic era. It investigates how the crisis heightened public scrutiny of corporate behavior, leading to increased consumer demand for authentic and impactful social, environmental, and governance (ESG) practices, beyond traditional philanthropic gestures.

The study explores shifts in consumer perceptions regarding corporate ethics, employee welfare, supply chain resilience, and community engagement, highlighting which aspects of CSR became most salient in building trust. It analyzes how companies' responses during the pandemic—ranging from swift support for employees and communities to adaptations in business models for public good—directly correlated with subsequent levels of consumer trust and loyalty. Furthermore, the abstract considers the challenges of 'greenwashing' and the imperative for genuine, transparent, and consistent CSR efforts to resonate with a more discerning consumer base. Ultimately, this research underscores the critical role of strategic and authentic CSR in fostering robust consumer trust and ensuring long-term brand resilience and success in a world permanently altered by the pandemic.