A national opinion survey commissioned by the National Consumers League and Fleishman-Hillard International Communications found that American consumers have their own views on corporate social responsibility that run counter to conventional wisdom.

More than environmental stewardship and philanthropy, nearly one in two Americans believes the most important proof of corporate social responsibility is treating employees well.

The survey found that 76 percent of American consumers agree that to be socially responsible, companies should place employee salary and wage increases above making charitable contributions. Similarly, the survey found that 76 percent believe that a company's treatment of its employees plays a big role in consumer purchasing decisions.

"What American consumers are telling us – perhaps influenced by ongoing coverage of corporate layoffs and employee-benefit reductions – sheds new light on how we view corporate social responsibility," said Fleishman-Hillard Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John D. Graham. "If companies want to maintain and strengthen their reputations, it will be essential for them to invest actively and visibly in their employees. It is also more important than ever to understand the online resources that Americans are using to learn about companies and their track records for corporate social responsibility."

Values Matter

Average Americans feel strongly about buying products from, or working for a company whose values are aligned with their own personal values. Survey respondents say it's "extremely" or "very" important to work for (79 percent), buy products and services from (65 percent), and socialize with (72 percent) those who have similar values and principles.

Corporate America Receives Low Marks for CSR Performance

While Americans believe that social responsibility is important, only 21 percent give U.S. corporations top marks for being socially responsible. When asked to rate how companies are performing compared with two to three years ago, only 30 percent believe that companies are doing a "somewhat better" or "a lot better" job of being socially responsible.

The Internet Is Transforming the CSR Landscape

Use of Internet technology is changing the way people learn about and determine which companies are socially responsible, the survey found.

Almost half of the respondents (47 percent) say they have used the Internet to learn about the extent to which a company is or is not being socially responsible. The survey results also demonstrate that 53 percent of Americans believe that their own online research is one of the most credible means by which to shape their opinions on deciding whether U.S. companies are being socially responsible.

"This research reflects an exciting coming-of-age for consumers, as they are more empowered than ever to assess and react to corporate social responsibility issues," said National Consumers League President Linda Golodner. "Activists and consumer watchdog groups remain important opinion leaders, but rank-and-file Americans are becoming more knowledgeable than ever on socially responsible behavior, and this trend will influence businesses and increasingly benefit society."

The research indicates that a new generation of online activists is emerging that cuts across many socioeconomic groups in the arena of corporate social responsibility. Going online to learn and advocate for social issues appears to be increasingly a mainstream activity of the average American. The survey found that 58 percent of survey respondents said that because of the increased availability of online resources and information, they (or other people like them) are "more informed" about companies' records for social responsibility than they were a few years ago.

The survey also found a positive relationship between active Internet use and engagement in social responsibility. About two-fifths of those using the Internet have sent e-mail to a company about its products or services (41 percent) or to an elected state or federal official about an issue (38 percent).

Americans who frequently use online resources were also more aware of global standards that act as a seal of approval that people can use to validate a company's social responsibility commitment.

The survey was conducted in February and March using a random sample of telephone numbers, and consisted of interviews with 800 adults in all 50 states. It has a margin of error of two to four percentage points.

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