Are Consumers' Purchasing Choices Influenced by Socio-Ethical Issues

Organization

Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC)

Published

2001

Summary

This project investigates the extent to which Canadian consumers are aware of and concerned with socio-ethical issues (including labour practices, environmental issues, and fair-trade), and the extent to which labels and claims would alter their purchasing decisions. The CAC held seven focus groups across Canada exploring consumer awareness, interest and perspectives on Social Accountability 8000 and ISO 14020. Among the report's findings are: 1) although some participants had some knowledge of socio-ethical issues, none had heard of the SA8000 standard; and 2) participants felt strongly that companies making socio-ethical claims should be verified by a credible auditing agency. The report concludes that socio-ethical claims and labelling are relatively new, and require ongoing monitoring by industry, government and consumer group.

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database