People would be happier if corporations share their profits to better society

Nine out of 10 people living in Bangkok will pay more for something if it's made in a "socially responsible" way.

More than a third says it rates support of youth's education and development as the most important thing socially responsible corporations can do.

These are the findings of a study into consumer attitudes by Vero Public Relations, a corporate communications consultant.

The survey included 300 random interviews conducted in March with Bangkok residents aged between 18 and 65.

"The results tell us social purpose as a corporate message has strong appeal to consumers in Bangkok," says Brian Griffin, the company's managing director. "It's clear if companies align themselves with a cause that people care about, they will strike a meaningful chord in people's hearts and minds."

Not just talk

Artima Tantikul of Vero says "corporate social responsibility is no longer a term used only in boardrooms. Consumers are aware of sustainability and CSR issues, and what this means for Thailand".

The most frequently cited action for ways in which companies can contribute to society was through cooperation in the field of education. Environ-mental considerations were seen as second to this.

XTRA

caring corporates

>> Education trumps environment in defining CSR

>> 90% will pay more for products made by socially responsible corporate citizens

>> Chang considered No 1

for CSR efforts

>> Most rate their own employers as 'average'

when it comes to CSR