Business Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Business - Research Proposal Example This understanding will not only help in developing more sustainable strategies but will also facilitate in maintaining effectiveness throughout the business channel, ensuring greater degree of responsible attitude among the participants. In this study, a quantitative research approach has been proposed that would help in obtaining adequate and appropriate information in relation to consumer boycotts in the recent era and the factors contributing to the same. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Problem Statement 6 Research Objectives 7 Hypotheses 8 Rationale of the Study 9 Literature Review 10 Social Pressure 12 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Customer Attitude 12 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Brand Image 14 Motivation for Boycott Participation 15 Consequences of Consumer Boycotts 17 Research Design 18 Research Approach 18 Data Collection 19 Sampling 19 Ethical Issues 20 Measurement 20 Data Analysis Plan 21 References 22 Appendix: Questionnaire 25 Introduction Conceptually, boycotts are referred as particular techniques that can be used by stakeholders against those corporate entities those are responsible for executing unethical operations, inhibiting the interests of its internal or external stakeholder group. These techniques can be used by consumers or workers or any other stakeholder, having in interest in the company’s ethical performance (Murtagh & Lukehart, 2012). It is usually identified as a process on the basis of which, consumers decipher their voluntary and determined refusal or disapproval to buy, use or participate in any event of company on the grounds of unethical practices that may include fraudulent business, discriminatory practices, lack of transparency and integrity in the functioning or engagement of the company in illegal activities. Boycotts are significant when undertaken in groups as the strength tends to intensify with increased number of consumers willingly abandoning the product or serv ice. Boycotts are commonly executed by racial minorities, women’s rights activists, labour unions, religious groups and consumers. Commonly, boycotts are organised in groups with the intention to bind the corporate entities towards performing ethically sound functions and avoid or discontinue practicing malpractices and unethical tactics rendering due significance to customers’ interests. In this context, any consumer can be recognised as a boycotter (Murtagh & Lukehart, 2012). Boycotts are organised by dedicated as well as energetic activists who are willing to stand forward for any issue that is witnessed to be hampering the social, ethical and environmental factors of the region. Moreover, the reasons which are accountable for organising boycotts should be definite and accurate so that adequate supports as well as assistances are obtained from others activists. The objectives of boycotts should also be measurable, precise and realistic. In this regard, shareholder r esolutions are also identified to be an effective technique for influencing companies to change in accordance with the determined objectives of boycotts. It is worth mentioning in this context that shareholder resolutions are effective as shareholders can force the management of a company to change certain policies, which are inappropriate and unethical company as per the legal norms and thus, fail to work for the interest of the society at large. Furthermore,