Attitudes of New Zealand business students towards corporate social responsibility

Abstract

This research examined the effect of four predictors of ethical ideology – namely ethical idealism, ethical relativism, spirituality and materiality – on the attitudes of New Zealand business students towards corporate social responsibility. Data was collected from 90 business students studying at a New Zealand university using a structured questionnaire that replicates the work of Kolodinsky, Madden, Zisk, and Henkel (2010). The research finds that only ethical idealism has a significant relationship with attitudes towards corporate social responsibility. The sample size limits the generalisability of the findings, as does the use of university students as indicators of future business people. However, the research still highlights the need for educators and businesses to consider the personal values and beliefs of individuals when discussing corporate social responsibility. This research is the only New Zealand study to replicate Kolodinsky et al. (2010) and examine attitudes of business students towards corporate social responsibility.