Associate Professor, Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract
Driven by increased consciousness of social, environmental, and ethical issues, the traditional consumer profile is experiencing a major transformation in the current business environment. This evolution is driving organisations to look beyond profit-oriented models and adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and social entrepreneurship as strategic instruments for innovation and value creation at scale. We develop this line of thought by examining the interactions between changing consumer demands and the potential for innovation through CSR and social enterprise initiatives. This paper examines the evolving dynamics of consumer behaviour, highlighting how organisations may utilise CSR and social entrepreneurship to meet increasing customer expectations and stimulate innovation. As sustainability, social fairness, and environmental responsibility gain prominence, customers are meticulously evaluating business behaviours and choosing products that resonate with their principles. In this setting, CSR has emerged as a strategic instrument that elevates brand reputation, cultivates consumer loyalty, and distinguishes enterprises in a competitive market. Social entrepreneurship, which integrates corporate expertise with social objectives, offers a compelling framework for enterprises to generate both social impact and financial returns. Through the implementation of impactful CSR projects and the adoption of social entrepreneurship, corporations can fulfil the dual objectives of profit generation and resolving global social issues. The document emphasises that digital platforms have intensified this transition by giving customers immediate access to information and enabling them to hold firms accountable. By implementing creative CSR and social entrepreneurship strategies, organisations enhance societal welfare while simultaneously securing a competitive advantage by engaging a growing market of socially conscious consumers. This research underscores the significance of authenticity, openness, and enduring commitment when utilising CSR and social entrepreneurship for sustainable innovation and growth. Businesses that effectively incorporate these principles into their fundamental operations are more likely to prosper in a progressively conscientious and consumer-oriented market.
Keywords: Consumer Behaviour, Corporate Social Responsibility, Digital Platforms, Ethical Business Practices, Sustainable Innovation, Corporate Accountability
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