== CSR and the textile industry ==
The interested can obtain more information on CSR and the textile industry in the essay [http://hdl.handle.net/2320/5571 "Who cares? – a study of Corporate Social Responsibility as a competitive weapon"] by Marie-Louise Johansson, BSc in Textile Economics, School of Textiles, 2009-06-10.
Abstract, partly
The purpose of this study is to illustrate how companies in the fashion industry can apply CSR, to
enhance their brandimage, and create competitive advantages. The study also aims to examine, in
what way, the consumers’ interest in ethics and social issues affect their buying decisions.
The study showed that most consumers like to think of themselves as “good people” and
therefore find social responsibility and fair working conditions to be of great importance which
makes it possible for comapanies to build a strong brandimage with CSR. Although, the liking
towards social responsibility showed to be in no way a warranty for companies that consumers
will choose their products over those of the competitors’. A strong brandimage, thus, isn’t enough
to affect the consumers buying decision though other attributes is of greater importance for the
customers. However, there is a small segment that find fair working conditions to be of great
importance. The conclusion is that CSR, as a competitive weapon and differentiator, is suitable
for a small segment of the market rather than the market as a whole.
== CSR and profitability ==
== Standards for CSR-related areas ==