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Do they Know it’s CSR at all? An Exploration of Socially Responsible Music Consumption

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Abstract

The increasing visibility and elevated status of musicians has become prominent in contemporary society as a consequence of technological advances and the development of both mass and specialized targeted audiences. Consequently, the actions of musicians are under greater levels of scrutiny and fans demand more from musicians than ‘just’ music. If the industry demands corporate social responsibility practices in a similar vein to how corporations promote themselves; a further question then remains regarding how the increasing prominence of such activities by musicians influences music consumers and fans of individual bands and artists. The current research provides a foundation upon which to better understand the role that social responsibility plays for consumers of music. Consequently, the research has practical implications for promoting socially responsible consumption practices. The various public spaces (concerts, festivals, retail outlets, social events, and social media) that music consumption encompasses represent great opportunities in which ethical consumption practices can be promoted. We identify a number of factors (level of expectations, authenticity and escapism) that ultimately determine when socially responsible engagement in the music industry is supported, ignored, or even becomes the focus of consumer backlash.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Goodman School of Business, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catherines, ON, L2S3A1, Canada

    Todd Green

  2. Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK

    Gary Sinclair & Julie Tinson

Authors
  1. Todd Green
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  2. Gary Sinclair
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  3. Julie Tinson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Todd Green.

Appendix 1—Interview Guide

Appendix 1—Interview Guide

  • If you think of a few recent purchases what were the main factors that influenced your purchase?

  • What was your last music-related purchase?

  • What were the main reasons/motivations behind the purchase?

  • What kind of music do you like?

  • How do you consume music—i.e., how do you buy it/when do you watch/listen to it/where do you watch/listen to it?

  • What are your opinions on the current music industry as a whole?

  • How much of an influence would your favorite musicians have on you as a person?

  • How about on your purchases?

  • Do you consider social responsibility and/or ethical considerations when making purchases of products/services in the area of music?

  • Can you think of ways that musicians/bands currently engage in socially responsible behavior?

  • Do any recent examples of socially responsible behavior within the music industry come to mind?

  • Have you considered aspects of socially responsible behavior when you have attended live music events?

  • Have you engaged in socially responsible behavior at live music events?

  • How would you define a socially responsible musician?

  • Do you think it is important for them to act in a socially responsible way?

  • Would you be more likely to buy an album/attend a concert of an artist that you perceive to be engaged in socially responsible behavior?

  • Have you attended a live event due to the socially responsible aspect of the event?

  • How would you compare the role that social responsibility plays in everyday consumption decisions to music consumption decisions?

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Green, T., Sinclair, G. & Tinson, J. Do they Know it’s CSR at all? An Exploration of Socially Responsible Music Consumption. J Bus Ethics 138, 231–246 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2582-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2582-8

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