DALLAS—The MPI Foundation has completed the third and final phase of its benchmark Thought Leadership research study on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the results of which were presented at IMEX America 2012 in Las Vegas. For meetings and event professionals, the findings will enhance their understanding of CSR and demonstrate ways the policy can be put into practice ahead of consumer demand.
The research is based on more than 2,300 surveys representing businesses and delegates from more than 150 countries and 90 interviews.
Among the findings:
• 80 percent of industry professionals feel that customer expectations for CSR will increase in the coming years;
• 77 percent of delegates say it pleases them to buy from ethically and socially responsible organizations; and
• 68 percent of delegates say they will pay more to buy the products of a company that demonstrates its care for the well-being of society.
“The study delves into CSR at its deepest level, including the barriers and challenges to achieving it, best practices and engagement with formal and accredited programs,” says Cindy D’Aoust, COO and Interim CEO MPI International.
The study was conducted by researchers from the International Center for Research in Events, Tourism and Hospitality at Leeds Metropolitan University in the U.K. and was made possible through an investment by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). According to D’Aoust, “The importance of this study cannot be understated. The industry is clearly making strides in sustainability. Now we need to communicate our CSR credentials and commitment to stakeholders.”
Earlier phases of MPI’s research on CSR focused on current business environments, CSR market drivers, case studies and programs. These latest findings were presented at IMEX America, and are to be followed by the release of a series of related research papers focusing on specific CSR topics.
For more information visit www.mpiweb.org/csr.
