More than two-thirds of Americans say they consider a company’s business practices when deciding what to buy. American workers in increasing numbers say they want their employers to support a social cause or issue, according to the 2007 Cone Cause Evolution Survey.

Business practices are now an additional purchasing influence for approximately one-third of American shoppers
Another third consider both social issues and business practices when deciding what to buy
An overwhelming majority of Americans (85%) say they would switch to another company’s products or services if a problem with business practices were uncovered
83% say companies have a responsibility to help support causes
92% acknowledge they have a more positive image of a company that supports a cause they care about
87% are likely to switch from one brand to another (price and quality being about equal) if the other brand is associated with a good cause - an increase of more than 31% (from 66%) since 1993
Americans also consider a company’s commitment to social issues when deciding the following:

Which companies they want to see doing business in their communities, 86% (vs. 58% in 2001)
Where to work, 77% (vs. 48% in 2001)
Which stocks or mutual funds to invest in, 66% (vs. 40% in 2001)
I didn’t have access to the methodology for this research, but if it’s accurate, this an astounding change over the last 5-10 years.

Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 As reported by Marketing Charts

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