Given the conundrum of moral washing in CSR communication, this research examines the effectiveness of narrative richness using storytelling in marketing. In the process, the moderating role of moral imagination is further explored. An online experiment with a 2 (Narrative Richness: High vs. Low) x 2 (Moral Imagination: High vs. Low) between-subjects factorial design was conducted with two well-known companies (Shell vs. Facebook) suffered from a reputation crisis as the target brands. The results (N = 287) showed that the effects of narrative richness on consumer responses, including positive emotion, negative emotion, and behavioral intention, were significant for Facebook whereas its effect on positive emotion was significant for Shell. Most importantly, the two-way interaction between narrative richness and moral imagination on attitude toward the brand was significant for Shell, indicating that the effect of narrative richness on attitude toward the brand was augmented by moral imagination. In other words, consumers with high moral imagination view narrative-rich messages with virtuous thoughts to figure out the conundrum of CSR communication for the company, and vice versa. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

This study explores the effect of moral identity on attitude toward and purchase intention of upcycled fashion products by comparing purchasers and non-purchasers. Data from 127 purchasers and 307 non-purchasers collected through a survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance check, and multiple-group comparison tests using Amos 23.0. Results indicate consumers with purchase experiences of upcycled fashion products showed a higher level of moral identity (internalization and symbolization), positive attitude toward upcycled fashion products, and purchase intention than did consumers with no purchase experience. In model tests, internalization affected attitude toward purchasing upcycled fashion products, whereas symbolization affected purchase intention, regardless of purchase experience. The effect of symbolization on purchase intention was consistent with prior studies focusing on charity behaviors that are highly visible to others. These findings demonstrate that fashion products are visible and symbolic, so it should be carefully considered in ethical consumption studies. From these results, researchers may obtain insights on the process of how consumers apply moral identity to their purchase intention regarding upcycled fashion products. Likewise, marketers may enhance satisfaction of consumers with a high level of symbolization by putting special tags and logos that clearly highlight the products’ upcycled nature.

정서는 도덕적 판단, 의도, 행동으로 구성된 도덕적 의사결정에 관여한다. 본 연구는 온라인 실험 방법을 통하여 도덕적 정서인 죄책감과 수치심이 억제되었을 경우에 도덕적인 판단, 의도, 행동에 영향을 미친다는 것을 밝혔다. 도덕과 관련된 정서가 도덕적 의사결정 과정에 미치는 인과적 관계를 도출하기 위하여, 도덕과 관련된 정서(죄책감, 수치심)와 정서의 억제(억제, 대조집단)를 실험적으로 조작하였다. 실험 결과, 죄책감을 억제하는 것은 도덕적 판단과 의도에 관여되어있지만, 도덕적 행동은 관여하지 않는다는 것을 밝혔다. 다시 말해, 죄책감을 유지했던 피험자들은 억제했던 피험자들보다 지문에 묘사된 도덕적인 상황을 더 도덕적이라고 판단하였으며 도덕적 행동에 대한 의도가 높았다. 반면 수치심을 억제하는 것은 도덕적 판단과 의도에 관여하지 않았지만, 도덕적인 행동에 직접적으로 관여하였 다. 수치심을 유지했던 피험자들은 억제했던 피험자들보다 실제 도덕적인 행동을 더 많이 하였다. 본 연구는 비연속적 정서이론을 적용하여 죄책감과 수치심이 억제되었을 경우, 도덕적 의사결정 단계에 미치는 메커니즘을 설명하였다.

The purpose of this study was to assess the causal relationships among belief, subjective norm, moral feeling, attitude, and the intention to consume organic beef. A total of 326 questionnaires were completed by adult in Jeonnam area. Structural equation modeling was used to measure the causal relationships among the constructs. The structural analysis results indicated an excellent model-data fit. The covariance effects of belief and subjective norm, and belief and moral feeling were statistically significant. The effects of belief and moral feeling on attitude and intention to consume were also statistically significant. As expected, attitude had significant effects on intention to consume. Moreover, attitude played a mediating roles in the relationship between belief and intention to consume. Finally, based on structural analysis, a model was proposed for the interrelations among belief, subjective norm and moral feeling towards organic food, attitude and intention to consume. It should be noted that the original organic food consumption model was modified, and should preferably be validated by future research. Other constructs, such as perceived behavior control and consumption, may be incorporated to form models that consist of new antecedent and consequence pairs.