Corporate social responsibility: the key to improving brand equity and reputation for local sports associations in Islamic countries

Abstract

Purpose Attracting resources (financial and non-financial), supporters and the community’s attention to sports and physical activity has become essential for local sports associations (LSAs). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are innovative and less imitable tools for strengthening relationships with customers (Lim et al., 2018), and there needs to be relevant research on CSR and the variables discussed in this study at the level of small sports organizations. Moreover, past research has focused on professional sports organizations in developed and non-Islamic countries. So, the following research questions are: What is the influence of CSR initiatives on the organizational reputation, brand equity and customer satisfaction of LSAs operating in the context of recreational sports, particularly in Islamic developing countries, and how does this relationship evolve within the framework of small sports organizations? Design/methodology/approach Participants (n = 290) consisted of all customers who used the services of LSAs in the Islamic Republic of Iran). This research seeks to measure the relationship between variables within a causal model based on structural equation modeling. Findings This study critically examines the connection between CSR, customer satisfaction, organizational reputation and brand equity in LSAs. This study presents a model that explores how CSR influences customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity in LSAs in developing countries. Research limitations/implications Consequently, customers are likely to feel more satisfied with LSAs that demonstrate a commitment to CSR, and this leads to evaluations of the organization’s reputation and brand equity, ultimately resulting in outcomes for them. Originality/value This research presents a comprehensive theoretical model that examines the relationship between CSR, customer satisfaction, reputation and brand equity of LSAs in developing Islamic countries. LSAs must understand and recognize customer interests in social issues and their response to various CSR programs.