Marketing Ethics, Consumer Protection, CSR, Green Marketing and Emerging Trends Questions

Question 1

Define marketing ethics.

Accepted Answer

Marketing ethics refers to moral principles and standards that guide marketing decisions and behaviour.

Question 2

What is consumer protection?

Accepted Answer

Consumer protection includes laws and practices that safeguard consumers from unfair trade practices.

Question 3

Write the full form of CSR.

Accepted Answer

CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Question 4

What is green marketing?

Accepted Answer

Green marketing involves marketing environmentally friendly products and practices.

Question 5

What is greenwashing?

Accepted Answer

Greenwashing is giving a false impression that a product is environmentally friendly.

Question 6

State one consumer right.

Accepted Answer

Right to information is a consumer right.

Question 7

Explain the need/importance of marketing ethics (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Marketing ethics is important because it:
1) Protects consumers from deception and harmful products.
2) Builds trust, reputation and long-term customer loyalty.
3) Reduces legal risk and prevents conflicts by ensuring fair practices.

Ethical marketing supports sustainable profits by focusing on long-term relationships.

Question 8

List any three unethical marketing practices with examples.

Accepted Answer

Three unethical marketing practices with examples:
1) Misleading advertising: claiming "100% cures" without proof.
2) Hidden charges: adding extra fees at checkout without clear information.
3) Fake discounts: increasing MRP and then showing a big discount.

Other examples include fake reviews and selling counterfeit products.

Question 9

Explain consumer rights (any three).

Accepted Answer

Consumer rights (any three):
1) Right to safety: protection against hazardous goods.
2) Right to information: correct information about price, quality and terms.
3) Right to be heard/redressal: ability to complain and get fair solution.

These rights reduce exploitation and improve market trust.

Question 10

Explain CSR and mention any three CSR areas.

Accepted Answer

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) means business responsibility towards society beyond profit.

Three CSR areas are:
1) Environment protection (waste reduction, clean energy).
2) Employee welfare and fair labour practices.
3) Community development (education, health programs).

CSR improves stakeholder trust and brand image.

Question 11

Explain green marketing and mention benefits and challenges (brief).

Accepted Answer

Green marketing involves marketing products and practices that are environmentally friendly.

Benefits: better brand image, meets regulations, attracts eco-conscious consumers, and can reduce costs through efficiency.
Challenges: higher initial costs, difficulty in proving claims, and risk of greenwashing accusations.

So claims should be specific and evidence-based.

Question 12

Explain ethical issues in digital marketing (any three).

Accepted Answer

Ethical issues in digital marketing (any three):
1) Data privacy: collecting/using customer data without consent.
2) Spam: sending repeated emails/SMS without opt-in and unsubscribe option.
3) Manipulation: dark patterns that trick users into buying.

Also includes fake reviews and undisclosed influencer promotions.

Question 13

Discuss marketing ethics in detail. Explain ethical principles and how they build long-term customer relationships.

Accepted Answer

Marketing ethics refers to moral principles that guide marketing decisions and behaviour. Ethical marketing is important because it creates trust, protects consumers and supports long-term business success.

Ethical principles (exam points):
1) Truthfulness
- Ads and claims should be accurate and supported by evidence.
- Example: do not claim "guaranteed results" without proof.

2) Transparency
- Clearly disclose price, terms, warranties and sponsorships.
- Example: show total price including delivery charges and taxes.

3) Fairness
- Avoid unfair targeting, discrimination and exploitation (especially children/elderly).

4) Responsibility and safety
- Ensure product quality and safe usage information. Provide warnings and proper labels.

5) Respect and privacy
- Take consent for data collection, provide unsubscribe, protect customer data.

How ethics builds long-term relationships:
- Ethical behaviour increases customer satisfaction and loyalty because customers feel safe and respected.
- Trust reduces switching and increases repeat purchases and word-of-mouth referrals.
- It also reduces complaints, legal issues and reputation damage.

Thus, ethical marketing is not only morally right but also a strong long-term business strategy.

Question 14

Explain consumer protection and complaint handling. Mention consumer rights and a step-by-step grievance redressal process.

Accepted Answer

Consumer protection means safeguarding consumers from unfair trade practices and ensuring safe, standard quality goods and services. It improves market trust and prevents exploitation.

Consumer rights (write in points):
1) Right to safety: protection from hazardous goods/services.
2) Right to information: correct details of quality, quantity, price and terms.
3) Right to choose: access to variety at competitive prices.
4) Right to be heard: consumer interests must be considered.
5) Right to seek redressal: fair remedy for genuine complaints.
6) Right to consumer education: awareness of rights and procedures.

Complaint handling / grievance redressal process (step-by-step):
1) Receive complaint and acknowledge quickly (build confidence).
2) Collect proof and details (bill, order number, photos).
3) Investigate and find root cause (product defect, service failure, delivery issue).
4) Provide remedy: repair/replacement/refund/compensation as per policy and fairness.
5) Communicate resolution clearly and within time.
6) Follow-up to ensure satisfaction and record learning to prevent repeat issues.

Effective complaint handling can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal customer.

Question 15

Explain CSR and green marketing. Also discuss greenwashing and how companies can avoid it with ethical communication.

Accepted Answer

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) means that a business is responsible towards society and environment beyond earning profit. CSR includes environment protection, employee welfare, community development, ethical sourcing and transparency. CSR improves stakeholder trust and strengthens brand image.

Green marketing means planning and marketing products/practices that are environmentally friendly. It includes designing eco-friendly products, sustainable packaging, and responsible promotion.

Benefits of green marketing:
- positive brand image, customer trust
- compliance with regulations
- efficiency and cost savings in the long run

Greenwashing:
Greenwashing is when a company gives a false or exaggerated impression that its product is eco-friendly (e.g., vague claims like "100% green" without proof). This misleads consumers and harms trust.

How to avoid greenwashing (ethical communication):
1) Use specific claims and measurable data (e.g., "30% recycled plastic").
2) Provide evidence and certifications where possible.
3) Be transparent about limitations (what is green and what is not).
4) Avoid misleading visuals/words that imply environmental benefits not present.

Thus CSR and genuine green marketing create long-term value, while greenwashing damages reputation.

Marketing Ethics, Consumer Protection, CSR, Green Marketing and Emerging Trends

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