Perceived corporate social responsibility performance in professional football and its impact on fan-based patronage intentions: An example from Chinese football

Purpose This paper analyzes fans' perceptions of the CSR activities of a professional football club, specifically whether or not perceived CSR performances are then likely to influence patronage intentions of the fans in relation to the football club. Methodology The paper uses the example of a professional football club in China as a case study for data analysis. Based on a sample of 451home team fans, analysis was conducted through calculation of descriptive statistics, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of perceived CSR performance on fan’s patronage intentions. Findings The results revealed factor 3(“CSR to customer and employee”), and factor 4 (“Community development and youth education”) were significantly predictive of all the three patronage intention variables, i.e. repeat purchase, Word of Mouth, and merchandise consumption. In addition, factor 2 (“charity”) would also affect merchandise consumption intention, but have no effect on any other dimensions. Originality/Value A scale measuring perceived CSR performance in professional football clubs by the fans in the Chinese context has been developed. In addition, we have identified that the two main CSR factors that would influence fans’ patronage intentions, i.e. "CSR to the customer and employee" and "community development and youth education". Thus, if football clubs are to use CSR strategically to leverage spend then it is these two areas that they should focus on explicitly in relation to CSR activities. This paper adds value to an area that is currently under-researched in respect of CSR activities in Chinese professional football.