International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality in Asia Pasific
Vol 8, No 2 (2025): June 2025

From Drive-Thru to Trust: The Impact of CSR and Social Media Advertising on Customer Retention in the QSR Sector

Kun Peng Xia (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Yong Yu Lee (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Ann Xuan Khoo (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Joanne Xing Yi Lim (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Joey Wan Teng Low (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Joey Rui Yu Then (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Keerthana A/P Kalyselvan (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Darshini J (International School of Business and Research (ISBR) Business School)
A. J. Ali (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Daisy Mui Hung Kee (Universiti Sains Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Jun 2025

Abstract

As corporate social responsibility (CSR) and digital engagement become increasingly influential in shaping consumer behavior, brands must align with customer values while fostering meaningful connections. This study investigates how McDonald’s perceived CSR climate and social media advertising effectiveness impact customer retention, with brand value alignment and customer–organization relationships as mediating variables. Data were collected from 121 McDonald’s customers in Malaysia and analyzed using path analysis in R. The results indicate that CSR climate (? = -0.234, p 0.05) and social media advertising effectiveness (? = -0.050, p 0.05) do not directly influence retention. Instead, both factors positively affect brand value alignment (? = 0.536 and ? = 0.419, respectively; p 0.001), which subsequently enhances customer–organization relationships (? = 0.219, p 0.01) and, in turn, strongly drives customer retention (? = 0.828, p 0.001). The model explains 59% to 67% of the variance in key outcomes (R² = 0.590–0.672). This study offers a unified framework linking CSR and digital marketing to retention outcomes and provides practical insights for fast-food brands aiming to build loyalty through value-based and relational strategies in emerging markets.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJTHAP

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

IJTHAP aims to enhance theoretical development in the field of hospitality and tourism. In order to promote those innovations and fresh ideas, the journal alsso accepts conceptual research, book review, as well as essays of experience belongs to hospitality practitioners. The mission of IJTHAP is to ...