Leveraging AI in CSR: How social-oriented chatbots influence Chinese consumers’ supportive actions via dialogic communication

The use of artificially intelligent (AI) chatbots in the Chinese market is increasing along with corporate social responsibility (CSR). We surveyed 606 Chinese consumers to examine how a company’s chatbot can contribute to CSR dialogues by enhancing users’ perceptions of chatbot listening and shared meaning creation. The findings revealed that Chinese consumers appreciate the use of AI-enabled chatbots in CSR conversations, particularly if the chatbot has a social-oriented communication style. This communication style helps shape shared meaning of CSR and enhances consumers’ perceptions of a chatbot’s ability to listen. Furthermore, the communication style facilitates consumers’ willingness to engage in CSR dialogues, provide support, and recommend the business to others (supportive intent). In addition, we found that perceived chatbot listening and shared CSR meaning partially mediate the positive link between the social-oriented communication style and users’ supportive intent. Trust in the chatbot played a moderating role in the indirect effect of chatbot communication style (social-oriented) on supportive intent through perceived shared meaning. This effect increased with consumers’ trust in the chatbot’s competence and communication integrity. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed.