Cause-related marketing. Opportunities abound for businesses to connect with their publics and relate to the social and

❺ Cause-related marketing. Opportunities abound for businesses to connect with their publics and relate to the social and political changes taking place in their communities through cause-related marketing. Each year, companies invest millions of dollars in sponsoring charities, sporting events, cultural groups, health organisations and the arts. There is an immense social benefit that comes from this; however, there are both advantages and disadvantages for the marketer and, sometimes, for the sponsored organisation. The benefits are more obvious but what are some of the drawbacks of cause-related marketing for the business and the sponsored organisation? In what cultural contexts (if any) would cause-related marketing be inappropriate? (Learning Objective 4) (AACSB: Reflective Thinking)