The Impact of Community of Practice on Ethical AI Marketing Strategy: The Mediating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, South West (United Kingdom)
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, South West (United Kingdom)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100601383
Subject Category: Marketing
Volume/Issue: 10/6 | Page No: 20217-20235
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-07-04
Accepted: 2026-07-10
Published: 2026-07-21
Abstract
The core aim of this thesis was to examine the impact of Communities of Practice on ethical AI marketing strategy, with the mediating role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This study adopted a secondary qualitative method based on constructivist philosophy and inductive reasoning. Data were obtained from academic sources and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to generate conceptual understanding of the relationships among Communities of Practice, CSR, and Ethical AI Marketing Strategy. The analysis reveals four themes: collaborative learning and the development of ethical capabilities, CSR as responsible AI governance, stakeholder trust in ethical AI marketing and the institutionalisation of ethical AI marketing practices. Based on the findings obtained, Communities of Practice help build the ethical capacity of the organisation through appropriate knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and fostering ethical competencies in the community. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) supports this with a system of responsible governance that turns internal ethical learning into commitments of stakeholders. These strategies, when combined, can help build trust-based, transparent, accountable, private, and fair AI marketing campaigns. For the future, it is recommended to use other methods such as interviews and in-depth analysis for obtaining sufficient data and results.
Keywords
N/A
Downloads
References
1. Al Haj Eid, M., Abu Hashesh, M., Sharabati, A.A., Khraiwish, A., Al-Haddad, S. and Abusaimeh, H. (2024) ‘Conceptualizing ethical AI-enabled marketing: Current state and agenda for future research’, International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(4), pp. 2291–2306. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2024.6.002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Aljuwaiber, A. (2021) ‘Enabling Knowledge Management Initiatives through Organizational Communities of Practice’, Global Business Review, 22(3), pp. 260–275. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/22779779211036961 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Amin, M.R.M., Asbi, A., Sivakumaran, V.M., Kim, J. and Septiarini, E. (2025) 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in marketing strategies: Navigating the present and shaping the future business landscape', Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102048. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Henderson, M. D. (2025). Agentic AI and the ethics of leadership maintenance: rethinking responsibility in algorithmic organizations. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 47(2), 294–308. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-05-2025-0319 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Stryker, C. (2026, June 29). Responsible AI. Ibm.Com. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/responsible-ai [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. An, G.K. and Ngo, T.T.A. (2025) 'AI-powered personalized advertising and purchase intention in Vietnam's digital landscape: The role of trust, relevance, and usefulness', Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11(3), 100580. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100580. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2019) ‘Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis’, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), pp. 589–597. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2797898 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2021) Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. London: SAGE. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3429437 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D. (2023) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 6th edn. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3784840 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. de Lucas Lopez, A.P., Gorneanu, A.E., Yela Aranega, A. and Gallego Martin, L. (2026) 'Ethics, transparency, and consumer trust in AI-enabled pricing: Implications for sustainable technology entrepreneurship and economic policy', Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship, 5(2), 100131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stae.2026.100131. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Du, S. and Sen, S. (2023) ‘AI Through a CSR Lens: Consumer Issues and Public Policy’, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 42(4), pp. 351–353. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07439156231186573 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Ejjami, R. (2024) ‘The Holistic AI-Enhanced Marketing Framework Theory: Bridging Human Creativity and AI for Ethical Marketing’, International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28169 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Ghanbarpour, T., Crosby, L., Johnson, M.D. and Gustafsson, A. (2024) ‘The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Stakeholders in Different Business Contexts’, Journal of Service Research, 27(1), pp. 3–20. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10946705231207992 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Hari, H., Sharma, A., Verma, S. and Chaturvedi, R. (2025) 'Exploring ethical frontiers of artificial intelligence in marketing', Journal of Responsible Technology, 21, 100103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrt.2024.100103. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Hermann, E. (2022) ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Marketing for Social Good—An Ethical Perspective’, Journal of Business Ethics, 179(1), pp. 43–61. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-021-04843-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Hermann, E. and Puntoni, S. (2025) ‘Generative AI in Marketing and Principles for Ethical Design and Deployment’, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 44(3). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/07439156241309874 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Hermann, E. and Puntoni, S. (2025) 'Generative AI in marketing and principles for ethical design and deployment', Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 44(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/07439156241309874. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Johnston, M.P. (2017) ‘Secondary data analysis: A method of which the time has come’, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 3(3), pp. 619–626. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2693953 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Johnston, M.P. (2017) 'Secondary data analysis: A method of which the time has come', Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 3(3), pp. 619-626. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Khan, S., Paul, J. and colleagues (2024) ‘Exploring ethical frontiers of artificial intelligence in marketing’, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 100103. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666659624000295 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Kim, S. and Ferguson, M.A. (2024) ‘Instilling warmth in artificial intelligence? Examining publics’ responses to AI-applied corporate ability and corporate social responsibility practices’, Public Relations Review, 50(1), 102426. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0363811124000055 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Kumar, D. and Suthar, N. (2024) ‘Ethical and legal challenges of AI in marketing: an exploration of solutions’, Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 22(1), pp. 124–144. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-05-2023-0068 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Kunz, W.H. and Wirtz, J. (2024) 'Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) in the age of AI: Implications for interactive marketing', Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 18(1), pp. 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIM-06-2023-0176. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Lim, J.S., Lee, C., Shin, D., Kim, J. and Zhang, J. (2025) 'Perceived stakeholder engagement in corporate data responsibility (CDR) communication and its relationship with trust in generative AI systems: The mediating role of algorithmic and institutional responsibility', Journal of Public Relations Research, 37(5), pp. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726X.2025.2501552. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Lim, S.G. and Kim, M. (2025) 'AI-powered personalized recommendations and pricing: Moderating effects of ethical AI and consumer empowerment', International Journal of Hospitality Management, 126, 104259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2025.104259. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Lincoln, Y.S. and Guba, E.G. (1985) Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: SAGE. https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers?ReferenceID=1862900 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Morley, J., Kinsey, L., Elhalal, A., Garcia, F., Ziosi, M. and Floridi, L. (2023) ‘Operationalising AI ethics: barriers, enablers and next steps’, AI & Society, 38(2), pp. 411–423. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-021-01308-8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Nicolini, D., Pyrko, I., Omidvar, O. and Spanellis, A. (2022) ‘Understanding Communities of Practice: Taking Stock and Moving Forward’, Academy of Management Annals, 16(2), pp. 680–718. https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/annals.2020.0330 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Nowell, L.S., Norris, J.M., White, D.E. and Moules, N.J. (2017) ‘Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria’, International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), pp. 1–13. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1609406917733847 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. O'Higgins, B. and Fatorachian, H. (2025) 'Consumer trust in artificial intelligence in the UK and Ireland's personal care and cosmetics sector', Cogent Business & Management, 12(1), 2469765. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2025.2469765. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Papagiannidis, E., Mikalef, P. and Conboy, K. (2025) 'Responsible artificial intelligence governance: A review and research framework', The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 34(2), 101885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2024.101885. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Park, Y.S., Konge, L. and Artino, A.R. (2020) ‘The Positivism Paradigm of Research’, Academic Medicine, [online] 95(5), pp.690–694. doi:10.1097/acm.0000000000003093. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Ruggiano, N. and Perry, T.E. (2017) ‘Conducting secondary analysis of qualitative data: Should we, can we, and how?’, Qualitative Social Work, [online] 18(1), pp.81–97. doi:10.1177/1473325017700701. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson, New York. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1903646 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2022) Research Methods for Business Students. 9th edn. Harlow: Pearson. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3898813 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Saura, J.R., Skare, V. and Ozretic Dosen, D. (2024) 'Is AI-based digital marketing ethical? Assessing a new data privacy paradox', Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 9(4), 100597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2024.100597. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Schultz, M.D. and Seele, P. (2023) ‘Towards AI ethics’ institutionalization: knowledge bridges from business ethics to advance organizational AI ethics’, AI and Ethics, 3(1), pp. 99–111 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-022-00150-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Snyder, H. (2019) ‘Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines’, Journal of Business Research, 104, pp. 333–339. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296319304564 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Stahl, B.C., Antoniou, J., Ryan, M. and Macnish, K. (2022) ‘Organisational responses to the ethical issues of artificial intelligence’, AI & Society, 37(1), pp. 23–37. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-021-01148-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Teepapal, T. (2025) 'AI-driven personalization: Unraveling consumer perceptions in social media engagement', Computers in Human Behavior, 165, 108549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108549. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Wenger-Trayner, E. and Wenger-Trayner, B. (2020) Learning to Make a Difference: Value Creation in Social Learning Spaces. https://wenger-trayner.com/books/learning-to-make-a-difference/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Wijnhoven, F. (2022) ‘Organizational Learning for Intelligence Amplification Adoption: Lessons from a Clinical Decision Support System Adoption Project’, Information Systems Frontiers, 24(3), pp. 731–744. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10796-021-10206-9 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. William, F.K.A. (2024) ‘Interpretivism or Constructivism: Navigating Research Paradigms in Social Science Research’, International journal of research publications, [online] 143(1), pp.1–5. doi:10.47119/ijrp1001431220246122. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. William, F.K.A. (2024) 'Interpretivism or constructivism: Navigating research paradigms in social science research', International Journal of Research Publications, 143(1), pp. 1-5. https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1001431220246122. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Wirtz, J., Kunz, W.H. and colleagues (2023) ‘Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) in the age of AI: Implications for interactive marketing’, Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 18(1), pp. 31–37. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S204071222300004X [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Xiangzhou, H., Hasan, N.A.M., De Costa, F. and Qiao, W. (2024) ‘Opportunities or Challenges? The Interplay between Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Social Responsibility Communication’, Business Systems Research, 15(1), pp. 131–157. https://doi.org/10.2478/bsrj-2024-0007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]