The CI variable is a formal component of direct interaction
with the customer, such as sharing projects, having
formal written procedures, strategic alliances of functional
departments, and scheduled regular meetings together
(Peloza and Papania 2008). If a firm intends to develop
some CSR derived value they should include representatives
of the customers in their CSR dialogues and if there is
a formal component of their relationship, CSR can be part
of the agenda (Murray and Mo ntanari 1986). Firm level
CSR activities that have no support from their customers
will not provide beneficial results (Carroll and Shabana
2010). This is important as customers have the ability to
reward or punish a firm for their societal behavior should it
not be satisfactory (Neilsen and Rao 1987; Peloza and
Papania 2008; Ramchander et al. 2012).