Measuring Consciousness Level of Consumers Towards Business Malpractices

Abstract

Today, Consumers in the market find themselves deceived by wrong weights and measures, adulterated and substandard products causing great damages to health. Indian Consumer are ignorant, illiterate and do not know the role of consumption vis- a- vis economic system as well as quality of life. The study aims to find out the consciousness level of consumers towards the problems/ unfair trade practices faced while purchasing the products and complaints lodged with respect to complaints found. The nature of data used in the present study is primary which had been collected by using a structured questionnaire. 600 respondents of rural and urban areas of fifteen districts of Haryana were sampled. Responses were analyzed by the help of Percentage, Chi- square and presented by tables and figures. Consumers had been presented with the fourteen areas of problems (unfair trade practices) faced regarding goods purchased for which complain can be lodged. Nearly half of the consumers found complaint in almost all the areas and among them nearly 60% had lodged the complaints. Highest number of complaints was found about sub standard goods sold/ adulterated goods. Highest number of complaints was lodged regarding warranty/ guarantee. The study revealed that nearly half the consumers had moderate consciousness level towards looking into the complaints while purchasing the products. Only 32.5% consumers had been found highly conscious regarding problem during purchases.

Keywords: Business Malpractices, Consumer Consciousness Level