Moral norm is the key: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) on Chinese consumers' green purchase intention
Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics
ISSN: 1355-5855
Article publication date: 24 January 2020
Issue publication date: 12 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This research extends the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and aims to study the underlying factors that influence Chinese consumers' purchase intentions towards green products. The conceptual model encompasses four elements (subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, moral norms and attitude) and one consumer response (purchase intention).
Design/methodology/approach
The current research employs a questionnaire survey and two experiments. In Study 1, the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling with 485 consumers in China. Study 2 employed a single-factor, two-condition (morally engaged vs control), between-subject design.
Findings
The findings reveal that the morally extended TPB framework is more applicable in predicting Chinese consumers' green purchase intentions than the original TPB model. Attitude plays the most significant role in predicting purchase intentions, and moral norms prove to be a mediator of the relationship between the original construct of subjective norms and purchase intentions. The findings further revealed that moral norms comprise the underlying mechanism of the relationship between subjective norms and attitude.
Originality/value
This study therefore expands the TPB theory by including moral norms. Moreover, it contributes to the literature by clarifying the direct, indirect and total effects of each TPB element on the purchase intentions towards green products. Finally, managerial implications are given.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The work was funded by research committee of University of Macau (Ref. No: MYRG2018-00078-FBA and MYRG2016-00048) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (Sun Yat-Sen University, International School of Business & Finance: 19wkpy33). Philosophy and Social Science Program of Guangdong Province in China (GD19YGL20), and Philosophy and Social Science Program of Zhuhai City in China (2019ZC165).
Citation
Liu, M.T., Liu, Y. and Mo, Z. (2020), "Moral norm is the key: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) on Chinese consumers' green purchase intention", Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol. 32 No. 8, pp. 1823-1841. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-05-2019-0285
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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