A study of goal frames shaping pro-environmental behaviour in university students
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 6 November 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of university in shaping pro-environmental behaviour in students.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used goal-framing theory to investigate the relationship between goals and pro-environmental behaviour by comparing the responses of entry- and exit-level students. Structural equation modeling, one-way analysis of variance and other standard statistical analysis have been used to analyse the data collected through questionnaire survey in a central university offering technical education in India.
Findings
Pro-environmental intention in students increases with a strong normative goal. The direct and indirect effects indicate hedonic goal and gain goal via normative goal leads to better pro-environmental behaviour. Higher values for normative goal in exit-level students substantiates the role of university.
Practical implications
The paper provides scope to improvise and incorporate environmental practices into the habits of the students by aligning their goals and university dimensions including curriculum, campus operations, research and outreach activities.
Originality/value
The results make an important contribution in establishing a sustained green culture by offering a new university paradigm.
Keywords
Citation
Chakraborty, A., Singh, M.P. and Roy, M. (2017), "A study of goal frames shaping pro-environmental behaviour in university students", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 18 No. 7, pp. 1291-1310. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-10-2016-0185
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited