An integrated framework examining sustainable green behavior among young consumers
ISSN: 0736-3761
Article publication date: 25 April 2022
Issue publication date: 23 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Promoting sustainable behavior is an elusive task as it is not an innate and natural response of individuals. While a conducive environment that promotes sustainability arguably plays a prominent role in influencing individuals’ belief structure and norms, not much has been done to examine the interplay between environmental, personal and behavioral domains in sustainable consumption. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of the social cognitive theory (SCT) and value–beliefs–norms (VBN), this study aims to contribute to the literature by proposing an integrated framework that examines sustainable consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a partial least squares structural equation modeling model based on 313 young consumer responses from an eco-friendly institution in Malaysia.
Findings
The findings from this study advance sustainable literature by establishing the multidimensionality concept of the personal domain of SCT. Interestingly, an enabling environment that promotes sustainability was found to be more influential in determining young consumers’ beliefs and norms, as opposed to their competencies. This is demonstrated by the sequential mediation of attribution of responsibility and personal norms on the relationship between campus advertisements and pro-environmental behaviors.
Originality/value
Previous research has investigated SCT and VBN as two separate streams of research in examining green behaviors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that integrates SCT and VBN by examining the multidimensionality aspect of the personal construct to provide a more holistic perspective of examining sustainable behaviors.
Keywords
Citation
Jahari, S.A., Hass, A., Idris, I.B. and Joseph, M. (2022), "An integrated framework examining sustainable green behavior among young consumers", Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 333-344. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-04-2021-4593
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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