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Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Breda McCarthy and Hong-Bo Liu

Scholarly research on food waste is growing, but it tends to focus on households in general. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes of green consumers towards food…

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Abstract

Purpose

Scholarly research on food waste is growing, but it tends to focus on households in general. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes of green consumers towards food waste, reasons for wasting edible food and acceptance of policy actions that could help address the food waste challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a quantitative survey of 346 respondents, frequency distributions, cross tabulations and non-parametric tests were performed.

Findings

This study finds that there is inconsistency between attitudes and behaviours. Green consumers, including those who value organic food and vegetarianism, waste quite a lot of edible food. Food is thrown away mainly due to spoilage, short shelf life, being forgotten in the fridge and eating outside the home. Hence, consumers, even those with the best of intentions, face behavioural constraints when it comes to reducing food waste. A surprising finding is that some consumers lack awareness of the environmental burden posed by food waste. Several policy measures to reduce food waste are acceptable to the respondents

Research limitations/implications

Reliance on self-reported data for food waste.

Practical implications

The research identifies actions that local governments could undertake to reduce consumer-related food waste. An environmental awareness campaign targeting green consumers could correct information deficits.

Originality/value

The focus on the green segment has practical implications for reducing the economic and environmental burden of food waste

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 119 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2022

Hongbo Liu and Breda McCarthy

This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and lifestyle) contributing to different levels of food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a face-to-face survey of 334 respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify consumer segments, and econometric analysis is used to model the factors contributing to different levels of food waste.

Findings

A total of six lifestyle segments are identified: the freshness lovers, the vegetarian and organic food lovers, the recycle/reuse advocates, the waste-conscious consumers, the label-conscious/sensory consumer and the food waste defenders. This research distinguishes between low and medium levels of food waste based on marginal effects analysis. At low levels of food waste, consumers who worry about the food waste cost, making efforts to reduce food waste are less likely to waste food. Affluent consumers, who claim to be waste conscious, have young children and frequently eat outside, are more likely to waste food than others, lying in the medium waste group.

Originality/value

Australia, like many other countries, has high levels of food waste and despite policy efforts, curbing household food waste remains a challenge. In addition, there are limited food waste studies that focus on consumers who practice sustainable lifestyles. The current paper contributes to the market segmentation literature and has several implications for food policy and practice.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2021

Sadaf Zahra, Breda McCarthy and Taha Chaiechi

This study aims to propose and validate a new, comprehensive scale of sustainable meat consumption intentions (SMCI) from the Pakistani consumers' perspective.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose and validate a new, comprehensive scale of sustainable meat consumption intentions (SMCI) from the Pakistani consumers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The SMCI scale was developed in four phases, following a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 generated a pool of items through an extensive literature review and seven focus groups. Phase 2 established the face and content validity of the items. Phase 3 resulted in scale purification in Study 1 (n = 222), followed by Study 2, using exploratory factor analysis (n = 412) to derive an initial factor structure, along with reliability assessment and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 310) to test the theoretical structure. Phase 4 validated the results (n = 355).

Findings

The results from the three studies yielded a ten-item, three-dimensional SMCI scale: “meat detachment”, “meat curtailment” and “organic meat purchase”.

Originality/value

No study at present fully measures the aspects of sustainable meat consumption in Muslim market segments and emerging economies. The formation of the SMCI scale is an important academic contribution that identifies three facets of consumers' SMCI.

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2008

Breda McCarthy

The purpose of this paper is to explore the business model adopted by an artists' retreat.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the business model adopted by an artists' retreat.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper comprises qualitative, case‐based exploratory research.

Findings

The paper argues that there are some aspects of arts tourism that ally themselves naturally with social enterprise. The case study outlines challenges facing artistic ventures such as the importance of maintaining artistic integrity and managing the tension between creativity and financial return, between the local and the international. The paper argues that partnership between the tourism industry, state agencies, social entrepreneurs and the arts community, has the potential to influence socio‐economic outcomes. The case study suggests that arts tourism has the potential to achieve social change in a peripheral region but obstacles remain. Policy makers require more systematic research, statistics or figures to detail the exact impact of socially‐inspired arts tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The number of interviews conducted was limited and so no, generalisations could be made.

Practical implications

The general conclusion for managers of artistic ventures is that is that there seems to be a need to demonstrate the “multiplier effect” of arts tourism.

Originality/value

To date there has been little analysis of arts tourism from a social entrepreneurship perspective.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Breda McCarthy

The focus of this research was on exploring how entrepreneurs think about risk and deal with it in the strategy formation process. Suggests that risk taking is related to several…

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Abstract

The focus of this research was on exploring how entrepreneurs think about risk and deal with it in the strategy formation process. Suggests that risk taking is related to several factors: innate personality traits; learning; experience of crisis; as well as business‐related factors such as the type of venture founded and the nature of the industry environment. The analysis is supported by a number of case study examples based on field work conducted between 1994 and 1997. The adoption of a longitudinal‐processual approach, which is still rare in the literature on SMEs, suggested that the entrepreneur’s perceptions of risk, and capacity to bear risk, evolved over time. The main proposal of this exploratory study is that risk taking is not just a static personality trait forged by nature or nurture, but seems to reflect learning in a business context. Also discusses whether risk‐taking behaviour helped or hindered venture performance. The paper concludes with a brief assessment of the implications of these findings for future research and practice.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2014

Hong Bo Liu, Breda McCarthy, Tingzhen Chen, Shu Guo and Xuguang Song

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the Chinese wine market can be meaningfully segmented and to explore marketing implications for the Australian wine sector.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the Chinese wine market can be meaningfully segmented and to explore marketing implications for the Australian wine sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is descriptive in nature, using an online survey to collect quantitative data on wine consumer behaviour. A total of 407 responses were obtained. Data analysis included descriptive analysis (frequency distributions) and cluster analysis.

Findings

The research identifies three clusters of wine consumers: “the extrinsic attribute-seeking customers”, “the intrinsic attribute-seeking customers” and “the alcohol level attribute-seeking customers”. These groups of consumers were categorised using a behavioural (benefit) segmentation base.

Research limitations/implications

The use of an internet survey and convenience sample limits generalisation of the findings. The adoption of a behavioural basis in conducting the segmentation is a limitation. The use of more complex segmentation bases, such as psychographics, may yield a richer understanding of the Chinese wine consumer in future studies.

Practical implications

The customer profiles provide Australian wine marketers with an insight into Chinese wine consumer behaviour. Brand positioning can be improved by ensuring that the brand emphasises certain product attributes which the segments value when choosing wine.

Originality/value

Little previous research on market segmentation has been conducted in mainland China. For Australian wine marketers, this study provides a baseline study into market segmentation and may assist with targeting and brand positioning decisions.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Breda McCarthy, Hong-Bo Liu and Tingzhen Chen

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors driving the adoption of “green innovations” notably green food and certified organic food and to examine the attitudes of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors driving the adoption of “green innovations” notably green food and certified organic food and to examine the attitudes of Chinese consumers towards genetically modified food.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used. A total of 402 consumers responded to a structured questionnaire and 58 consumers responded to a survey designed to gather qualitative data. Data analysis involved content analysis, the probit model, frequency distributions and the t-test for two unrelated means.

Findings

This study shows that affluent, middle class Chinese citizens are opting out of the conventional food market. There is a gender divide, with men showing a preference for green food and females showing a preference for certified organic food. Certified food purchase is associated with demographic variables, such as income, education, age, gender, presence of young children, household size, living in developed cities and overseas experience. A follow-up study shows that the absence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs ) motivates the purchase of organic food. Overall, the results suggest that Chinese consumers are turning towards certified food for health reasons and are sceptical about genetic modification (GM) food.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides some insights into how Chinese consumers view innovations in the food sector. The study found that almost half of the sample is unaware that the concept of green food is different to that of organic food. The priority for the certified organic industry is to address this lack of knowledge and clearly explain what certified organic food is and how it differs from green food. Small-scale farmers could use consumer aversion to GMOs as a promotional tool. The ultimate goal of this paper is to help marketers better promote certified organic food, but inferences can be drawn in terms of Chinese sustainable consumption. Negative attitudes towards genetically modified foods exist due to human health concerns. Hence, Chinese policy makers need to confront these perceptions, real or perceived, if they wish to maintain public trust in biotechnology.

Practical implications

Based on the qualitative data, stressing the GM-free status is likely to enhance sales since there appears to be a segment of consumers that distrusts GM technology.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research lies in examining what drives the adoption of “green innovations”, notably green food and certified organic food in China. This research is important given that little is known about what Chinese consumers think of, and how they react to, innovations in the agro-food value chain.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2003

Breda McCarthy

The objective of this study was to explore the main factors influencing the development of strategy in small firms. Among its contributions, the study found that strategy was…

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore the main factors influencing the development of strategy in small firms. Among its contributions, the study found that strategy was personality‐driven and crisis‐driven. The study identified two main types of entrepreneurs: the pragmatist and the charismatic entrepreneur, and highlighted how the risk‐taking capacities of some entrepreneurs changed over time. The study suggests that the experience of crisis gave rise to a more rational, planned approach to the strategy‐making process.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2005

Carolyn S. Breda

Courts play a critical role in facilitating access to alcohol, drug, and mental health services for juvenile offenders. This research examines the court's decision to refer…

Abstract

Courts play a critical role in facilitating access to alcohol, drug, and mental health services for juvenile offenders. This research examines the court's decision to refer offenders to A&D services and whether offender ethnicity affects this rehabilitative response. Results suggest ethnicity has no effect on treatment recommendations independent of its relationship to other variables. Rather, ethnicity modifies the effect offense type has on the treatment referral decision. Specifically, Blacks arrested for A&D offenses are significantly less likely than their White counterparts to be referred to care. Distinctions in drug laws seem to limit access to A&D services for Blacks.

Details

The Organizational Response to Persons with Mental Illness Involved with the Criminal Justice System
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-231-3

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