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1 – 10 of 24Susan Cholette, Özgür Özlük, Leyla Özşen and Gerardo R. Ungson
The growing presence of foods that are labelled “locally/ecologically produced” leads to the question of how many consumers consider the impact of their food purchases. Do they…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing presence of foods that are labelled “locally/ecologically produced” leads to the question of how many consumers consider the impact of their food purchases. Do they value local/ecologically-produced food sufficiently to drive their purchasing behaviour, even if such foods are more costly? Can consumer segments be identified and, if so, what are their characteristics? This paper aims to focus on these questions.
Design/methodology/approach
In an exploratory study, the authors surveyed over 400 students from a public university in California asking them to select between apples based on a combination of price, origin and presence/absence of an ecological indicator. The authors collected information on their shopping attitudes, their affinity for international trade and demographic identifiers.
Findings
Evidence is found for three consumer segments: the deep green, the price conscious and switchers. The latter are the most prevalent category across demographic and attitudinal indicators, but with increased age, employment/shopping responsibilities, the preponderance of switchers diminishes and more deep green consumers appear. Deep green consumers tend to be both more information and variety seeking than the price conscious ones.
Originality/value
By identifying demographic and other characteristics that are likely to qualify consumers as belonging to a specific segment, marketers of local and ecologically produced foods can better target and influence appropriate consumers.
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Carlos Arturo Hoyos-Vallejo, Nelson Geovany Carrión-Bósquez and Oscar Ortiz-Regalado
This study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and analyzes the influence of skepticism (SKP) on the purchase intention (PI) of organic products, through the mediation…
Abstract
Purpose
This study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and analyzes the influence of skepticism (SKP) on the purchase intention (PI) of organic products, through the mediation of subjective norms (SN) and planned behavior control.
Design/methodology/approach
This was a quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional study. The study population comprised 446 university Millennials from Ecuador. Results were processed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The study showed that SKP does not directly influence the PI. However, if it does so through the mediating effect of SN and perceived behavior control (PBC). Also, the study found that attitudes (ATTs), SN and PBC influence the PI of organic products in university Millennials.
Originality/value
The study used TPB constructs and identified the influence of SKP on the intention to buy organic products in Ecuadorian university Millennials.
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Maria Proto, Ornella Malandrino and Stefania Supino
The aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards eco‐sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed scenario of trends in eco‐energy labelling systems, both on an international and European Union scale are outlined, followed by identification and analysis of the key representative experiences. Subsequently, the main constraints that limit their full potential as a benchmark and tool of improved customer communication for environmental sustainability have been highlighted and critically analysed.
Findings
The full implementation of eco‐energy labelling, as a authentic driving force in sustainability building processes, requires the elimination of the critical factors identified. Therefore, standardisation of benchmarking methodologies, based on improved customer information mechanisms regarding qualitative and quantitative indicators, need to implemented. A strong commitment on the part of all participants involved, to define a multi‐level framework, capable of promoting a recognised international rating scheme in needed.
Practical implications
The most significant implications regard the attempt to classify and coordinate all the information concerning instruments, initiatives, policies and strategies related to eco‐sustainability.
Originality/value
The paper is a contribution towards pinpointing the current fragmented scenario of eco‐energy labelling tools with the aim of re‐conducting them into a coherent and more functional whole.
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Magnus Söderlund and Jan Mattsson
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of unsubstantiated claims that a product is “ecological.”
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of unsubstantiated claims that a product is “ecological.”
Design/methodology/approach
A between-subjects experimental design was used in which the absence versus the presence of an (unsubstantiated) ecological claim regarding a product was a manipulated factor. The design comprised four products, representing non-ingestible/ingestible products and familiar/unfamiliar brands. These two aspects were seen as potentially moderating factors with respect to the impact of ecological claims.
Findings
The results show that ecological product claims boosted beliefs that a product is indeed ecological. This influence was not moderated by non-ingestible/ingestible and familiar/unfamiliar product characteristics. Moreover, ecological product claims enhanced conceptually related product beliefs, namely, beliefs that the product is natural, environmentally friendly and healthy. Ecological claims also had a positive impact on the attitude toward the product.
Practical implications
The results imply that influencers who want a receiver to believe that a product is ecological can expect to be successful by merely claiming that a product is ecological.
Social implications
From a societal point of view, however, and in an era in which “alternative facts” and “post-truths” are becoming the subject of increasing concern, the results are problematic, because they underline that customers can be made to believe in claims even though no supporting evidence is provided.
Originality/value
The results imply that influencers who want a receiver to believe that a product is ecological can expect to be successful by merely claiming that a product is ecological. From a societal point of view, however, and in an era in which “alternative facts” and “post-truths” are becoming the subject of increasing concern, the results are problematic, because they underline that customers can be made to believe in claims even though no supporting evidence is provided.
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Sihem Dekhili, Roberta Crouch and Omar El Moussawel
Whilst country-of-origin (COO) effects have been studied extensively since the 1960s, little research has explored these effects with respect to ecological considerations. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst country-of-origin (COO) effects have been studied extensively since the 1960s, little research has explored these effects with respect to ecological considerations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the COO ecological image (CEI) construct by defining its facets across consumers and professionals from two different countries, namely, France and Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
Because of the exploratory nature of the research, the authors used two qualitative techniques, namely, semi-structured interviews and focus groups.
Findings
Findings indicate the CEI construct is composed of eight dimensions, namely, policy, technological, economic, people characteristics, natural, climatic, historical and eco-product features.
Research limitations/implications
The research provides insights into the CEI construct and justifies future studies to develop a scale measure for it. However, the generalisability of the results must be considered limited due to the qualitative exploratory nature of the study.
Practical implications
The research offers implications for companies and policymakers by allowing them to understand how consumers form a CEI. It suggests new applications respective to how to leverage positive aspects of a CEI and how to mitigate negative ones.
Originality/value
The study extends the literature on COO by identifying the possible dimensions of the CEI construct, thus providing better insights into the little-explored link between COO and sustainable products.
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The purpose of this paper is to analyze corporate environmental awareness in an international cross‐section and to explore whether attitudes towards environmental issues mirror…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze corporate environmental awareness in an international cross‐section and to explore whether attitudes towards environmental issues mirror the development of an economy. Thus, do more advanced societies represent more progressive attitudes? How significant are differences in perception between countries?
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical research was conducted in three countries. In total, 200 managers in public and private corporations nationwide were selected in Australia and Ukraine. In Poland the population of managers was 250. The study instrument was a two‐part survey. The first part concerned ecological awareness understood as a conglomerate of knowledge, values and attitudes. The second part of the survey concerned convictions and opinions pertaining to ecological issues. Responses were given in an interval response scale, on a 1‐5 rating scale for a particular question.
Findings
The research shows that in companies in some countries there are “gaps within awareness components”, and hence between convictions, ecological values and a readiness to take action. Moreover, an awareness gap has been diagnosed between more and less developed countries. So, the studies conducted showed that the perception of a kind of environmental threats changes together with socio‐economic development.
Originality/value
Several analyses of attitudes towards various dimensions of the environment can be found in the literature. This paper focuses not on a general level of ecological awareness of the public but on managers' attitude towards environment. Issues concerning the ecological awareness of a selected group (population) are sporadically presented in the literature. Limited research to date has been undertaken with respect to managerial attitudes towards environmental issues. To the best of the author's knowledge there is no evidence which would enable a comparison of the level of awareness of Polish and Ukrainian managers and managers from other countries. The contribution of the paper to the literature is twofold: first, it complements the knowledge on managers' attitude towards environment in the studied countries. Second, it shows the relations between the level of socio‐economic growth and the attitude.
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Lylia Bahmed, Ali Boukhalfa and Mebarek Djebabra
The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco‐conception by presenting the eco‐conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco‐conception by presenting the eco‐conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this new approach and how one could insert the environmental data in the classical conception process.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, an eco‐conception methodology is developed. It is about an approach integrating the concepts: quality, safety and environment (QSE). The taking into account simultaneously of these concepts, in the frame of our approach, allows us to conceive clean and durable products. The failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) was used in a case study to validate our approach.
Findings
This paper is a development of an approach with results obligation. Owing to our eco‐conception approach of products, the respect of environment is taken into consideration at the stage of product design. From regulation point of view, we put into reflection the approach with results obligation, i.e. approach by objectives of QSE.
Practical implications
A better definition of products implying functional specifications (products performance) strengthened by others of environmental type. As expected from this full definition of products, we cite the minimisation of products effects by unifying man at work (safety of person and goods), man as manager (quality, availability and reliability), as resident (safety in the vicinity of industrial sites) and as citizen (safeguarding environment).
Originality/value
Taking into account the triptych QSE at the product design stage. Our suggestion necessitates the implication of all the actors. Therefore, efforts must be concentrated on the dynamic and progressive integration of these actors. Our work is a source of information and knowledge. It is a source of information, as it allows to supply necessary data for better definition and conception of products. It is, in the same time, a source of knowledge in the sense where it presents specific methods (FMECA), that allow to put into existence the interest or rather the necessity of merger of the three concepts QSE.
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Gokcen Garipoglu, Bilge Meral Koc and Tugce Ozlu
The evaluation of sustainable eating behaviors of individuals who constitute the society is important in the interpretation of both health-related and environmental effects…
Abstract
Purpose
The evaluation of sustainable eating behaviors of individuals who constitute the society is important in the interpretation of both health-related and environmental effects. Therefore, this study aims to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess the sustainable food consumption behaviors of adults living in Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
The validity of the scale was evaluated by using the factor analysis, correlation analysis and comparison of the lower and upper 27% groups with the t-test technique. Cronbach’s alpha (CA), split-half, parallel and strict criteria were used to determine the internal consistency of the scale, and the Pearson correlation analysis was conducted for the test and retest. The explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to test construct validity.
Findings
The total variance rate explained by all the factors was 77.03%. CA value of the scale was 0.92, and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.96. The difference between the lower and upper 27% group means was significant at the p < 0.05 level. The factor structure of the scale was confirmed by the results of the confirmatory factor analysis.
Originality/value
There are scales in the international literature that have been validated to evaluate various aspects of behaviors related to sustainable food consumption (Tobler et al., 2011; Verain et al., 2015). However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no validity and reliability studies of a scale developed in Turkey on sustainable food consumption of adults.
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Sanna Sekki, Hannele Kauppinen-Räisänen, Eliisa Kylkilahti and Minna Autio
Research has largely disregarded consumer–packaging interaction in contexts other than retail. Focusing on the powerful cue of colour and consumers’ pleas for sustainability and…
Abstract
Purpose
Research has largely disregarded consumer–packaging interaction in contexts other than retail. Focusing on the powerful cue of colour and consumers’ pleas for sustainability and drawing on the customer journey and moments of consumption, this study investigates how packaging colour meanings are redefined from retail to home and how the meaning of sustainability for colour transforms.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was employed with 27 informants, who were interviewed in pairs or in small groups of three.
Findings
First, colour meanings emerge outside the retail context, confirming the idea of the packaging journey. Colours are dynamic, as meanings are redefined throughout the voyage. In retail, colour conveys brand, product, environmental and origin-related meanings, while at home it conveys product, food- and health-related meanings. At the end of the journey, colour communicates disposal, environmental, health and origin-related meanings. Second, the meaning of sustainability for colour transforms during the voyage from being conveyed by a colour hue to being perceived as a material and, therefore, as a waste and recycling concern.
Originality/value
The study adds insight into the role of colour in the packaging life cycle, wherein colour transforms from a visual packaging cue to an issue of materiality. The recyclability of colours is a prevailing sustainability issue that deserves attention within the packaging industry. The study argues that although the consumer–packaging interaction in the retail context is essential, managers should recognise that the interaction continues with colours from in-store purchase decisions to consumers’ homes (use and recycling).
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Ranendra Sinha and Subrahmanyam Annamdevula
This study aims to intend to contribute to the literature by testing the effect of scepticism on green consumer behaviour through environmental concern, knowledge, value and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to intend to contribute to the literature by testing the effect of scepticism on green consumer behaviour through environmental concern, knowledge, value and willingness to pay more in the Indian context. Thus, the comprehensive model with new directions of antecedents of green consumer purchase behaviour and direct and indirect effects was examined using structural equation modelling.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted the hypo-deductive research design to test the proposed structural model. Cross-sectional data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire from the households living in Visakhapatnam city using a purposive sampling method. The proposed theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling.
Findings
The results support five antecedents’ direct and indirect effects on green purchase behavioural intentions and actual buying behaviour, except for the indirect effect of green scepticism on green purchase behaviour (GPB). Similarly, scepticism is responsible for significant variation in GPB.
Practical implications
The present study’s findings imply the role of scepticism on GPB, and the policies of adopting green products need to be addressed. Green buying is an obscure task; however, it can be evident by adding eco-friendly aspects and persuading consumers of a win-win situation for themselves, the environment and the company.
Originality/value
This study adds to the field of knowledge by exploring and testing the factors affecting GPB, which was not emphasized earlier in the Indian context and second, by developing a theoretical consensus on testing the antecedents of GPB. The results strengthen the argument that scepticism is an antecedent that drives GPB.
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