Search results
1 – 10 of over 10000Yıldırım Yılmaz and Elham Anasori
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of individuals' mindfulness and enjoyment of nature on environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) through mediating effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of individuals' mindfulness and enjoyment of nature on environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) through mediating effect of sustainable attitude (SA).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from residents of Antalya through convenience sampling. Four hundred and five residents participated in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Mindfulness was found effective for sustainable attitude of residents, but it has no significant direct effect to ERB. There is an indirect-only mediation effect of SA between mindfulness and ERB. Enjoyment of nature affects the sustainable attitude and ERB significantly and positively. The findings show that SA also offers a complementary mediation between enjoyment of nature and ERB.
Research limitations/implications
The study closes the void by investigating the psychological aspects of individuals among residents of a tourist hub to create sustainable attitude, acts and responsible behavior toward environment. In particular, as the predicting role of mindfulness on ERB was not significant, further studies needed to investigate the effects of mindfulness on the environmental behavior and attitude.
Practical implications
Destination management organizations can consider more focusing on the environmentally responsible behavior of residents, which can play a pivotal role in attaining sustainable tourism development in destinations. By this regard, increasing the sustainable attitude and enjoyment of nature of residents through applying various campaigns would help policies and strategies aiming the conservation of the environment in the destination.
Originality/value
Searching the impact of mindfulness on the SA and ERB and finding the indirect-only mediation effect of SA between mindfulness, ERB are novel contributions of this paper.
Details
Keywords
Ei Pa Pa Pe-Than, Dion Hoe-Lian Goh and Chei Sian Lee
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of individuals’ perceived enjoyment and output quality on their intention to play human computation games (HCGs) for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of individuals’ perceived enjoyment and output quality on their intention to play human computation games (HCGs) for location-based content sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a cross-sectional survey method, and recruited 205 undergraduate and graduate students from a local university. Participants played the developed mobile HCG for content sharing named Seek, PLAy, SHare (SPLASH), and thereafter completed a questionnaire that measured their perceptions of enjoyment, output quality, and intention to play.
Findings
Results indicated that individuals derived enjoyment from the affective and cognitive dimensions, which further influenced their intention to play HCGs. Moreover, perceived output relevancy was significant in predicting individuals’ intention to play HCGs such as SPLASH.
Practical implications
The design of HCG is complicated due to their entertainment-output generation duality. Understanding what factors contribute to HCG usage is therefore, an essential area of study. Based on the study’s findings, designers should pay attention to HCG features that engender affective and cognitive experiences, and appropriately signify the relevancy aspect of HCG outputs.
Originality/value
Although similar in many ways, HCGs differ from entertainment-oriented games by generating output as byproducts of gameplay. Hence, results obtained from prior research in games may not be readily applicable to the HCG context, and further investigations are necessary. Moreover, the multidimensional aspect of HCG enjoyment and output quality, and how these dimensions influence usage intention has yet to be examined. The outcomes of this study can be exploited to drive further research in the field of HCGs, and similar games that are not just for pure entertainment.
Details
Keywords
Audhesh Paswan, Francisco Guzmán and Jeffrey Lewin
This study aims to focus on people’s pro-environmental behavior and investigates its dimensions and determinants. As environmental sustainability attracts increased scrutiny…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on people’s pro-environmental behavior and investigates its dimensions and determinants. As environmental sustainability attracts increased scrutiny, understanding end consumers’ pro-environmental behavior becomes imperative for various stakeholders in our highly networked marketplace – e.g. policymakers, businesses, consumers, the public and society at large.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from the general public in the USA, the hypothesized relationships are tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
The results indicate that if people find enjoyment in nature, believe in achieving a balance between “mankind” and nature, and believe that the benefits of conservation activities are going to accrue in the near term (present), they are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behavior at all levels – supportive, active and lifestyle.
Research limitations/implications
Although only one aspect of environmental sustainability – environmental conservation – is analyzed, these findings support assertions set forth in the theory of environmentally significant behavior (Stern, 1999), the norm-activation theory of altruism (Schwartz, 1973), the theory of reasoned action (Fishbein, 1979) and the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985).
Practical implications
Messages about sustainability, environmental conservation and pro-environmental behavior should be framed using people’s fondness for and enjoyment of nature; should focus on present benefits of conservation; and should be targeted and differentiated for men, women and older people to encourage conservation behaviors among these differing demographic groups.
Originality/value
This study identifies three different levels of intensity of pro-environmental behavior – supportive, active and lifestyle – and empirically examines the relationships between these behavior types and the attitudinal antecedents revolving around time when the benefits of environmental conservation accrue, nature and human–nature interaction.
Details
Keywords
Mauricio Carvache-Franco, Wilmer Carvache-Franco, Orly Carvache-Franco and José Borja-Morán
In recent years, tourists have been progressively increasing their interest in the natural environment and its enjoyment. The objective of this study was: (1) identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, tourists have been progressively increasing their interest in the natural environment and its enjoyment. The objective of this study was: (1) identify the underlying variables or motivational dimensions in ecotourism; and (2) analyze the demand segmentation in ecotourism.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis was carried out in “Puntilla de Santa Elena” Fauna Production Reserve in Ecuador. The sample consisted of 369 surveys obtained in situ. For the data analysis, a factor analysis and a nonhierarchical K-media segmentation were performed.
Findings
The results show six motivational dimensions in ecotourism: “Self-development and Interpersonal relationships,” “Building personal relationships,” “Escape and ego-defensive function,” “Marine nature,” “Terrestrial nature” and “Rewards.” Also, according to their motivations, three segments of ecotourists emerged: “Reward and escape,” “Marine nature” and “Multiple motives.”
Research limitations/implications
The limitation is the temporality with which the study was carried out. Another limitation was the number of the samples used. As future lines of research, it is proposed to investigate the offer related to ecotourism products and services adapted to the demand segments found.
Practical implications
Among the practical implications, operators and companies linked to the tourism sector can plan more efficient strategies, adapted to the specific needs of each segment to improve the satisfaction of tourists and the intentions of returning to the destination, providing greater benefit to the tourists, to the sustainable development of the destination and the community.
Social implications
The findings of this research can help public institutions and private companies to improve the tourism supply, create sustainable plans and potentially develop more efficient marketing planning. Protected areas will benefit from information about demand. The communities will be able to elaborate products according to the motivations and found segments. Administrators will be able to create sustainable management plans for ecotourism.
Originality/value
As ecotourism grows, it is vital to understand the ecotourists' motivations and segmentation to improve each segment service offering. This study presents original results of the motivations and segmentation of the demand for ecotourism based on a reserve area for the production of coastal marine fauna. To obtain valid results, a study was carried out in Ecuador, this being a country with a great variety of flora and fauna ideal for ecotourism.
Details
Keywords
Xin Yue Zhang and Sang Yoon Lee
In the current dynamic business environment, Internet of Things (IoT) is employed by a number of companies in the logistics industry to achieve intelligent sorting, network…
Abstract
Purpose
In the current dynamic business environment, Internet of Things (IoT) is employed by a number of companies in the logistics industry to achieve intelligent sorting, network optimization, real-time tracking and simplifying last-mile service. Although logistics entities are trying to introduce IoT into their business areas, users' perception of this new technology is still limited. This paper aims to develop a research model for the factors influencing the user adoption of IoT technology in the logistics industry.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, based on the major theories on the application of new technologies such as technology acceptance model (TAM), technology–organization–environment (TOE) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT), a new research model was established to identify factors affecting customers' behavioral intention (BI) to adopt IoT technology provided by logistics companies. In addition, the authors surveyed unspecified customers of Cainiao Logistics Network, which is in charge of the logistics operation of Alibaba Group, China's largest e-commerce company, and tested the causality between the latent variables presented in the model using the structural equation model (SEM).
Findings
This empirical study shows that the support system of a logistics company and users' innovative propensity significantly affect perceived ease of use (PEOU) and BI for logistics services to which IoT technology is applied. It also presents that users' perceived security and enjoyment significantly affect perceived usefulness (PU) and BI. In addition, it was possible to confirm that the causal structure between variables suggested by TAM that PEOU has a significant effect on PU and BI, and PU has a substantial effect on BI.
Practical implications
Logistics companies should expand and upgrade technical support systems so that customers can flexibly accept logistics services with IoT technology and make efforts to alleviate customers' concerns about personal information leakage. In addition, it is necessary to find customers with an inclusive attitude toward using new technologies, to induce them to become leading users of logistics devices with IoT technology and to find various ways to amplify their enjoyment. Through a strategic approach to these technical and individual factors, it will be possible to boost customers' intention to use IoT logistics services.
Originality/value
As far as the authors know, this paper is the first study to set significant factors that affect users' BI to use IoT technology-applied logistics services provided by logistics companies and empirically analyze the causal relationships between proposed latent variables.
Details
Keywords
Examines what thinkers have said about the nature of play, in particular its value to adults, and its relation to happiness and goals. Shows how play is natural to the digital…
Abstract
Examines what thinkers have said about the nature of play, in particular its value to adults, and its relation to happiness and goals. Shows how play is natural to the digital generation, as back packers travelling around the world. Cites the pronouncements of writers like philosophers Jean‐Paul Sartre and Aristotle, psychologists George Butterworth and Margaret Harris, and Pat Kane (in “The Play Ethic”). Contrasts traditional attitudes towards play as being something of no cultural value, plus the views that play is “a separate activity” (Lev Semeonivich Vygotsky) and “pure waste” (Meyer Barash) with the view of Johan Huizinga that culture derives from play. Explores the views of Mihaly Csikszmenmiahlyi, who investigated the nature of enjoyment as an optimal experience based on the concept of flow. Moves onto the Policies Studies Institute study which sees fun as something which jobs can offer instead of security and promotion, and notes the use of fun items as part of companies’ competitive stance, for instance Virgin Airways’ computer games in each airline seat. Concludes with the “No Logo” radicals who subvert billboards and advertising through use of the Internet and street protests.
Details
Keywords
Asad Hassan Butt, Hassan Ahmad and Asif Muzaffar
Consumers are increasingly embracing innovative technologies for enhanced experiences. This study delves into the banking consumer brand experience through the lens of augmented…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumers are increasingly embracing innovative technologies for enhanced experiences. This study delves into the banking consumer brand experience through the lens of augmented reality (AR). The focus is on mobile augmented reality applications within financial institutions, which contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive customer experience. Specifically, the research highlights the utilisation of mobile augmented reality applications by a Pakistani bank and examines its influence on consumer loyalty and sustained engagement, with a particular emphasis on the AR brand experience.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a comparative study between married and unmarried consumers with sample sizes of 178 and 172, respectively. The results were analysed through structural equation modelling using SmartPLS.
Findings
The study's outcomes show that AR brand experience for the unmarried sample category is positive and higher than a married one. This is an excellent opportunity for the banking sector in Pakistan to invest more in innovative technologies.
Originality/value
The current study investigates the brand experience in the banking sector from the perspective of AR technology which contributes to the AR literature.
Details
Keywords
Stephen G. Sutton and Emma Gyuris
The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to optimize the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI) and second, to establish a baseline of the difference in environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to optimize the Environmental Attitudes Inventory (EAI) and second, to establish a baseline of the difference in environmental attitudes between first and final year students, taken at the start of a university’s declaration of commitment to EfS.
Design/methodology/approach
The psychometrically designed EAI was used to overcome the problems and limitations of the much-used, but controversial, revised New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) Scale. The performance of the original 72-item EAI was compared with our 37-item reduced form using a population of first- and final-year university students.
Findings
The reduced 37-item EAI provides a reliable and valid tool for investigating structured, multi-dimensional environmental attitudes of university students while reducing response burden and increasing response and completion rates compared with the longer versions of the EAI.
Research limitations/implications
No attempt is made to link elements of the university experience with changes in attitude between first- and third-year students. The authors expect the 12-faceted EAI to provide more detailed feedback on the affective outcomes of EfS initiatives than currently used instruments.
Originality/value
This research contributes to establishing the EAI as a gold standard with which to monitor students’ environmental attitudes. Although most studies aimed at understanding the impact of EfS measure attitude change over relatively short periods of time – typically using the brief NEP scale administered immediately before and after a specific semester course – the approach developed here is designed to detect attitudinal change that may be ascribed to the entire university experience between students’ first and final year.
Details
Keywords
Abel Duarte Alonso and Seng Kiat Kok
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different traits, characteristics and skills future professionals need to contemplate to address the demands of the competitive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different traits, characteristics and skills future professionals need to contemplate to address the demands of the competitive wine industry, more specifically, concerning the provision of wine tourism experiences. The insights within self-determination theory are considered to develop more robust understanding of this central theme.
Design/methodology/approach
The views of 32 winery representatives in ownership and management roles, operating in two emerging economies were gathered through un-structured, face-to-face interviews conducted on-site.
Findings
Participants’ comments revealed five key dimensions illustrated, notably, through attitudinal aspects (passion, empathy), knowledge-based (constant learning), strategy-based (problem-solver), previous work experience and adaptation-based. This last aspect highlighted coping with the dynamic nature of the industry, while assimilating tasks or learning by doing. These findings have important implications, in particular, for the future delivery of wine tourism experiences.
Originality/value
By empirically examining an important knowledge gap associated with the traits and characteristics of future wine tourism professionals, the study provides original and valuable practical insights. From a theoretical point of view, the study proposes a model originating from the findings and its associations with the revisited theoretical underpinnings.
Details
Keywords
There has been an increase in swimming in natural bodies of water as reported in personal qualitative accounts. However, limited academic research has explored the meaning of this…
Abstract
Purpose
There has been an increase in swimming in natural bodies of water as reported in personal qualitative accounts. However, limited academic research has explored the meaning of this occupation. Engaging with nature, exercising and being part of a community contribute to better mental and physical health. The purpose of this research was to explore the meaning that adults attribute to open-water swimming in natural bodies of water.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used phenomenological interviews to explore the meaning that five adults attribute to open-water swimming.
Findings
Open-water swimming contributes to meaning-making in many ways. Participants reported swimming as necessary for maintaining mental and emotional well-being and forming meaningful connections with the social environment, nature and their true selves.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the understanding of the meaning of open-water swimming for adults in Ireland. Understanding the meaning of this occupation may add to the body of evidence exploring blue-space to promote health.
Originality/value
Open-water swimming is an occupation growing in popularity. This is the first paper to explore open-water swimming from an occupational perspective. This may provide an alternative perspective for viewing blue-space engagement and understanding the relationship between health, blue-space occupations and our oceans.
Details