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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 3 January 2020

Minelle E. Silva, José Milton de Sousa-Filho, Amanda Pruski Yamim and Abílio Peixoto Diógenes

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumers’ skepticism and green consumption in different economies by exploring antecedents and consequences…

1259

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumers’ skepticism and green consumption in different economies by exploring antecedents and consequences of skepticism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-country approach, with data from Brazil and France, the relationships between green skepticism and downstream consequences (e.g. intention to purchase green products) were analyzed using the partial least squares path modeling with the results of 996 questionnaires.

Findings

Contradicting previous research, the authors found that in France, green skepticism represents consumers’ increased green advertising elaboration, not a disbelief in companies’ claims, and it is associated with greater intentions to make green purchases. Meanwhile, in Brazil, green skepticism represents consumers’ disbelief, which is associated to consumers greater suspicion toward (and distance from) companies’ claims in such country. This study shows that the role of skepticism and the valence of its effect on green attitudes depend on market relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The authors promote the importance of investigating the different meanings of skepticism across countries, what can spill over on research of other marketing aspects, such as advertising elaboration. Managers should consider the importance of consumers’ doubts and skepticism as a useful element that can be explored in green advertising effectiveness.

Practical implications

Managers should consider the importance of consumers’ doubts and skepticism as a useful element that can be explored in green advertising effectiveness.

Originality/value

This research examines an underexplored debate on the role of green skepticism in different economies and demonstrates the nuances green advertising impact on both markets.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Imran Rahman, Jeongdoo Park and Christina Geng-qing Chi

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate, drawing upon influential discounting behavior theory and cognition – affect – behavior (C-A-B) paradigm, consumers’ reactions…

22248

Abstract

Purpose

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate, drawing upon influential discounting behavior theory and cognition – affect – behavior (C-A-B) paradigm, consumers’ reactions to the phenomenon of “greenwashing” in the lodging industry. More specifically, this paper proposed and tested a theoretical model that examined whether recognizing the ulterior motive caused consumer skepticism about hotels’ environmental claims, which in turn influenced consumers’ intention to participate in linen reuse program and intention to revisit the hotel. Additionally, the moderating effects of ecological concern on the relationship between skepticism and intention to participate and between skepticism and intention to revisit were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental design was used with two conditions (control vs ulterior motive) employing staff members of a US public university as study participants. In total, 638 useful responses were received.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that an ulterior motive of hotels’ environmental claims evoked consumer skepticism, which, in turn, negatively influenced consumers’ intention to participate in the linen reuse program and intention to revisit the hotel. Skepticism was found to partially mediate the relationships between ulterior motive and intention to participate and between ulterior motive and intention to revisit. Consumers’ ecological concern was not found to moderate the relationship between skepticism and intention to participate in the linen reuse program and skepticism and intention to revisit the hotel. In addition, a significant positive direct effect between ecological concern and intention to participate and a non-significant effect between ecological concern and revisit intention were revealed.

Research limitations/implications

Focus on consumers’ response to the ulterior motive of environmental claims advances an understanding of consumers’ attitudes and perceptions about hotels’ green practices.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that hotels need to be watchful so that consumers do not become skeptical. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that managers do everything possible to give customers no room for doubt. Hoteliers need to spend more effort in installing comprehensive green programs and make true green claims by keeping the potential consequences of greenwashing in mind. Hoteliers also need to seek out third-party certifications that require the hotel to meet certain standards, which will help ensure credibility in the eyes of consumers.

Originality/value

Hospitality literature has seldom explored this gray area of green marketing, and, in this regard, this study serves as a guide to hoteliers and researchers alike. The authors thereby anticipate that this study would encourage more research in this often overlooked but highly important area.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2023

Chen Wang, Ran Zhang, Taiwen Feng and Jingyi Tao

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental responsibility (ER) on consumers' green customization intention (GCI), as well as the separate and joint moderating…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental responsibility (ER) on consumers' green customization intention (GCI), as well as the separate and joint moderating effects of consumers' negative perceptions and environmental claim type (ECT) on the relationship between ER and GCI.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two online experimental questionnaires and one between-subject lab experiment were conducted to test all hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that high-ER consumers are more likely to choose environmental options in the product customization process (versus low ER). The effect of ER on consumers' GCI is moderated by consumers' negative perceptions of green consumption (e.g. green skepticism and perceived environmental premium (PEP)). Additionally, ECT's joint moderating effect and consumers' negative perception of green customization consumption can be decreased by a substantive (versus associative) claim type in message framing.

Practical implications

The findings provide new insights into the factors affecting consumers' GCIs and have significant practical implications. First, consumers' different ER levels should not be neglected when examining the value of green customization. Second, consumers' green skepticism and PEP could reduce consumers' GCI. Third, the use of substantive environmental claims may also be particularly helpful for companies' communication strategies regarding consumers' low-level negative perceptions of green options.

Originality/value

While previous studies state “environmental responsibility” as a key characteristic of general green consumption, the authors extend that to a green customization process and connect that with consumers' negative perceptions and ECT. In addition, the separate and joint moderating effects of consumers' negative perceptions and ECT were examined. Thus, these findings refine the existing understanding of the relationship between ER and green customization.

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2022

Adel Alotaibi and Aamir Abbas

The study aims to investigate the effect of Islamic religiosity on green purchase intention. The environmental dimension of spiritual well-being (i.e. environmental well-being…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the effect of Islamic religiosity on green purchase intention. The environmental dimension of spiritual well-being (i.e. environmental well-being) was analyzed as a mediator and green skepticism as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The millennial generation was considered for data collection, and their preference toward green food was investigated by using a questionnaire. The responses were analyzed by using AMOS.

Findings

The results highlighted that Islamic religiosity significantly effects the green food purchase intention of the millennial generation. This relation is positively mediated by the environmental dimension of spiritual well-being (i.e. environmental well-being). Moreover, the green skepticism weakens the relationship between Islamic religiosity and green purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The main emphasis of this research was on the millennial generation, and only their selection criteria for green food were considered. Moreover, the study has only considered the environmental dimension of spiritual well-being (i.e. environmental well-being) and ignored the other dimensions, including transcendental and personal/communal well-being. Therefore, future studies can focus on these dimensions while highlighting the purchase behavior toward other green or eco-friendly products.

Practical implications

The research has discussed the broader areas, and it can help marketers, religious scholars, farmers and managers to make efficient strategies for the millennial generation. The researchers focusing on green consumer behavior and sustainable issues can consider this study as a guideline for investigating the Muslim millennial generation’s behavior.

Originality/value

The study is to investigate the effect Islamic religiosity on green purchase intention. It has focused on all sustainable aspects, including green well-being, green skepticism to analyze the green purchase intention of millennial generation.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 14 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2020

Jookyung Kwon and Jiseon Ahn

This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) skepticism on dual types of attitudinal factors (i.e. positive attitude and reactance) and examine…

1338

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) skepticism on dual types of attitudinal factors (i.e. positive attitude and reactance) and examine the impact of attitudinal factors on customers' behavioral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies mixed-method research to examine the link between CSR skepticism, positive attitude, reactance and behavioral intention based on attitude-behavior-context theory.

Findings

As predicted, CSR skepticism weakens a favorable attitude toward CSR, whereas it increases the level of reactance. Also, CSR skepticism negatively influences behavioral intention, while positive attitude and reactance positively influence behavioral intention.

Originality/value

Understanding customers' skepticism toward CSR has become increasingly important because of its negative consequences. Despite existing studies on CSR skepticism, few have focused on why and how CSR skepticism leads to negative behavioral outcomes. Thus, this research contributes to existing tourism literature by examining the role of CSR skepticism on their attitude and behavior. Findings will help researchers and practitioners understand how CSR skepticism impacts customers' behavioral intention and develops CSR strategies to enhance the behavioral intention to patronize.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

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.

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2021

Muhammad Ali, Umar Hassan, Ishamuddin Mustapha and Sharina Osman

The purpose of this study is to add a reliable factor that can contribute theoretically and methodologically to explain prosocial and proself behaviors. The study also signifies…

1190

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to add a reliable factor that can contribute theoretically and methodologically to explain prosocial and proself behaviors. The study also signifies that green advertising approaches enable the consumer to develop an intention for green purchases. The basic idea is to investigate consumer social orientations and align them with green advertising initiatives to elicit the desired response as green purchase to manifest environmentally conscious behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on data collection through questionnaires. Data is analyzed through structural equation modeling to assess the relationship of constructs.

Findings

The results of the study are empirically drawn through the measurement of relationships among consumer skepticism and the effectiveness of green advertising initiatives. Mediation of proself and prosocial orientation exists for public self-awareness but does not exist for benefit distance. Consumer skepticism moderates the relationship between prosocial orientation and green advertising effectiveness (GAE) but has no moderation between proself orientation and GAE.

Originality/value

The limitation of conventional prosocial theory does not explain the environmental behaviors driven by proself orientations. Hence, the addition of factors such as public awareness and social benefit distance coupled with signaling theory with foundations on theory of planned behavior and norm activation model to explain environmental conservation add an element of originality to the existing literature.

Contribution to Impact

The contribution of this study is the incorporation of social orientations as the antecedent for consumer behavior in an environmental context particularly as a response to green advertising initiatives to purchase green products. The use of theory of planned behavior in conjunction with the norm activation model and signaling theory adds to the literary bank.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2018

Hung-Che Wu, Chiou-Fong Wei, Li-Yu Tseng and Ching-Chan Cheng

The purpose of this paper is to explore the structural relationships among skepticism, experiential risk, cognitive dissonance, experiential quality, brand experience and…

3653

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the structural relationships among skepticism, experiential risk, cognitive dissonance, experiential quality, brand experience and experiential satisfaction, switching intentions and switching behavior from the perspective of green branding.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from consumers who had purchased environmental shampoos, obtaining 613 valid samples which were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that green brand experiential risk, green brand cognitive dissonance, green brand experiential quality and green brand experience influence green brand experiential satisfaction. In addition, green brand experiential satisfaction has an impact on green brand switching intentions, which, in turn, positively influence green brand switching behavior.

Practical implications

To decrease the perceptions of green brand skepticism, green brand experiential risk, green brand cognitive dissonance, green brand switching intentions and green brand switching behavior and increase the perceptions of green brand experiential quality, green brand experience and green brand experiential satisfaction, the findings will help environmental organizations develop and implement market-orientated product strategies.

Originality/value

The results provide a better understanding of the relationships among skepticism, experiential risk, cognitive dissonance, experiential quality, brand experience, experiential satisfaction, switching intentions and switching behavior in an environmental context.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 36 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2013

Tahir Albayrak, Şafak Aksoy and Meltem Caber

The aims of the study are: to compare the environmental concern and scepticism levels of the participants and whether or not they display green purchase behaviour; to investigate…

9316

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of the study are: to compare the environmental concern and scepticism levels of the participants and whether or not they display green purchase behaviour; to investigate the influence of environmental concern and scepticism on green purchase behaviour by utilizing the Theory of Planned Behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from participant and non‐participant customers of the e‐invoicing program of Turk Telecom. Customers were clustered into four groups according to their environmental concerns and scepticism levels.

Findings

Research results show that those customers who have a high level of environmental concern and less sceptical reflect a positive attitude, have a high positive subjective norm and perceived behavioural control that motivates them to have stronger intentions to become e‐invoice subscribers in the near future.

Originality/value

The results found in the paper provide clear evidence supporting the Theory of Planned Behaviour in Turkey. Moreover, while most previous studies have employed undergraduate samples which are not representative of common customers, the present study employed a large and real customer sample which strongly represents customers in general.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2022

Navjit Singh, Kritika Gupta and Bharti Kapur

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of greenwashed word of mouth (GWWOM) originating from trickery and misleading green marketing practices on customer behavior. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of greenwashed word of mouth (GWWOM) originating from trickery and misleading green marketing practices on customer behavior. The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute in the domain of responsible green marketing. The significance of this study lies in its ability to provide useful recommendations to marketers, policymakers and customers toward accomplishment of sustainable development goals through usage and adoption of environment-friendly products.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is primarily descriptive in nature, as it attempted to investigate the implications of customers' reactions toward greenwashed practices prevailing in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market. The information gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire was analyzed using Smart PLS software package to verify the proposed hypotheses. The consistency and validity of the measurement and structural models proposed were tested using inferential statistical procedures.

Findings

The results significantly confirmed the mediating role of GWWOM in shaping the relationship between green skepticism and shift in green behavior. It was verified from the results that customers’ futuristic behavioral patterns toward green products are negatively influenced by misleading and false claims of marketers through GWWOM communications.

Practical implications

The primary implications of this study are for marketers in understanding the role of GWWOM on organizations’ reputation. The policymakers may contribute by implementing appropriate changes in regulations to control greenwashed practices. Finally, customers may become more aware about the unethical marketing practices and act responsibly in the market place.

Originality/value

This study revealed an intriguing finding in the sense that customers, who feel cheated by erroneous and mislead green claims of the marketers, are expected to communicate their experiences through variety of channels. Therefore, it is very likely that they may influence others to change their behaviors while going for environmentally safe products and may have significant consequences on the sustainable consumer behavior.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

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