Search results

1 – 10 of over 61000
Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

Arash Hosseinpour, Qingjin Peng and Peihua Gu

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective approach to decide design details using benchmarking to capture the existing practice in sustainable design.

2126

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective approach to decide design details using benchmarking to capture the existing practice in sustainable design.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a systematic method for sustainable product design. The method uses benchmarks as references searching for design details to achieve sustainable solutions. Quality function deployment is used to guide the search process for competitive products using benchmarking to meet quantitative targets of product and to increase knowledge for sustainable design.

Findings

The proposed method can meet both functional and sustainable requirements of product design. 18.55 percent reduction in carbon equivalent emissions is achieved compared to benchmarks in wheelchair design. The research reveals that when weight, material and number of components used in product decrease, environmental footprints and cost of the product improve.

Originality/value

The research improves the existing method of sustainable product design. Both sustainable requirements and functional demands of product are identified from qualitative criteria to quantitative metrics using benchmarking and the life cycle assessment.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Monika Sheoran and Divesh Kumar

The earth is under massive stress due to current level of consumption which has crossed the sustaining capacity of our planet. Thus, the need of the hour is to promote sustainable…

3029

Abstract

Purpose

The earth is under massive stress due to current level of consumption which has crossed the sustaining capacity of our planet. Thus, the need of the hour is to promote sustainable production and consumption. The purpose of this study is to identify the basic barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour which are hindering the adoption of sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is divided into two parts. The first part consists of a literature review based on 128 articles (1995 to 2020), which are spread over a period of 25 years. Based on the literature review, nine barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour were identified and put into three categories. In the second part, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used to know about the relative weight of each barrier so that benchmarking/prioritising of basic barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour can be done.

Findings

This article identifies critical barriers affecting the acceptance of sustainable electronic products. High price, a perception of no environmental impact, no benefit in personal image, lesser use by family and friends, lack of awareness about the products etc. emerged as the potential barriers which need prime attention. The relative weight of each of these barriers has also been arrived at in this article which is expected to be beneficial for policymakers to focus upon important barriers. Impact of many of these barriers can be reduced through innovative approaches and solutions.

Research limitations/implications

This article will be helpful in future research in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour. Through the understanding of the barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour, companies, governments and industries can take suitable initiatives by modifying the policies and practices to reduce the impact of these barriers so that consumer behaviour can be made more sustainable.

Originality/value

The current article tries to identify the critical barriers to adoption of sustainable electronic products by the consumers. An extensive literature review, expert suggestions and consumer survey have been adopted to identify nine barriers. Although, multiple researches have been done in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour and adoption of sustainable electronic products, there is no research article which solely focuses on implementing Fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (AHP) approach to rank the barriers faced by consumers for adoption of sustainable electronic products. It has been concluded that high price of sustainable electronic products is the most critical barrier in adoption of sustainable consumer behaviour. Moreover, the relative ranking obtained with the help of Fuzzy AHP can be used by policymakers and organisations to promote and implement sustainability in consumer behaviour.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Paola Mancini, Andrea Marchini and Mariarosaria Simeone

This is an exploratory study on consumer information and behaviour towards green, health, local, social and environmental credentials on labels. It focusses on many dimensions of…

5682

Abstract

Purpose

This is an exploratory study on consumer information and behaviour towards green, health, local, social and environmental credentials on labels. It focusses on many dimensions of sustainability in the food products that affect consumer choices with a dual purpose: to identify and define “sustainable consumption” behaviour in broad sense and to investigate empirically the factors affecting the real consumption behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on consumers’ understanding, motivation and use of sustainable labelling in order to understand the role sustainability information plays in the food products market.

Design/methodology/approach

Two focus groups in order to investigate consumer motivation and behaviour in-depth and to prepare the questionnaire. Identification of the outcomes that could summarize sustainable consumption combining: purchase of local products, consume only seasonal fruit, prefer products with recyclable packaging, attention to the fat content in foods, give importance to traceability and purchase products only in the place of origin. Identification of the “at risk” virtuous consumer, using a binary logistic regression approach, taking into account demographic characteristics, the food and nutrition value system, experience, knowledge, institutional factors and marketing.

Findings

Results from the focus groups are mainly in line with the empirical analysis, highlighting the key role of education in influencing consumer attitude and behaviour. Consumers give little attention to information provided on the label for sustainable food consumption and environmental protection and have little knowledge of environmental problems. The virtuous consumer appears to give importance to a better food nutrition value system, to pay more attention to ingredients and instructions on the label, to be more attentive to environmental and sustainable attributes, to be concerned about product quality and to be slightly influenced by brands and special offers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from the empirical analysis confirm the results from focus groups even if it was not possible from the empirical analysis to investigate in-depth the marketing aspects concerning the food choice. This limit probably comes from the low number of observations. Further research will focus on these marketing aspects.

Practical implications

Products with sustainable attributes can become a strategic variable and allow companies to gain a competitive advantage, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. This may encourage the development of new marketing channels based on the direct relationship between producer and the new consumer demand, increasingly sensitive to the food security issues.

Social implications

There is a potential interest and sensitiveness to having sustainable behaviour in a broad sense, but there is a lack of knowledge about how to behave to be sustainable. In the absence of binding rules, it is necessary that government promote information and campaigns to generate greater awareness on sustainability, aiming at increasing knowledge to drive the consumer’s choices. This may lead to virtuous results in terms of reducing social costs related to an unhealthy diet, food waste and unsustainable consumption.

Originality/value

The results show that despite the appearance of attention to the environment and to healthy food which is associated with this emerging critical consumer in the literature, there remains the problem of the consumer giving little attention to information provided on the label for sustainable food consumption and environmental protection. This is the problem of “rules of thumb” in purchasing decisions that prevail in the following situations: when consumers have an overload of information that exceeds their processing limits; when they tend to base their decision making on heuristics, focussing their choices on brands as a proxy for high-quality, product-related characteristics.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 119 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2021

Shampy Kamboj and Manita Matharu

The purpose of this paper is to increase existing knowledge of consumers’ sustainable products via converging and testing social identity and value-belief-norm theory used in…

1963

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase existing knowledge of consumers’ sustainable products via converging and testing social identity and value-belief-norm theory used in sustainable behaviour literature. More specifically, the present paper incorporated consumers’ orientation towards a lifestyle of health and sustainability (COLOHAS), attitude towards sustainable products’ (ATSP’) purchase, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived knowledge about sustainability issues as a conceptual framework to understand comprehensively consumers’ willingness to pay premium price (WPPP) for sustainable products.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered through a survey of 850 customers residing at Delhi-NCR and buying sustainable products. Data were analysed using the structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The results show that perceived consumer effectiveness has a greater descriptive value on their WPPP than do their ATSP’s purchase and perceived knowledge about sustainability issues. Additionally, both dimensions (health consciousness and value orientation towards sustainability) of COLOHAS have been found to have a significant and positive influence on consumer ATSP.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results offer managers with better insights on how COLOHAS, perceived effectiveness and perceived knowledge about sustainability issues influences their WPPP for sustainable products.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of literature by emphasizing those cognitive processes that influence the customers’ WPPP for sustainable products. Therefore, this paper presents important information to the managers and marketers about the sustainability aspects.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Sebastian Brockhaus, Stan Fawcett, Wolfgang Kersten and Michael Knemeyer

Regulatory pressure, consumer awareness, and the quest for competitive advantage place sustainable products in today’s decision-making spotlight. The purpose of this paper is to…

2414

Abstract

Purpose

Regulatory pressure, consumer awareness, and the quest for competitive advantage place sustainable products in today’s decision-making spotlight. The purpose of this paper is to explore supply chain dynamics as they relate to sustainable product programs and to empirically develop a framework to align efforts across the supply chain to bring sustainable products to market.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in systems design, stakeholder theory, and the theory of planned behavior, the authors conduct an inductive empirical study of 28 European and US companies.

Findings

The authors make three contributions. First, the authors identify six dimensions of product sustainability, which map to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s sustainability scope model. Second, the authors model relational dynamics using systems diagrams to provide a framework that: first, communicates a common understanding of product sustainability; and second, facilitates tradeoff analysis. Third, the authors elaborate behaviors needed to reduce ambiguity and compliance costs.

Practical implications

Managers can use the framework to assess product sustainability and evaluate tradeoffs across product dimensions and supply chain participants. Using this insight, managers can design sustainable product programs that engage supply chain participants.

Social implications

By identifying dimensions, defining costs, and uncovering tradeoffs, managers can more effectively implement sustainable product programs.

Originality/value

The framework provides a much needed source of clarity to mitigate role ambiguity, reduce compliance costs, and promote collaborative behavior in bringing sustainable products to market.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2021

Monika Sheoran and Divesh Kumar

This article attempts to explore the theoretical model and structural dimensions of sustainable consumer behaviour to develop a “sustainable consumer behaviour scale” for…

2242

Abstract

Purpose

This article attempts to explore the theoretical model and structural dimensions of sustainable consumer behaviour to develop a “sustainable consumer behaviour scale” for sustainable electronic products. Further, this study has tried to elaborate sustainable consumer behaviour by considering the complete consumption cycle which includes purchase, usage and disposal of the sustainable electronic products.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has been employed to understand the multidimensional nature of sustainable consumer behaviour with the help of qualitative and quantitative methods. With the help of a pilot study followed by a main study, a sustainable consumer behaviour scale for sustainable electronic products has been tested and validated for its factor study, reliability, validity and model fit, etc. Moreover, the influence of demographic variables has also been examined with the help of multi-group analysis.

Findings

This study highlights that the perceived control behaviour and subjective norms are the major factors that influence sustainable consumer behaviour. Moreover, the results also indicate that female consumers, mid income consumers, young consumers (age below 30) and consumers who have studied up to senior secondary level are more sustainable.

Research limitations/implications

The results can be used by policymakers and managers to identify and target particular subjective norms and factors impacting perceived control behaviour along with a specific set of demographics to increase sustainability amongst consumers and businesses. The results of the current study can help in increasing the focus of the academic research towards sustainable consumer behaviour. It will also encourage firms to include sustainable electronic products in their product line.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, the current article is the first empirical study to develop a sustainable consumer behaviour scale by including all the different stages of the consumption cycle using TPB for sustainable electronic products. Although multiple efforts have been made by researchers to analyse sustainable consumer behaviour, there is a scarcity in literature in which research has been done to analyse sustainable consumer behaviour by considering the whole consumption cycle (purchase, usage and disposal).

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2022

Dharmendra Hariyani and Sanjeev Mishra

Scarcity of resources, ecological imbalance, global warming, rising energy prices and the ever-changing need for variety have attracted the government and manufacturers for…

Abstract

Purpose

Scarcity of resources, ecological imbalance, global warming, rising energy prices and the ever-changing need for variety have attracted the government and manufacturers for sustainable development of the industries. The integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile manufacturing system (ISGLSAMS) provides a solid platform for meeting both the customers’ variety needs and business sustainability requirements. Many organizations opted for ISGLSAMS, but still due to various barriers organizations are not able to fully implement ISGLSAMS. The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to the ISGLSAMS, so that a more sustainable industrial manufacturing system and industrial symbiosis can be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review, from the Web of Science and Google Scholar database, has been carried out to identify the various barriers to the implementation of ISGLSAMS in the entire value chain. A total of 168 research papers have been reviewed for identifying the ISGLSAMS barriers.

Findings

This paper elaborates the concept of the ISGLSAMS, its attributes and various barriers and contributes to a better understanding and successful implementation of ISGLSAMS to meet business’ sustainability and market performance goals in the entire value chain. The paper also projects the future research framework and directions for the ISGLSAMS, integrated sustainable-green-lean-six sigma-agile (ISGLSA) product and ISGLSA supply and value chain.

Practical implications

The study contributes to a better understanding of ISGLSAMS’ barriers. The government, stakeholders and policymakers may plan the policy, road map and strategies to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers. In-depth knowledge of subclauses of ISGLSAMS’ barriers will help the practitioners to overcome the ISGLSAMS’ barriers strategically. By overcoming the ISGLSAMS barriers, a more sustainable 7 Rs based market focused manufacturing system can be designed. This will also increase the opportunities to enhance the industrial ecology, industrial symbiosis and better recovery of the product, process and supply chain residual value. This will reduce the waste to the ecosystem.

Originality/value

This work has been carried out in search of a more sustainable manufacturing system, i.e. ISGLSAMS (which is 7 Rs based, i.e. 6 Rs of sustainability with 7th R, reconfiguration) to meet the customer variety needs along with sustainability in the ever-changing customer market. This study adds value to the practitioners to identify and prioritize the ISGLSAMS’ industry-specific barriers and design the solution for the more sustainable development of (1) industries, (2) the industrial symbiosis system and (3) the ISGLSA product, process, system and supply value chain with minimum resource consumption and environmental impact. The research also contributes to the (a) ISGLSAMS (b) ISGLSA supply chain (c) reconfigurable, sustainable and modular products and (d) redesign, recovery and refurbishing of the product to increase the product life cycle.

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2022

Vishnu Nath and Rajat Agrawal

This paper aims to identify and study the effect of identified eight barriers to sustainable consumption on consumers’ intention to purchase sustainable products.

1565

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and study the effect of identified eight barriers to sustainable consumption on consumers’ intention to purchase sustainable products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a self-administered field survey in India, and 315 valid responses were obtained from the survey process. Partial least square structural equation modeling analysis was carried out to establish the validity of the measures used and to examine the impact of the identified barriers on sustainable purchase intentions.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that barriers such as low willingness to pay, low functional performance, low availability of sustainable products and difficulty of integration in the normal route have a statistically significant negative impact on consumers’ sustainable purchase intentions.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are useful for marketers and policymakers who want to increase the consumer adoption of sustainable products in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study develops measures to capture the consumers’ perception of barriers to the adoption of sustainable products.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 February 2020

Nabanita Talukdar and Shubin Yu

The purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying psychological mechanism and boundary conditions which drive materialists' purchase intention (PI) of sustainable over…

1909

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the underlying psychological mechanism and boundary conditions which drive materialists' purchase intention (PI) of sustainable over generic luxury products.

Design/methodology/approach

Four empirical studies (one survey and three experiments) were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Materialism has a positive effect on consumers' purchase intention of sustainable over generic luxury products because materialists tend to have higher perceived functional value of sustainable (i.e., green) luxury products. Product conspicuousness (i.e., publicly consumed versus privately consumed luxury) moderates the effect of materialism on PI of sustainable over generic luxury products. Materialism increases the perceived functional value and thus enhances the PI of sustainable luxury products over generic luxury products only when the product is privately consumed (as opposed to publicly consumed).

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature that explores how materialism affects environmentalism. This study is among the first empirical works in the context of luxury that studies the relationship between materialism and purchase intention of green products over generic products. This study is also among the first in the context of materialists to empirically establish the importance of perceived functional value associated with sustainable over generic products in affecting PI. Moreover, this article investigates the moderating role of product conspicuousness, which enhances the generalizability of the findings.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2019

Nitika Sharma, Raiswa Saha and Rudra Rameshwar

The rationale of viewpoint is to comprehend green consumption (GC) and sustainable consumption (SC). The purpose of this study is to understand how the phenomenon of sustainable…

1143

Abstract

Purpose

The rationale of viewpoint is to comprehend green consumption (GC) and sustainable consumption (SC). The purpose of this study is to understand how the phenomenon of sustainable and green consumers perceives in an everyday perceives in an everyday/routine life in modern today’s dynamic world society, where consumers clients are highly encouraged towards use and practicing sustainability, also to understand people’s personal lived experiences in this affair of green and SC processes. The adoption of sustainable business strategies has been a well-thought-out plan which act as a foremost driver for the socioeconomic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Present study is based on phenomenological interviews, using interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) which has offered a platform to investigate, explore and discover to talk about latent prime aspects (causes to procure or adopt green products, its category, expression of feeling about perceived product self-assurance, readiness to pacification and consolation, familiarity of environmental-friendly products, reflection of alternatives, make use of and abandonment). Semi-structured exhaustive dialogues with Indian green consumers are set up to stimulate dialogue on their viewpoint.

Findings

The findings classify bewilderment of how sustainability applies in routine style for sustainable and GC followed by the consumers with respect to his/her behaviour and challenges of SC over GC, predominantly for ecological and environmental issues, and there was cynicism concerning higher pricing order of green and sustainable products available in market. Interestingly in findings framework, the analysis designates that green consumers represent a non-natural segment and offer auxiliary experiential description of sustainable development or sustainability as a measure of sustainable market and its orientation concept.

Research limitations/implications

The idiographic nature of IPA, particularly phenomenological approach, may be considered as a research limitation. Well-presented research work is exploratory in nature; and a research team is followed by well-known guidelines in order to make certain impartialities. Though, the research conclusions are limited to Indian GC and a replication or limitation into different nations would aid in the direction to get rid of several probable nation partiality.

Practical implications

In a nutshell, here findings exemplify that green or sustainable consumers are shifting sustainable ideology from one situation to another, and that by speaking about sustainability, these consumers possibly will obtain a competitive lead.

Social implications

The results or findings reveal green or sustainable consumers’ augmented association with sustainability and the role expected from them to create better society and world.

Originality/value

The research work exclusively places green or sustainable consumers’ dependence on heuristics to show sustainable preferences or choices, due to the lack of information and awareness, and it entails that sustainable concepts and sustainability are becoming popular nowadays; ever more included into their everyday behaviours and practicing. Very limited research studies have been done to investigate the GC and SC; measuring consumers’ actions using qualitative research approaches through IPA approach. This paper explores their consumption pattern and processes in detail.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 61000