Unveiling the Circular Behavior of Product Appreciation: An Exploratory Study

Mohammed I. M. Ali () and Pilsung Choe
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Mohammed I. M. Ali: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
Pilsung Choe: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-23

Abstract: Product appreciation is defined as valuing and sustaining the use of a functional, energy-efficient product. This study adopted a user perspective to understand the circular behavior of product appreciation and explore the factors influencing it. Employing a qualitative exploratory approach, in-depth, cross-language (English and Arabic) interviews were conducted with participants from different nationalities. The collected data were then subjected to an adapted and augmented version of reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a thorough examination of the underlying motivations and barriers to product appreciation. Our analysis revealed 60 motivation factors and 30 barrier factors. More importantly, six motivation themes emerged: attachment due to sentimental value, user satisfaction, holistic positive engagement, product ingenuity and enduring value, economic mindfulness, and retention and status quo tendency. In contrast, four barrier themes were identified: changes in user preferences, user dissatisfaction, craving newness, and free upgrades. This study accentuates the delineation of the newly identified circular behavior of product appreciation and highlights its significance in extending product life cycles and slowing resource loops. The findings provide valuable insights for designers, researchers, business strategists, and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable consumption and production patterns through product design, sustainable value propositions, and extended producer responsibility policies. Furthermore, the proposed adapted version of the reflexive thematic analysis method is expected to be a significant contribution to the qualitative research literature.

Keywords: circular economy; slowing resource loops; sustainable consumption; SDG 12; product appreciation; thematic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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