An investigation of sustainable consumption behavior systems – Exploring personal and socio-structural characteristics in different national contexts

Alexandra Ganglmair-Wooliscroft and Ben Wooliscroft

Journal of Business Research, 2022, vol. 148, issue C, 161-173

Abstract: Sustainable consumption behaviors are embedded in a consumption system. Their uptake is influenced by personal characteristics and the context. Feedback loops reinforce extant behavior and path dependencies enable or hinder additional sustainable consumption. This study applies a cross-national approach to reveal the influence of structural characteristics on the pattern of sustainable consumption, comparing results from Austria and New Zealand. Using Rasch Modelling, we test five propositions and find that most of the 26 behaviorsinvestigatedare taken up in the same order in both countries. Government regulations, business initiatives, and geographic characteristics influence the uptake of some sustainable behaviors, including recycling, consumption of organic food or use of public transport in the two countries. Consumers experience structural feedback loops and historic government foci have created path dependencies. The results demonstrate that a systemic view of sustainable consumption behaviors is required, to foster and increase sustainable behavior.

Keywords: Sustainability; Responsible consumption and production; Sustainable consumption behavior; Consumption system; Cross-national; Rasch Model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:148:y:2022:i:c:p:161-173

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.04.049

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