How Do Individualism and Collectivism Influence Pro-Environmental Purchasing Behavior Based on Environmental Self-Identity?

Abstract

Consumer behavior contributes to the environmental crisis worldwide. This study examines the influence of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism (HVIC) on pro-environmental purchasing behavior based on environmental self-identity. We surveyed 542 Korean adults aged 20–69 online. We analyzed the data using correlation, paired t-tests, and multiple regression analyses. First, we found that the group with high-level environmental self-identity showed significantly higher levels of pro-environmental purchasing behavior, horizontal individualism (HI), horizontal collectivism (HC), and vertical collectivism (VC). No significant difference was observed in vertical individualism (VI). Second, in the low-level group, the influencing factors were gender (ref. female), age, VI, and VC. Third, in the high-level group, the influencing factors were HC, HI, and VC. Cultural values are an important aspect of pro-environmental purchasing behavior based on environmental self-identity.