Sustainable Consumption Intentions of Consumers in Turkey: A Research Within the Theory of Planned Behavior

Ilknur Ayar,Ahmet Gürbüz

doi:10.1177/21582440211047563

Ilknur Ayar, Ahmet Gürbüz

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211047563

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Journal: SAGE Open	Publication Date: Jul 1, 2021
Citations: 16	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Karabük University, Çankırı Karatekin University

Abstract

Sustainable consumption can be a way to minimize the environmental impact of the rapidly growing consumption phenomenon. However, sustainable consumer behavior changes depending on many different factors and determining these factors is very important for many disciplines. This study aims to determine the sustainable consumption behavior of consumers and the factors affecting this behavior within the framework of Planned Behavior Theory, which is used in many fields in the literature. The research was conducted within the framework of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control as well as altruistic values variables added to the model. Research data survey method with Turkey/Kastamonu were collected from the consumers in the province. The questionnaire was adapted using previous studies, and its validity and reliability analysis were made. Research data were tested with Structural Equation Modeling, which is used frequently in social sciences and behavioral sciences. As a result; It has been revealed that the variables of Planned Behavior Theory, which are attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and also the altruistic values dimension added to the model have a statistically significant effect on sustainable consumption intention, and intention has an effect on sustainable consumption behavior. It was concluded that perceived behavioral control has no direct effect on sustainable consumption behavior. These findings have important consequences for a large number of individuals and organizations such as policy makers, scientists, environmental organizations, health organizations, and businesses.

Highlights

Since the existence of the world, people have struggled with nature to meet their basic needs
In order to examine sustainable consumption behavior within the scope of Planned Behavior Theory, which is expanded by adding altruistic values variable, results regarding the following problem situations and hypotheses developed depending on these problem situations are presented
It has been concluded that subjective norms for sustainable consumption behavior have a significant effect on sustainable consumption intention

Summary

Introduction

Since the existence of the world, people have struggled with nature to meet their basic needs As a result, they continued their lives by causing some changes in nature and environment. By using natural resources generously, they have achieved to reach more advanced civilizations This generous use of resources enabled humanity to achieve positive gains, increases in economic output did not lead to continuous increases in prosperity. As many of these generously used resources could not be renewed and some resources were used unconsciously and in excessive amounts, these consumption behaviors caused damage on nature and the environment. New consumption patterns have become unable to meet our needs, because of their environmental impact, and because they threaten our quality of life (Bener & Babaoğul, 2008, p. 2–3; Grabs et al, 2016, p. 99)

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Conclusion