Economic Perceptions Research Articles

Integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Regulatory Pressures, Environmental Awareness, and Economic Perception in Influencing the Intention to Adopt Material Value Conservation Principles

This study investigates the key factors influencing the intention of plastic-based medical device manufacturers in Indonesia to adopt Material Value Conservation (MVC) principles in sustainable product design. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a foundation, this research integrates environmental awareness, regulatory pressures, knowledge of MVC, perceived ease of adoption, and perceived economic value to develop a comprehensive analytical model. A quantitative survey was conducted with 70 manufacturers located in the Greater Jakarta area, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have a significant direct effect on adoption intention, while regulatory pressure and knowledge of MVC influence intention indirectly through mediating constructs. Although environmental awareness and technical knowledge are high among respondents, perceived economic value remains the most significant barrier due to concerns over initial implementation costs. The study's novelty lies in its empirical extension of TPB within the context of circular economy adoption in the healthcare manufacturing sector. It provides practical implications for policymakers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to enhance sustainability through targeted incentives and regulatory frameworks. This research contributes to the academic literature by demonstrating the interaction between psychological, institutional, and economic variables in shaping green manufacturing intentions in an industry with high environmental impact.

Dental Professionals' Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Use for Children and Older Adults in Northern Ontario.

Views on silver diamine fluoride (SDF) have been studied in various settings worldwide but remain underexplored in the Canadian context. In this study, we explored awareness, acceptability, general and economic perception and potential patient acceptance of SDF for caries management in children and older adults. We also looked at the impact of an educational workshop on SDF for dental professionals in Northern Ontario. A 42-item structured questionnaire was administered to attendees at a workshop on minimally invasive dentistry held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It elicited information regarding respondents' demographics, their perception, acceptance and use of SDF and the workshop's influence on uptake of the material. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 53 dental professionals, mainly dental hygienists (45.3%) and dentists (35.8%). Their views on the use of SDF as a minimally invasive technique and on how it was accepted by their patients and patients' caregivers were generally positive. Respondents reported that the workshop made them more likely to choose SDF for treating children (82.4%) and older adults (87.8%). We noted differences between dentists and non-dentists, specifically regarding potential parental acceptance of SDF staining in anterior temporary teeth (p = 0.030), as well as SDF's benefits in older adults in long-term care (p = 0.007), with a higher proportion of non-dentists viewing SDF more favourably. SDF awareness and acceptance were high among dental professionals in Northern Ontario who attended a workshop presenting the beneficial effects of SDF for children and older adults.

The economic vote when there is no ruling party presidential candidate: Chile in 2021

What impact does the economic vote have when the incumbent party candidate loses in the first-round vote and the candidates in the runoff are both opponents of the outgoing government but ideologically opposed to each other? Using two surveys from shortly before the first- and second-round presidential elections in Chile in 2021, respectively, we assess the impact of socio- and ego-tropic economic perceptions on the vote choice for extreme right candidate José Kast and left candidate Gabriel Boric. Ideological and sociodemographic variables had a greater impact than economic perceptions in both rounds. However, economic perceptions have stronger explanatory power in the runoff than in the first round. Those with more positive current views were more likely to vote for the outgoing government candidate in the first-round vote. Economic perceptions have a more elastic effect among centrists and those not ideologically identified than among those strongly aligned with the left or right.

The Economy in People’s Minds: are EU Countries Connected?

Abstract This paper analyzes the importance of the international environment in economic perceptions’ formation and tries to unveil its synchronization and agglomerative patterns by statistically examining the Economic Sentiment indicator for 23 EU countries. It is found that a very significant part of the fluctuations in economic perceptions are linked to the international environment, thus exhibiting a strong co-movement across countries that appears to be growing. Additionally, the data indicates a clear division in terms of sentiment co-movement between Western and Eastern European countries, but this separation seems to vanish around the first decade of this century. Results also show that perceptions, for a significant number of nations, including all major countries, have a unique strong common international component, and countries tend to clump into one very dominant cluster that by the end of the sample seems to stand alone, thus suggesting that in recent years we are already witnessing the presence of a single European economic sentiment.

The role of social networks in institutional trust during economic downturns

Abstract Citizens’ trust in institutions is crucial for the proper functioning of societies. While national economic performance is a key predictor of institutional trust, individuals’ perceptions of the economy—through which this influence is thought to operate— vary widely, suggesting that additional factors play a role in shaping these perceptions. One largely ignored factor is social networks. This paper argues that acquaintanceship networks expose individuals unevenly to the economic conditions of others, which in turns shapes their trust in institutions. Using Spain as a case study in the aftermath of the 2008–2014 financial crisis, the study examines how individuals’ network exposure to economic distress relates to their institutional trust. Data from a nationally representative survey show that network homogeneity results in uneven exposure to the crisis’s negative effects among individuals from different socioeconomic and age groups, potentially biasing their economic perceptions. Even when controlling for household income, employment status, education, age, and other variables, greater network exposure to distress remains significantly associated with lower institutional trust. These findings highlight the crucial role of social networks in institutional trust.

Cultura Tributaria y Evasión Fiscal en el Sector Comercial del Cantón Montecristi-Manabí

This article aims to determine the level of tax literacy and the factors that influence tax evasion among taxpayers in the commercial sector of the Montecristi Canton in the province of Manabí. To achieve this objective, a quantitative study was conducted with a population of 333 taxpayers, obtained from the Internal Revenue Service database in the Cadastre section of the Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC). Using non-probability convenience sampling, a sample of 180 individuals was obtained with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Data collection was carried out using an eighteen-question closed-ended questionnaire with a Likert scale validated by expert judgments and a pretest with ten respondents. The results show that 31.67% are unaware of the type of tax regime to which they belong, suggesting a low level of tax literacy. Furthermore, significant positive relationships of p < 0.001 and negative relationships of p < 0.003 were obtained between the variables using Pearson's correlation. It is concluded that lack of awareness and economic perceptions influence merchant behavior, affecting tax collection and development

Utilization of Sesai as an Environmentally Friendly Planting Media: Case Study of Buruk Bakul Village, Bukit Batu Subdistrict, Bengkalis Regency, Riau

Indonesia has abundant natural resources, including the Bengkalis coastal area. Bengkalis waters are the largest in Riau Province, with a water area of 677,472.44 km2. One of the coastal areas is Buruk Bakul Village in Bukit Batu District, Bengkalis Regency, which has an area of about 68.05 km2. However, when viewed from the condition of the waters, marine debris poses a threat. Organic waste or sesai inhibits the growth of mangrove saplings and even causes death in mangrove saplings. The location of the research object is the coast of Buruk Bakul Village. The research objectives are to determine the potential of sesai to be used as an organic planting medium and to know the community's social perceptions and economic perceptions towards sesai as a planting medium. The research method used in this research is the survey method. Primary data included the results of NPK analysis on sesai, questionnaires, interviews, and observations in the field. Purposive sampling was carried out using the Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) along the coast of Buruk Bakul Village to measure sesai potential. The analysis results show the abundant potential of sesai, which can increase utilization into environmentally friendly planting media with the availability of a total volume of sesai of 39,029.5 m³ with an average volume per location of 2,295.8 m³. NPK content analysis (0.41%, 19.44 mg/100g, and 21.84 mg/100g) can be used as planting media. Social perception showed community initiative through survey results, which showed that 64% of respondents responded well. Economic perception by utilizing sesai as a planting medium can provide a profit of IDR.3,000 per unit, opening up opportunities for increased income for the people of Buruk Bakul Village

The Effect of Charitable Norms of Income Classes and Perceived Economic Mobility on Prosocial Behavior

ABSTRACTThis study introduces a novel framework for understanding how social norms and economic perceptions interact to shape prosocial behavior. Specifically, it examines how class‐based charitable norms and individuals’ perceived economic mobility jointly influence conformity to prosocial standards. Perceived economic mobility—the belief in one's potential for upward social movement—emerges as a powerful psychological lens through which people interpret and respond to norms. Individuals who see upward mobility as attainable are more likely to adopt the charitable behaviors of higher‐income groups, whereas those who feel economically constrained align with the prosocial norms of middle‐ or lower‐income classes. This effect is mediated by perceptions of prosociality within one's chosen reference group and is moderated by temporal orientation: individuals with a stronger present‐focus are less influenced by future‐oriented mobility considerations. These findings offer new insights into consumer decision‐making, social influence, and identity‐driven behavior. They also carry practical implications for nonprofit marketing and corporate social responsibility. Charities and brands can strategically shape prosocial engagement by aligning messages with audiences’ mobility beliefs—using aspirational appeals for those with high perceived mobility and emphasizing solidarity and community for those with lower mobility perceptions. By highlighting how anticipated economic identity shapes behavior more than current status, this study provides a generalizable and actionable framework for promoting charitable giving and prosocial behavior across socioeconomic contexts.

How economic perceptions shape the image of the EU? The evidence from 10 EU member states during the four consecutive waves of crises

This paper examines whether the changing economic conditions during four consecutive crises (the economic and financial crisis, the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the security crisis) have influenced public perceptions of the EU. It contributes to the literature on public support for the EU, specifically exploring its economic drivers. The central question underpinning the research is whether people’s perceptions regarding national and European economic situation influence their image of the EU. The study draws from the Euobarometer series, analyzing 10 selected EU member states (Germany, France, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Italy and Spain). The sample was designed to capture internal key EU divisions (East vs. West, North vs. South, ‘old’ vs. ‘new’, net contributors vs. net beneficiaries), while also ensuring representation from both the most and least crisis-affected member states. Time-wise the study covers a period of 19 years, from 2005 to 2023. The results of the analysis indicate that economic perceptions shape attachment to the EU. While assessments of the European economy matter across all the studied sample – albeit to varying degrees depending on the region – perceptions of national economies affect the EU’s image primarily in countries most severely impacted by the economic and financial crisis.

Economic Voting and Electoral Behavior in 2024 European Parliament Elections: A Quantitative Approach

This study evaluates the link between economic voting and electoral behavior in the 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections. This study is grounded in both selective perception and economic voting theories, examining how different independent factors could interact with electoral behavior. In this regard, the research aims to achieve several research directions: (i) the evaluation of the statistical differences in voters’ turnout in 2024 EP elections by geographical regions; (ii) the analysis of the interaction between voters’ perceptions of the current or future economic situations and voter turnout; (iii) the analysis of the interaction between objective economic conditions and electoral behavior. Using both multiple linear regression and logistic models, the study highlights that voter turnout and incumbent party reelection are significantly related to voters’ perceptions of the current or future state of the national economy. The results reveal that regional differences in voter turnout are largely explained by significant differences in voters’ economic perceptions, while the decision to vote for the incumbent party is driven by future economic expectations. The empirical findings underscore the pivotal role played by subjective perceptions in shaping electoral behavior, illustrating that political attitudes and behaviors are derived from personal interpretation of the national economic situations. Beyond theoretical perspectives that highlight the link between psychological processes and voting, the paper might have several practical implications for academics or decision makers interested in the field of electoral behavior.

Social Sustainability and Subjective Well-Being: A Study on Italian Inner Areas

Social sustainability relies on the promotion of social processes and structures that ensure the basic needs of individuals and communities are met while also encouraging constructive interactions among them. This paper offers an overview of the characteristics of Italy’s peripheral rural areas and presents findings from a targeted survey conducted across three southern Italian regions. Evaluations collected from a sample of residents were analyzed using the class of CUB models, which are suitable for preference and opinion data. Subjective perceptions of well-being and quality of life, community participation, and the quality of social relationships were examined. Residents’ opinions on the available services in the areas, including economic facilities, digitalization, and transportation, were also considered. Our research indicates that perceptions of well-being in the peripheral areas of Italy are remarkably influenced by individuals’ assessments of their income adequacy. Our findings establish a strong connection between a positive self-assessment of well-being and the belief that income can sufficiently meet needs. Exploring the perceptual dimensions of well-being can offer valuable insights for stakeholders and decision-makers in developing policy efforts and community-led social innovations, which are critical for fighting sentiments of marginalization in rural areas caused by economic perceptions.

The politics of ‘place’: community and individual economic perceptions in anti-system and right populist views in France

ABSTRACT This paper examines the role of sociotropic and egotropic perceptions in driving support for anti-system parties, focusing on the rise of the far-right Front National (FN) in France. Using 20 years of survey data from the Enquête interrégional des phénomènes politiques, I find that both sociotropic perceptions–concerns about regional economic decline–and egotropic concerns–personal economic hardship–significantly shape political de-attachment and support for the FN. I also find that the interaction between these two perceptions strengthens the likelihood of supporting populist parties. Additionally, an original survey experiment investigates how voters in economically lagging regions react to programmatic and anti-system cues. The experiment shows that voters in high-unemployment regions are more likely to support outsider candidates, suggesting that non-programmatic mechanisms are important in explaining populist support, particularly among politically de-attached voters. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate on the relative importance of economic and cultural explanations for populism by highlighting the role of community-level perceptions and the non-programmatic appeal of outsider candidates in shaping voting behavior. This study underscores the need to further explore the role of sociotropic perceptions in driving political behavior in the context of regional economic decline.

How do non-PRC Asian citizens perceive democracy in China and the United States? The role of economic perceptions and ethnic factors

How do non-PRC Asian citizens perceive democracy in China and the United States? The role of economic perceptions and ethnic factors

Navigating Populism in America: Unveiling the Socioeconomic and Ideological Roots of Populist Attitudes

Abstract ObjectivesThis study investigates the socioeconomic and ideological factors that are associated with populist attitudes in the United States. Specifically, it examines the influence of demographic factors such as age and religious affiliation, alongside economic perceptions, while also exploring the ideological alignment of populist attitudes with conservative and progressive issue stances.MethodsThe analysis utilizes original survey data collected from a nationally representative sample of U.S. respondents. Employing a combination of ordinary least squares regression and factor analysis, the study evaluates the interrelationships between key socioeconomic indicators, ideological orientations, and populist sentiments.ResultsThe analysis reveals that populist attitudes are strongly associated with conservative issues such as opposition to immigration, support for gun rights, and abortion restrictions. Among socioeconomic predictors, Christian affiliation emerges as one of the significant socioeconomic predictors of populist attitudes. In contrast, populist attitudes show no substantial association with progressive issues like healthcare expansion, environmental policies, or United States involvement in Ukraine.ConclusionThe findings suggest that populism at the mass level in the United States is predominantly aligned with right‐wing issues, rather than left‐wing ones. This alignment indicates that populist attitudes in the United States reinforce ideological divides, particularly around conservative policy positions.

The forces behind social unrest: Evidence from the Covid-19 pandemic

The unprecedented consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the erosion of social cohesion and intensified social unrest, but evidence for such a link and the underlying channels is still lacking. We use a unique combination of nationally representative survey data, event data on social unrest, and data on Covid-19 fatalities and unemployment at a weekly resolution to investigate the forces behind social cohesion and unrest in the context of the strains on public health and the economy due to the pandemic in the USA. The results show that pandemic-related unemployment and Covid-19 fatalities intensified negative emotional stress and led to a deterioration of economic confidence among individuals. The prevalence of negative emotional stress, particularly in economically strained and politically polarized environments, was, in turn, associated with intensified social unrest as measured by political protests. No such link is found for economic perceptions.

Economic Voting or Class Voting? An Analysis of the Factors Driving Incumbent Vote Choice

This paper examines the relationship between social class, economic perceptions, and their influence on voting behavior, particularly regarding support for incumbents. Leveraging political science research, it investigates how distinct economic experiences and challenges across social classes shape perceptions of the economy and incumbent policies, influencing electoral choices. The paper seeks to answer three critical questions: the impact of economic perceptions on voting for the incumbent, the interaction between social class and economic perceptions on voting behavior, and how social class moderates this relationship. Utilizing logistic regression models, the research highlights how social class and economic perceptions interact to influence voting decisions, contributing to the discourse on class voting's impact. The findings offer new insights into the dynamics of voting behavior, emphasizing the enduring importance of social class in political decision-making, and enriching our understanding of electoral dynamics in incumbent elections.

Analysis of the relationship between Co-Created Value, Consciousness Value, Perceived Economic Value, and Customer Loyalty Layout

This study examines the simultaneous impact of Co-creating Customer Value (CCV), Value Consciousness (VC), and Perceived Economic Value (PEV) on Customer Loyalty (CL) within the Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) framework, highlighting the importance of customer loyalty amidst intense business competition. This study aims to analyze the partial and simultaneous effects of co-created value, value consciousness, and perceived economic value on customer loyalty toward eco-friendly flavored products, while also examining whether environmentally conscious consumers are more responsive to these variables, offering strategic insights for enhancing customer loyalty. This study addresses a theoretical gap in the literature by exploring the individual dimensions of the three elements, which have only been examined separately in prior research. A survey-based quantitative approach was used, with 150 respondents from the retail sector analyzed through multiple linear regression. The results show that the three independent variables have a unidirectional relationship with the dependent variable CL, which is significant regarding zinc. It is concluded that CCV, VC, and PEV significantly affect CL in terms of zinc. Individually, PEV provides the highest number in its influence, followed by VC, while CCV, although small, can adjust in the influence of combination. These findings support the concept of value-in-context, affirming that interaction value, benefit awareness, and economic perception determine customer loyalty. Theoretically, this study enhances the understanding of the multi-dimensional impact of value on customer loyalty, while managerially, it urges companies to emphasize economic benefits, strengthen co-creation, and communicate value effectively.

Economic Analysis of Developing Scientific Registers in African Indigenous Languages: Challenges, Opportunities, and Economic Perceptions in the Context of IsiNdebele and Natural Sciences

This interpretive qualitative case study analyzes the economic implications of developing scientific registers in African indigenous languages—specifically IsiNdebele—for natural science education. Data were collected through interviews and diary notes from stakeholders. The findings reveal that IsiNdebele remains economically underdeveloped due to the lack of scientific terminology, which limits its potential as a tool for human capital development. Stakeholders expressed divergent perceptions regarding the economic value of using a scientific register in IsiNdebele for teaching natural sciences. Some supported its use, seeing potential benefits in enhancing learning outcomes and educational efficiency through mother-tongue instruction. However, despite evidence of pedagogical benefits, many stakeholders still reject the use of a scientific register in IsiNdebele, preferring English instead. This preference is rooted in the perception of English as a global language of power and economic opportunity, considered essential for economic mobility and labor market access. Such perceptions significantly affect the economic viability of indigenous languages and hinder investments in their development. It is recommended that targeted investments be made to develop scientific registers in indigenous languages. This could shift stakeholder perceptions regarding the economic value of African languages as mediums of instruction and learning, thereby improving the economic participation of their speakers.

The Attitudes of Xizang Residents Toward Tourism Development Based on Structural Equation Modeling

With the rapid development of tourism, it has not only injected new vitality into Tibet’s economy but also had a profound impact on the lifestyle, cultural heritage, and social environment of its residents. While the prosperity of tourism brings economic opportunities, it also poses challenges to Tibet’s unique culture and ecological environment. In this research, we focus on Lhasa and Nyingchi as the study areas, analyzing the impact of tourism development on the economy, social culture, and environment from the perspective of the local residents’ perception and the residents’ willingness to participate in tourism. By constructing a structural equation model of local residents in Tibet with a total of 37 items in five dimensions, including economic perception, socio-cultural perception, environmental perception, tourism development attitude, and participation intention, perception characteristics were described based on a total of 677 questionnaires in Nyingchi City and Lhasa City. The economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimension indicators were determined in positive and negative ways, and the characteristics and development trends of tourism in Tibet were discussed in depth. Positive economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and environmental perceptions display a significant positive correlation with tourism participation intention, and negative economic perception has a negative correlation with tourism participation intention. At the same time, we found that economic perception had the most significant impact on the residents in Tibet, and we put forward corresponding suggestions according to the current problems facing current tourism development. This study is of great value for the development of the tourism industry in Tibet.

Public Perception towards the Sale and Buying of Alcoholic Drinks from the Perspective of Shariah Economics (A Study of the Wonasa Kapleng Community)

This research aims to figure out and explore more deeply the public perception of buying and selling liquor from a sharia economic perception (A Study of the Wonasa Kapleng Community) which is based on the fact that liquor or alcoholic drinks have become part of the culture of some Indonesian. Liquor or alcoholic drinks have a negative image for the local community. Abuse of alcoholic beverages is still a concern for society and the government. This type of research method is qualitative research in the form of descriptive or describing research phenomena / facts as they are. The data collection techniques employed were interviews, observation, and documentation. The were 6 informants in this research. The results of the research show that 1) the perception of the people of Wonasa Kapleng the buying, selling, and consumption of liquor: Can cause problems, Consuming excessive liquor has a big influence on the attitudes regarding and actions of perpetrators who disturb the peace of other people. It can increase criminal cases, consuming alcohol can encouragr the person who is concerned to behave deviantly from existing norms is community life, such as crime. Meanwhile, it could damage the nation's generation, consuming alcohol by the younger generation or teenagers can damage their morals and minds. 2) Buying and selling liquor from a Sharia Economics perspective: buying and selling based on sharia economics strictly prohibits buying and selling liquor (khamr).