Ethical Consumption Behavior Research Articles

Do fear-of-COVID-19 and regional identity matter for the linkage between perceived CSR and brand evangelism? A comparative analysis in South Asia

PurposeThere is a dearth of evidence on how and when perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) contributes to brand evangelism in the consumer behavioural literature, especially during a pandemic situation. In an attempt to examine this phenomenon, this study investigates the effect of fear-of-COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) and regional identity on PCSR and brand evangelism effect in the South Asian retail context. It theorises linkages mainly from behavioural inhabitation system theory and social identity theory.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to a representative sample of 2,242 retail consumers representing Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.FindingsThe results revealed a positive impact of PCSR on brand evangelism, but interestingly varying levels of strength of the key relationships based on country-wise fear-of-COVID-19 and regional identity during the pandemic.Practical implicationsFor the first time, the results of this research shed light on incorporating consumers’ regional identity as well as consumer fear as cultural predictors for better explaining the PCSR and brand evangelism link of nations within a region. This has implications for both theory and practice in the domain of consumer behaviour.Originality/valueThe study reflects its originality by revealing the relevance of country level social identity and negative emotions of nations that can manipulate the business results of corporate ethical responsiveness from a consumer culture theory perspective, especially during and just after a crisis. These results underlie what is active inside consumer black box by explaining as to what external stimuli drive consumer collective and moral mind set in a given culture. This adds to the body of knowledge on ethical consumption behaviour more specific to consumer–brand interaction in market crises.

Menyelami Etika Konsumsi: Berbelanja Kebutuhan Harian pada Individu yang Mengadopsi Gaya Hidup Berkelanjutan

The problem of excessive consumption and consumer egoism is pervasive in many markets. This phenomenon not only has a negative impact on the environment, but also causes social problems and the economic integrity of society. The culture of consumerism and technology influences consumption behavior, encouraging excessive purchasing and irrational consumption decisions. This research discusses consumption actions carried out by informants which are based on reducing waste and supporting local products. The method used in this research was interviews with 4 informants in Yogyakarta who live a sustainable lifestyle. The aim of this research is to provide a more specific understanding that consumption is not just an economic act, but is a complex social and cultural phenomenon that can provide a deeper picture of humans and their environment. This research aims to understand how consumers consume goods and services to create a positive impact on the environment and economy. By examining the role of technology in driving consumption, it is possible to identify areas where consumers can improve their needs and satisfaction. The research results showed that ethical consumption behavior was carried out by the informants unconsciously. This article highlights the role of individuals in influencing consumption habits and encouraging change towards more responsible consumption.

Air travellers’ attitudes towards carbon emissions: evidence from the Google Flights interface

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the aviation industry is a formidable challenge. Understanding airline travellers’ willingness to pay for emission reductions could lead to impactful changes in flight pricing and government policies. In this study, we employ a discrete choice experiment to more accurately gauge this willingness to pay. The experiment features a comprehensive analysis of both leisure and business traveller categories, utilising a realistic interface mirroring Google Flights for journeys between Los Angeles and New York. The findings demonstrate that, on average, business flyers exhibit a significantly higher willingness to pay for emission reductions compared to leisure flyers. Notably, a subset of emissions conscious leisure flyers also exhibits a markedly higher willingness to pay. Latent class modelling indicates that this emissions conscious group accounts for about 42% of the leisure flyer sample. The larger group of price focused leisure flyers does not display any significant willingness to pay for emission reduction. Another key finding is that ethical consumption behaviour, not just stronger perceptions related to climate change, is linked to emissions-reducing preferences among both types of flyers. These results provide valuable insights for policy and pricing strategies, emphasising the heterogeneity across and within the business and leisure flyer segments.

ESG 경영에 대한 중국 소비자 인식 조사 및 소비행동에 관한 연구

This study investigated Chinese consumers' awareness of ESG management and empirically analyzed the impact of consumer awareness of ESG management on consumption behavior. An online survey was conducted targeting general adult consumers living in first-tier cities in China. Of the 531 total respondents, 336 consumers who were aware of ESG management were used in the final analysis, and the SPSS 29 and AMOS 26 programs were used for statistical analysis. The results of the study are as follows. First, the level of awareness and perception of ESG management by Chinese consumers was found to be very high. Second, the impact of Chinese consumers' awareness of ESG management on consumption behavior was found to have a statistically significant positive effect. Third, Chinese consumers' awareness of ESG management had a significant moderating effect by gender on the relationship between consumption behavior and ESG management. Male consumers' awareness of ESG management was found to be relatively higher than that of female consumers, and both groups were found to have an impact on consumption behavior. In the case of women, eco-friendly consumption behavior was found to be higher than that of men, and men's ethical consumption behavior was found to be higher. Based on the above research results, the implications for raising Chinese consumers’ awareness of ESG management and companies are as follows. First, it is necessary to establish management strategies that take into account the level of Chinese consumers’ awareness of ESG management. Second, ESG management is closely related to consumers’ living environment and consumption behavior, but research on consumer awareness of this is insufficient, and research on ESG consumption behavior related to ESG management is needed. Third, as shown in the results of this study, Chinese consumers’ awareness of ESG management affects consumption behavior, so consumer-centered ESG management activities are needed. Fourth, it is necessary to secure transparency and reliability through disclosure of evaluation agencies and verification methodologies for ESG management.

Gratitude: A catalyst for encouraging consumer ethics

Firms desire ethical consumers, as unethical consumer behavior can adversely affect a firm’s bottom line. We theorize and empirically examine how trait and state gratitude influence consumer ethics, above and beyond traditional mechanisms (e.g., mindfulness). Using diverse methodologies, samples, and operationalizations of consumer ethics across four studies, this work demonstrates gratitude’s ability to motivate consumer ethics out of concern for others. Study 1 utilizes survey methodology and reveals trait gratitude’s linkage to consumer ethics through concern for others. Next, using an experiment to measure actual ethical choices, Study 2 shows that consumers scoring higher on trait gratitude prefer ethical brands, which is mediated by a concern for others. Then, using scenario-based experiments to examine state gratitude, Studies 3a and 3b demonstrate that firms can encourage ethical consumer behavior by eliciting consumer gratitude and, in turn, a concern for others. Collectively, empirical evidence suggests gratitude’s powerful influence on consumer ethics.

Eco-friendly products and gender: an exploration of environmental perspectives

Countries must balance growth in economy with ecological preservation in order to successfully address the degradation of the environment. This frequently entails putting in place laws and procedures that support eco-friendly technologies, conserve natural resources, and promote ethical consumer behavior. There do not exist universal remedies because different countries and areas face different issues and have different opportunities. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate gender differences in perceptions of the environment and eco-friendly products. Moreover, this research evaluate the connection between environmental consciousness and eco-friendly products. According to the t test results, there are no noticeable gender disparities in people's perspectives toward the environment and eco-friendly products. The underlying variables of environmental perspectives have been separated into primary factors by the rotational factor matrix. According to the outcomes of the multiple regression assessment, customer perceptions of the function of the authorities and their individual requirements for environmental behavior had a substantial impact on how they felt about eco-friendly products. Further research found that the most significant factor influencing people's perceptions toward eco-friendly products was personal norm. On the other hand, the public's perceptions toward eco-friendly products were not significantly influenced by the preservation of the environment.

A review of air pollution and ethical consumption behavior due to fragrances

This paper presents a comprehensive review of literature focusing on the detrimental effects of fragrances on air quality. While previous studies traditionally attributed air pollution to sources like automobile emissions or industrial discharge, this study delves into the impact of consumer products, particularly fragrances, on both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Through a systematic review of existing research utilizing databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus, the study synthesizes findings regarding the composition of fragrances, regulatory practices related to ingredient labeling, and public awareness regarding the link between air pollution and fragrances. The findings indicate that the ingredients used in perfumes can contribute to air pollution and respiratory ailments, underscoring the need for stringent regulations. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive labeling requirements for perfume products worldwide, which may contribute to limited consumer awareness regarding the association between air quality and fragrances. Given the intimate relationship between air pollution and human well-being, this study underscores the importance of exercising caution in the use of household consumer products such as perfumes and air fresheners to mitigate their impact on air quality.

Exploring ethical consumer behavior: a comprehensive study using the ethically minded consumer behavior-scale (EMCB) among adult consumers

Exploring ethical consumer behavior: a comprehensive study using the ethically minded consumer behavior-scale (EMCB) among adult consumers

Moral disengagement and neutralization techniques as explanations of unethical behavior

AbstractEthical consumption is important for both consumers and social welfare. However, many consumers avoid or ignore ethical consumption practices. An explanation of the psychological processes that impede ethical behavior is important research. A survey of 436 American consumers reveals that various types of moral disengagement (behavior and victim loci) and neutralization techniques sequentially explain unethical consumer behavior. From a theoretical perspective, both these constructs are relevant in this context, yet prior research utilizes these constructs separately or conflates them. Moreover, findings show that a particular type of moral disengagement, the agency locus, paradoxically promotes ethical consumer behavior. This research also examines locus of control (chance) and trait cynicism as antecedents of unethical consumer behavior. Locus of control (chance), not trait cynicism, leads to less ethical consumer behavior through moral disengagement and neutralization techniques. Insights benefit consumers, marketers, and policymakers in promoting ethical consumption that enhances consumer well‐being.

Ethical Consumerism in Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges

Despite the economic, social, and environmental importance of emerging countries, most existing research into ethical consumerism has focused on developed market contexts. We introduce this Special Issue (SI) and provide a comprehensive thematic literature review considering three broad categories or aspects of ethical consumerism research, (1) contexts of ethical consumption, (2) forms of ethical consumerism, and (3) approaches to explaining ethical consumer behavior. We summarize the articles of this SI as part of the thematic literature review to provide an understanding of how these articles and this SI’s overall contribute to ethical consumerism research. Each article in this SI offers new insights into a specific field of ethical consumerism while focusing on emerging market contexts. Overall, this SI expands knowledge related to the dynamics and challenges of ethical consumerism and offers future research directions in this area.

Ethical consumption and food recovery hierarchy behaviors: a clustering analysis in Japan

AbstractConsumption and waste disposal decisions can have a profound impact on the environment. The present research is focused on understanding the adoption profiles of pro-environmental behaviors (PEB) within the Japanese population. The scope of the evaluated PEB covered the purchase, usage, and disposal of food products. Ethical consumption behaviors (the purchase of little packaging, organic, eco-friendly and/or refillable goods), food waste prevention actions (leftovers avoidance, meal planning, and food waste reduction/avoidance), and alternative disposal measures (feeding animals, composting, giving food to neighbors) were analyzed. The profiles were found via a two-step clustering technique using self-reported data from a survey done in nine Japanese prefectures. The first step of the clustering algorithm comprised a hierarchical technique, and the second was a K-means with an Euclidean distance. Four significantly distinct clusters were found, namely: sporadic adopters, average practitioners, responsible consumers, and environmentally involved. Approximately 51% of the sample was allocated to the responsible consumers cluster, which was characterized by having more women in part-time jobs or in-house duties and older respondents than the other groups. Environmentally involved tended to be young respondents with children and gardening/farming interest. They were also the ones who ate plant-based meals more frequently and had healthier eating habits.

Pedagogical Values and the Lawful Rules of Islamic Behavior in Consumption

This research delves into the intricate relationship between Islamic pedagogical values and Muslim consumer behavior, drawing upon the timeless wisdom of the Quran and Sunnah. It establishes a valuable theoretical framework, supported by a generalized logistic model, to illuminate how Islamic principles influence spending decisions within permissible boundaries. The research meticulously outlines the lawful rules governing consumption in Islam, categorized by permissible and prohibited actions to guide Muslims in their choices. Key findings reveal the holistic nature of Islam, highlighting its comprehensive influence on all aspects of life, including consumption. Islamic pedagogical values emerge as a powerful force in shaping behavior, weaving a tapestry of rules encompassing obligations like adhering to Halal principles, and prohibits extravagance, wastefulness, and stinginess. Moderation emerges as a cornerstone, steering consumers away from both extremes and illustrating how the Islamic framework accommodates increased income without necessarily leading to a proportional increase in consumption. The research challenges mainstream economic assumptions, presenting Islam’s perspective on spending and shedding light on the religious dimensions that shape consumer behavior within an Islamic framework. Beyond economic principles, the research highlights the exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad, offering practical examples of simplicity, moderation, and ethical consumer behavior, even in challenging circumstances. It advocates for integrating these values into decision-making processes, particularly in consumption matters, encouraging individuals to align their financial choices with Islamic jurisprudence and contribute to the overall well-being of the Muslim community. In conclusion, this research significantly enhances our understanding of Muslim consumer behavior, emphasizing the role of pedagogical values and lawful rules. The findings hold valuable implications for stakeholders like marketers, policymakers, and businesses seeking to engage with Muslim consumers, offering insights into product categorization and tailored engagement strategies. The research also introduces practical tools for further analysis and exploration, while acknowledging limitations and encouraging future research to refine our understanding across diverse cultural and religious landscapes.

Understanding how ethical claims in advertising affect subjective ambivalence toward buying ethical products

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of subjective ambivalence on ethical consumption behaviors and the role of ethical claims in reducing feelings of ambivalence toward buying ethical products.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted two studies. In study 1, the authors carried out an online survey with a sample of 230 French consumers. The authors applied structural equation modeling with Amos to test the relationships among skepticism, ambivalence and ethical consumption behaviors. Study 2 is an experimental design in which the authors manipulated ethical claims (low – few ethical arguments vs. high – many ethical arguments) in advertising (176 French panelists). The authors tested the relationships among consumer ethical sensitivity, perceived brand ethicality, skepticism, ambivalence and intention to purchase an ethical product, depending on ethical claims in advertising.FindingsStudy 1 shows that skepticism toward advertising of ethical products amplifies feelings of ambivalence and that ambivalence reduces consumers’ willingness to adopt ethical consumption behaviors. Study 2 shows that strong claims in advertising of ethical products reduce skepticism toward advertising of ethical products and feelings of ambivalence toward buying an ethical product through perceived brand ethicality, with consumers’ ethical sensitivity positively moderating these relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe two studies explore only one form of ambivalence (i.e. subjective), and the experimental study focuses on a single category of products.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the difficulties in promoting ethical products. Consumers need to know if a product is “really” ethical, as they may feel ambivalent toward that product. This paper shows that strong ethical claims in advertising ethical products significantly help to overcome this barrier.Originality/valueBased on attribution theory and persuasion models, this research reveals how ethical claims in advertising affect feelings of ambivalence, which negatively influence consumers’ willingness to adopt ethical consumption. In addition, it follows a holistic approach to ethical consumption behaviors to explore consumers’ ambivalence.

The Problematics of Being an Ethical Consumer in the Marketplace: Unpacking the Concept of Ethical Consumer Literacy

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals highlight the need to deal with the unprecedented environmental crisis, protect human rights, and promote equality. Therefore, it is timely and important to open a discussion about consumer literacy in relation to the social and environmental aspects of consumption, especially since previous research has emphasized the difficulties involved in being an ethical consumer. This article unpacks the concept of ethical consumer literacy, distinguishes between different levels of ethical consumer literacy, and explains the potential implications for educators and policy makers. Ethical consumer literacy refers to a consumer's ability to consume in a way that will not have a negative social, animal, or environmental impact. The data set includes the consumer diaries of 53 ethically oriented consumers, which were analyzed qualitatively. Four main dimensions linked to the notion of ethical consumer literacy emerged: (1) defining ethical consumer behavior, (2) searching for information, (3) managing information in the ethical consumer context, and (4) engaging in ethical consumer leadership. The authors identify two levels of ethical consumer literacy depending on participants’ skills in these areas: basic and advanced. Instead of placing the responsibility on individual consumers, governments should increase ethical consumer literacy.

Does SDGs Advertising Promote Ethical Consumer Behavior?: An Integrative Model of Ethical Consumption with Elements of Communication Strategy and Rational Purchase

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advertising is still not widespread due to uncertainty about its profitability for business, though awareness of the SDGs has been remarkably raised among corporations and consumers recently. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of general SDGs advertising on consumers’ ethical consumption intentions. This study proposes an integrative ethical consumption model in which new determinants related to rational consumption and SDGs advertising are included. The proposed ethical consumption model was validated by analyzing responses from 350 consumers in Japan using structural equation modeling (SEM), and the results demonstrate that ethical consumption intentions are constructed by attitudes toward ethical consumption, together with subjective norms and feasibility assessments. Moreover, this study found that, as a consumer views SDGs advertisements more frequently, they show greater ethical interest, which further increases their ethical consumption intentions. However, no significant evidence reveals that it can also improve the level of knowledge of the SDGs. The findings of this study contribute to the theoretical understanding of ethical consumption from the corporation aspect, providing quantitative evidence for corporations to better allocate resources toward profitable SDGs advertising that aligns with customer behavior.

ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF RETAIL ADVERTISING: A SYSTEMATIC MAPPING STUDY

Retail advertising is a vital part of the marketing efforts of retailers to attract and retain customers. However, there is a lack of comprehensive synthesis of the key themes and research gaps in the field. To address this gap, this paper uses a systematic mapping approach to provide an overview of the current state of retail advertising. The study synthesizes findings from various types of literature, including comprehensive reviews, meta-analyses, and future research agendas, to identify the major themes and trends in retail advertising. The systematic mapping approach involves a rigorous and structured process of searching, screening, and synthesizing relevant literature. This approach ensures that the study includes all relevant literature and provides a comprehensive overview of the field. The study identifies the effectiveness of various advertising strategies, such as price promotions, sales, and emotional appeals, and the impact of technological advancements on advertising channels and formats. Despite the abundance of research on retail advertising, several research gaps remain, including the role of emotions in advertising, cross-channel advertising integration, and the impact of advertising on ethical consumer behavior. The study concludes by identifying potential areas for future research in retail advertising, such as the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the impact of social media on retail advertising, and personalization in advertising. The findings of the study can guide future research and provide insights for retailers and advertisers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their advertising efforts.

Towards Ethical Consumption Activities among Tourism Firms: Nexus of Environmental Knowledge, CSR Participation and Psychological Social Support

Employees’ psychosocial competency and CSR participation help them to achieve pro-environmental knowledge for enhancing ethical consumption behaviors. The aim of this study is to assess the level of social responsibility of tourism firms and also examine the impact of environmental knowledge on ethical consumption. The study further investigates the indirect influence through the mediating role of CSR participation and moderating role of psychological social support (PSS) between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption links in tourism firms. This research used quantitative methods and questionnaires for data collection. Data were composed of 387 employees and owners working within tourism firms and hotels. Results demonstrate that environmental knowledge is positively associated with ethical consumption. Findings show that CSR participation mediates the relation between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption. Furthermore, outcomes reveal that psychological social support acts as a moderator between environmental knowledge and ethical consumption. The know-how of employees is dependent on their environmental knowledge and CSR participation. By addressing the mediating mechanism of CSR participation and the interplay of psychological social support, our study adds several insights to the prior literature streams about ethical consumption. As a result of CSR programs, residents become more familiar with ecological protection and more concerned about ethical consumption patterns and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. Therefore, we recommended that firms should launch CSR programs to increase pro-environmental awareness of consumers and encourage their ethical consumption actions.

Interactive effects of consumers’ ethical beliefs and authenticity on ethical consumption and pro-environmental behaviors

The current study examined the relationships of ethical beliefs (i.e., idealism and relativism) with pro-environmental behaviors (direct and indirect) and ethical consumption behavior. The study further examined the moderating role of consumer authenticity in these relationships. Data were collected from individuals (N = 302) using field surveys within three major metropolitan cities of Pakistan. The findings revealed that idealism had a positive relationship with ethical consumption behavior and pro-environmental direct behavior. However, it was not related to pro-environmental indirect behavior. Relativism was positively related to ethical consumption behavior but it was not related to both types of pro-environmental behaviors. Furthermore, consumer authenticity significantly moderated the relationships of idealism with all ethical outcomes. Finally, implications for organizations, marketers and policy makers are discussed.

Validating Antecedent Factors Affecting Ethical Purchase Behavior: Comparing the Effect of Customer Citizenship versus Corporate Citizenship

The objective of this study was to verify the influence of corporate image and subjective norms on consumers’ purchase intention of a firm’s products. Another important objective was to determine what kind of citizenship—corporate citizenship or customer citizenship—has a greater impact on the relationships between corporate image and purchase intention, and between subjective norms and purchase intention. The findings suggest that both ethical corporate image and subjective norms have positive effects on ethical purchase intention, and that both corporate and customer citizenship significantly moderate this causal relationship. Specifically, we found that corporate citizenship exerted greater impact as a moderator than customer citizenship on ethical purchase behavior. This finding has important theoretical/practical implications as it highlights the weighted attention to be paid to individual versus corporate focus in the study of ethical consumption behavior. In particular, the finding sheds light on the importance of subjective norms as a social peer pressure mechanism since ethical consumption is embedded with socially responsible consumption behavior.

The Impact of Vertical/Horizontal Individualism and Collectivism on Ethical Consumption

This study aimed to investigate how cultural values affect ethical consumption behavior. For this purpose, cultural values were divided into the following four groups: vertical individualism, vertical collectivism, horizontal individualism, and horizontal collectivism. Ethical consumption was analyzed across two dimensions: eco-friendly and socioeconomic-oriented consumption. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted using the results of an online survey. Survey links were texted and e-mailed to 938 subjects who responded after being contacted in advance to join consumer panels registered with a marketing research company. Structural equation modeling with EQS 6 was used to test the hypotheses in this study. Vertical individualism was found to have no significant effect on socioeconomic-oriented consumption. Horizontal individualism, horizontal collectivism, and vertical collectivism, however, positively impacted eco-friendly and socioeconomic-oriented consumption. In addition, an exploratory factor analysis of ethical consumption was conducted to construct the variables. This study provides valuable guidelines for further research into ethical consumption behaviors, that is, eco-friendly ethical consumption behaviors and socioeconomic-oriented ethical consumption behaviors. Based on these components, subsequent studies could provide valuable information regarding consumers’ ethical value structures and the identification of causal relationships with prior factors or happiness outcomes. The study implications are discussed in the conclusion.