Perceptions Of Sustainability Research Articles

World natural heritage conservation integrates the sustainable development goals from the public perspective in Guilin, China

World Natural Heritage sites are globally significant natural and cultural landscapes, serve as crucial benchmarks of human efforts in conservation and contribute to broader sustainable development agendas. This study aims to investigate the multifaceted relationship between World Natural Heritage conservation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding public perception. We focus on the Guilin Karst region and explore the viewpoints of 520 local residents living around the Guilin World Natural Heritage site. The findings demonstrate that most residents deeply understand and care about preserving heritage, express their satisfaction with it, and are willing to increase taxes to support heritage conservation. Additionally, they perceive the multifaceted influence of natural heritage site conservation on the SDGs. Living closer to the Guilin Karst region has a stronger impact on long-term residents’ conservation and sustainability perception. Incorporating the viewpoints of the local community into World Natural Heritage conservation and sustainable development, the study fosters a more inclusive and participatory approach towards managing and safeguarding our shared natural heritage.

Quantitative assessment of urban sustainability perceptions in Lurin, Peru

In the current context, urban centres in Latin America are facing fundamental challenges in their endeavour for Sustainable Development. The focus of this study is the meticulous assessment of the perception of urban sustainability within the Lurín District of Peru. It introduces a system based on urban sustainability indicators, derived from social surveys and implements this system through linear regression models to discern their interrelations. The objective of the research is to quantify and evaluate essential elements linked to the management of natural resources, air and water quality, the advancement of sustainable mobility, education and the well-being of urban residents. By delineating these mathematical and statistical correlations amongst variables pertinent to urban sustainability, this study provides a robust framework for quantitative decision-making in the urban sphere. A methodology for the development of univariable and multivariable models has been demonstrated. Amongst the most important findings, it has been discovered that the variable Environmental Education System (SEA) is perceived as the least important and even negligible within the multivariable models. However, we believe this effect occurs because the impacts of education are perceived in the long term. This article contributes significantly to the academic discourse by providing a more nuanced understanding of the social perception of urban sustainability and its influence on policy formulation and decision-making processes in Latin America.

Gender Stereotypes and Bias in Imagery Depiction of Textbooks prescribed by West Bengal Board of Primary Education, India

India is a diverse country. Ethnic, Linguistic, Racial, Gender, and Socio-Religious, etc. diversity is observed in India. Educational institutions play a vital role in socializing children and creating gender-friendly attitudes. Textbooks serve as a vehicle for social change. From childhood in school through textbooks and classroom experiences students embrace gender socialization, societal norms, and beliefs, gender roles, inequality, and bias. So, it is very important to make textbooks gender-neutral, to do this, textbook analysis is required. This study investigates the images used in textbooks of primary education in West Bengal, India, to examine gender stereotypes and bias. The study adopted qualitative and documentary research approaches through content analysis. The findings demonstrate that gender patriarchy and bias are reflected through visual imagery in textbooks. Images often lack representation of women and tend to portray them engaging in indoor tasks such as domestic and household work, or menial labor. Meanwhile, men are predominantly shown in outdoor, professional, and leadership roles, reinforcing gender disparities in identity and societal roles. There is a limited attempt to showcase gender neutrality, and there's minimal encouragement for gender reflection, hindering the development of sustainable perceptions of gender roles in Indian society. The findings of the study provide a foundation for policy changes at the state or national level to ensure the development and implementation of guidelines that promote gender-neutral content in educational materials and are useful for textbook development agencies, textbook writers, and teachers in developing a gender-sensitive curriculum, and textbooks.

How consumers value sustainable packaging: an experimental test combining packaging material, claim and price

PurposeThis study investigates the combined impact of two packaging cues (i.e. packaging material, recycled content claim) and a price premium on young consumers’ product perceptions and choices.Design/methodology/approachExperimental data were collected online via a questionnaire and a hypothetical choice task completed by 221 young consumers (i.e. 19–25 years). We manipulated two packaging cues for a liquid food product: the packaging material (glass vs plastic) and the presence (vs absence) of a recycled content claim (i.e. 100% recycled). We also manipulated whether a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.FindingsThe packaging material and the claim both had a significant influence on young consumers’ sustainability perceptions, and these perceptions extended to perceptions of various product attributes (e.g. healthiness, quality). When all products cost the same, participants were more likely to choose a glass bottle (i.e. 81%) than a plastic bottle, and a bottle with the recycled content claim (i.e. 79%) than a bottle without this claim. However, these preferences dropped significantly when a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.Originality/valueWhile most studies have relied on surveys and qualitative methods to investigate consumers’ reactions to sustainable packaging, our research uses an experimental method to assess how packaging impacts young consumers’ perceptions and choices. Additionally, by manipulating the presence of a price premium, this study uniquely investigates the impact of such a premium on young consumers' willingness to choose sustainable packaging.

Carbon emission reductions and offsets: Consumer perceptions of firm environmental sustainability

This paper studies how carbon emission reductions and offsets influence consumer perceptions of firm environmental sustainability. We hypothesize that consumers perceive firms that reduce (vs. offset) internally (vs. in the supply chain) as more sustainable, since these options are perceived to take more effort, used as a heuristic for altruism and sustainability. We also hypothesize that knowledge about climate change and offsets reduce the reliance on effort. The results from three experiments show that firms that reduce are perceived as more sustainable than firms that offset emissions, and that this effect is mediated through perceived effort and altruism. Reducing or offsetting internally (vs. in the supply chain) does not influence perceived sustainability, and knowledge about climate change or offsets does not reduce the effect of reduction (vs offsets). Employee participation in the offsetting does not increase perceived effort and sustainability.

Profit and Sustainability Perceptions Related to the Implementation of Blue Accounting in the Fishing Industry in Palabuhanratu

Blue Accounting integrates accounting principles with marine and coastal resource management to support sustainable development goals, focusing on the sea as its ecosystem. This study aims to understand perceptions of profit and sustainability related to the implementation of Blue Accounting in the fishing industry in Palabuhanratu. Additionally, it seeks to shift the common perception that accounting is solely about numbers. The qualitative approach used in this research is the social constructivism framework, often described as interpretivism. The results indicate that fishermen and boat owners have differing views on profit and sustainability concerning Blue Accounting implementation in Palabuhanratu’s fishing industry. The study addresses the problem statement by exploring these perceptions. Profit and sustainability are inseparable points in the implementation of Blue Accounting, generating various arguments and assumptions from different stakeholders who observe the level of awareness among port users in Palabuhanratu. This research highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into profit considerations within the fishing industry.

Is all that glitters gold? Exploring sustainability and business ethics education in ethics-friendly environments

Purpose This study aims to identify students’ perceptions of the importance and objectives of sustainability and business ethics education, considering contextual factors (ethics-friendly environments) and including the social desirability (SD) bias to strengthen data robustness and assess response truthfulness. Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered to 170 business students at an Icelandic university to measure their attitudes and perceptions toward sustainability and business ethics courses. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney tests, χ2 tests and multivariate regression were used for the analysis. Findings The results show no significant differences among participants, depending on individual and organizational factors. The authors did not find significant differences in gender, age or exposure to sustainability and business ethics courses concerning social desirability bias. Contextual solid factors can explain these results. Originality/value This study expands on previous research by examining students’ perceptions of sustainability and business ethics education in an “ethics-friendly environment” like Iceland, a new and fertile territory for business ethics education research. These elements are crucial for further research on students’ attitudes toward sustainability and business ethics and the role of this subject in university curricula.

Resident Communities and Perception of Tourism Sustainability in Sun And Beach Destinations: An Empirical Analysis in The Province of Manabí (Ecuador)

Objective: To know the perception of the resident population on the multidimensional variables of sustainable tourism in sun and beach destinations in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. Theoretical reference: Within this process, methodologies developed by researchers who have worked in nature tourism, conservation and sustainable development were used. The contributions used as theoretical reference are related to the Organization for World Economic Cooperation and Development and its Pressure-State-Response model (OECD 1993); the methodology designed by Torres and Guzmán (2020) through the ISSOT tool to study the variables associated with the multidimensional nature of sustainable tourism or those developed by Casas et al. (2017) and Salvatore, Chiodo and Fantinni (2018). Method: This study was developed through mixed research with an exploratory descriptive approach. For this research, the use of the deductive method was considered for the processing and analysis of data and information collected. From the processed data, a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data was implemented to achieve a greater understanding of the perception that residents have regarding the impacts generated by tourism in these destinations. Results and conclusion: The results analyzed in this work aim to make contributions to the orientation, design and implementation of public policies in Ecuadorian sun and beach destinations based on a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable tourism development. This requires considering that the benefits and costs perceived by residents play a fundamental role in the local tourism development process, as they will have a greater willingness to accept this development to the extent that the former surpass the latter. Implications of the research: The results of this research have served to validate the criteria, guidelines and variables related to the planning, management and sustainable development of tourism in the territory, all with a strategic and sustainable long-term approach that allows generating positive benefits for local rural populations without degrading ecosystems and through the conservation of natural heritage. Originality/value: This work is an authentic and original work that has been developed for several years through the Academy and scientific research in different territories of continental and insular Ecuador, which seeks to establish real data that allows generating valuable information for more effective and efficient decision making from the point of sustainability and local development.

Sustainability and climate change: gender perspective in the traditional fishing sector in Ecuador

In the traditional fishing sector of Ecuador, integrating a gender perspective enhances sustainability and addresses climate change by recognizing the vital roles and knowledge of women in fisheries management. The objective of this study was to validate the content, comprehension, and construction of the designed questionnaire. Additionally, it is intended to identify perceptions of sustainability and climate change amongst women and men in fisheries, and compare their views on the dimensions of sustainability and climate change. The research implemented a questionnaire with a metrically satisfactory scale, providing information on how men and women perceive sustainability and climate change in the artisanal fishing sector. The data were collected by designing an ad hoc questionnaire denominated “Gender perception as regards sustainability and climate change” following a process in which the validity of the content (experts > 0.5823; Content Validity Ratio (CVR) > 6.1; Content Validity Index (CVI) > 0.852), decompression (pilot study, N = 30) and construct (KMO = 0.71) were analyzed. The results of the internal consistency reliability analysis indicated that the Likert scale had a high index of reliability, as evidenced by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.70. This analysis provided evidence of the structure and validity of the scale, resulting in a reliable, integral, and short tool with which to measure perceptions of sustainability and climate change. The questionnaire was administered to 1464 people employed in the traditional fishing industry (17.14% women) in 40 fishing community ports near the coastal profile of Ecuador (Esmeraldas and Manabí). Most of those surveyed stated that the current traditional fishing quotas are not very sustainable in the long term (47.10%, n = 690) and that climate change may significantly negatively impact catch rates (50.30%, n = 736). Finally, the Wilcoxon test of tests confirmed that women had significantly more positive attitudes than men towards sustainability (3.03 ± 0.69) and climate change (3.35 ± 0.64).

The Role of Advertising in Shaping Consumer Perceptions of Sustainable Brands

This research investigates the pivotal role of advertising in shaping consumer perceptions of sustainable brands, delving into the intricate mechanisms by which advertising strategies influence consumer attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability. Through an extensive review of literature, empirical findings, and prospective research directions, this study illuminates the nuanced landscape of sustainability advertising and its profound implications for marketers and consumers. The research underscores the burgeoning significance of sustainable branding within contemporary marketing paradigms, propelled by the escalating consumer interest in sustainability and ethical consumption. Empirical investigations affirm a robust positive correlation between advertising exposure to sustainable brands and consumer perceptions, underscoring the substantial impact of advertising on molding attitudes and driving purchase behavior. The researcher explores the influence of advertising on consumer perceptions of sustainable brands, through a comprehensive review of literature, qualitative and empirical analysis, investigates the mechanisms by which advertising strategies impact consumer attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable brands, explore theories and concepts that provide insights into the mechanisms by which advertising strategies impact consumer attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable brands. Additionally, present the findings of empirical analysis, which further elucidates these relationships and sheds light on the significant role of advertising in shaping perceptions of sustainability and provide insights for marketers aiming to promote sustainable products and initiatives.

Understanding the Hidden Costs and Benefits of Living With Grizzly Bears in Montana

Wildlife sometimes impose unmitigated costs and provide unevenly distributed benefits that exacerbate conflict among people or between wildlife and groups of people. Although previous research has primarily focused on the visible effects of wildlife, reducing conflict will require a broader understanding of wildlife effects on human well-being. Using a “noticing, collecting, thinking” analysis of 25 interviews with people living near grizzly bears in Montana, USA, we provide a nuanced profile of their perceived costs and benefits, including hidden and nonmaterial effects. Interviewees described the interconnected nature of grizzly bear effects on people, where visible effects on livelihoods, health, social relations, personal security, and freedom led to negative hidden effects such as threats to cultural identity and diminished perceptions of livelihood sustainability. Positive effects included enhanced mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being, such as enhanced feelings of connection to wild places. We discuss how this broader understanding of wildlife costs and benefits helps provide a more thorough understanding of the effects of living with grizzly bears.

THE SHREDDED FARMAER

Abstract : The Shredded Farmer represents a novel archetype within the agricultural community, blending traditional farming practices with modern fitness culture. This paper explores the emergence of the Shredded Farmer phenomenon, examining the motivations, challenges, and implications for sustainable agriculture and rural communities. Rooted in generations of agricultural tradition, the Shredded Farmer embodies a deep connection to the land and a commitment to physical fitness. By integrating rigorous labor with exercise routines, they transform the farm into a personal gym, sculpting their bodies while tending to the land. Furthermore, the Shredded Farmer champions sustainable farming practices, demonstrating the interconnectedness between human health and environmental stewardship. Through qualitative interviews, quantitative analysis, and literature review, this research aims to understand how the Shredded Farmer is reshaping perceptions of agriculture, fitness, and sustainability in the 21st century. Index Terms – HTML, CSS, JavaScript. Bootstrap, MySQL, PHP.

Are consumers still barking up the wrong (palm) tree? Insights into perceptions towards palm oil-related labels and claims

Labels and claims representing inherent health- or environment-related attributes contribute to shaping consumer product preferences and perceptions. Palm oil-related labels and claims foster assumptions about individual, social and planetary health. Although consumers in palm oil-importing countries view this commodity with scepticism, a consumer-endorsed trend towards its elimination may cause unintended shifts in environmental impacts. Instead of eliminating palm oil from industries, scientists often acknowledge the benefits of sustainably produced palm oil as a better alternative. A research gap exists to better explain consumer acceptance or rejection of products containing palm oil. To understand how palm oil-related labels and claims influence the perceived sustainability and healthiness of products, an online study was conducted with German consumers (n = 411). Predictors influencing sustainability perceptions were integrated into a Structural Equation Model to explore how these leverage positive or negative perspectives towards the absence of palm oil or the presence of certified sustainable palm oil. This study reveals that products containing no palm oil are perceived to be healthier and more sustainable. We find that sentiments towards palm oil do not necessarily follow traditional trajectories, but are underpinned by disjoint relationships and previously established judgments. Label heuristics are more influential in shaping these perceptions, making them prone to misinterpretation. A proliferation of ‘free from’ claims haloed with sustainability assumptions compromises the progress achieved within the certified sector. This calls for more sensitivity towards products containing certified palm oil, so that assumptions align with reality and consumer perceptions are not barking up the wrong tree.

International retailers as a main force for sustainability

PurposeThis study investigates how global retailers develop sustainability through network interactions that influence institutionalized sustainability perceptions. The findings enable retailers to drive sustainability systematically and understand the critical internal and external issues.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates how retailers can work to increase support for sustainability through the normative, cognitive, and regulative institutional pillars. The network perspective suggests the need to offer relevant resources, involve influential actors and perform supporting activities to mobilise stakeholders. Empirically, qualitative case studies of IKEA and Hennes & Mauritz were conducted.FindingsBased on the network and institutional perspectives, the study identified nine fields that retailers can use to develop sustainability internally and in their networks. The study shows that they can mobilise actors, resources, and activities to change institutionalised values and practices.Originality/valueThe developed model provides guidelines on how to systematically work with sustainability. The broad view developed is particularly relevant considering that most of the existing research on global firms and sustainability focuses on a narrow research problem without relating it to sustainability as a complex and overarching phenomenon.

Signaling sustainability: Do Canadian consumers prefer broad or narrow food sustainability labels?

AbstractSustainability labeling has been increasingly integrated into many food product labels in response to consumer interest in purchasing sustainably produced food. While a product label may contain the phrase “sustainably produced”, little additional information is available to consumers regarding how sustainability has been enhanced, or the dimensions of sustainability encompassed by the label. Using data from a survey of 1416 Canadian consumers, we examine consumer perceptions of sustainability and preferences for broad versus narrow sustainability claims across several contexts, including the dimensions of sustainability and the scope of a sustainability standard with respect to compliance criteria, product coverage, and geographical coverage. We find low levels of consumer knowledge and understanding of sustainability labeling, heterogeneity with respect to which dimension of sustainability appeals to different types of consumers, and a general preference for broad over narrowly defined sustainability labels, particularly with respect to the scope of criteria encompassed by the label. Our findings suggest some confusion as to what constitutes sustainability in the context of agri‐food, but that broader, more encompassing labels are likely to gain more traction with consumers.

Residents' perceived social sustainability of food tourism events

Amid the need for inclusive growth and well-being in sustainable tourism, residents' social sustainability needs must be understood. Based on self-perception and social exchange theories, this study examines residents' perceptions of the social sustainability of food festival events. Focusing on an East-West culinary fusion festival in Macau, the Macau Food Festival, 460 residents are surveyed to ascertain their perceptions of the social sustainability attributes, social sustainability impacts, and quality of life outcomes. Results of six direct and two moderation relationships revealed residents' perceptions of social sustainability attributes of the food festival event are a major predictor of the perceived impacts on the community and resident quality of life. A higher perceived quality of life was found to positively impact place attachment, support for tourism, and prosocial behaviors. The degree to which social sustainability attributes of the food festival impact residents' quality of life, though different, is positive for attendees and non-attendees implying that positive perceptions could be inferred through both introspection and extrospection. It, further, suggests the need for destination management organizations to understand residents' social sustainability needs of the food tourism events to introduce attributes that augment residents' quality of life and positive responses to tourism development.

The Role of Sustainability Perception in Consumer Behavior: A Study of Packaging, Ingredients, and Brand Awareness in the Soft Drinks Industry

This research seeks to understand how ingredients, packaging, brand awareness, and sustainability perception interact and influence consumer behavior in the soft drinks industry, specifically Coca-Cola. The online survey to 100 respondents was conducted via Google Form and the collective data was analyzed by the SPSS software. While the research examined the impact of ingredients and packaging on consumer decisions (H1 and H2), no direct effect was found. However, the research revealed a strong positive correlation between sustainability perception and consumer behavior (H3, R² = 0.391, beta = 0.423). Interestingly, a positive relationship emerged between packaging and ingredient impact on one hand, and sustainability perception on the other (H4, beta = 0.778). Additionally, sustainability perception was found to positively influence brand awareness (H5, beta = 0.548). These findings suggest that consumers prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions in the soft drinks industry, and that a brand's commitment to sustainable practices can indirectly influence consumer behavior through positive sustainability perception

Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability and Luxury: Influences on Organic Food Buying Behavior among Millennials and Generation Z in Greece

<p>The generational cohorts known as Millennials and Generation Z exhibit distinct behaviors and attitudes, differing significantly from older generations in various aspects including environmental perceptions and purchasing behaviors. Notably, organic foods are sometimes associated with luxury, as highlighted in existing literature. This study aims to explore how Greek Millennial and Gen Z consumers perceive the concept of luxury in relation to organic food products and how their views on environmental sustainability influence both their perceptions and purchasing behaviors. A structured questionnaire served as the research tool, utilizing the New Environmental Paradigm scale to assess respondents’ views on environmental sustainability. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including tests for mean values, correlation coefficients, and regression models. The findings indicate that consumers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability positively impact their willingness to purchase organic foods. Additionally, there are noticeable differences between Millennial and Gen Z consumers in their perceptions of organic foods, and purchasing luxury foods positively correlates with the propensity to buy organic products. The findings of this research can be used by manufacturers and retailers in food sector.</p>

Does sustainable recruitment enhance motivation? A cross‐country analysis on the role of person‐organization fit

AbstractThis paper analyses the extent to which implementing sustainable recruitment practices (SRP) relates to person‐organization (P‐O) fit and motivation. We also examined the extent to which the collectivism and masculinity dimensions of national culture moderate the relationship between SRP and P‐O fit. Drawing on the attraction‐selection‐attrition framework, social identity theory and stakeholder theory, the proposed hypotheses were tested in a sample of 534 prospective employees from four countries with different cultural contexts. An experimental design was used to test the proposed relationships. The obtained findings highlight the mediating role of P‐O fit in the relationship between SRP and motivation. Collectivism and masculinity moderate the relationship between SRP and P‐O fit. We contribute to prior research by demonstrating a link between perceptions of environmental and social sustainability and motivation, and the consideration of different countries allowed us to underline the role of national context when examining the impact of SRP.

Adolescents’ Perceptions About Healthy and Sustainable Diets: A Qualitative School-Based Study in Portugal

ABSTRACT In this qualitative study, we explored Portuguese adolescents’ perceptions of diet, sustainability, and health through six focus group discussions (FGDs). Fifty-five adolescents (10–18 years) participated. FGDs focused on sustainability in food choices and its health impact, with our primary interest in their perceptions. Results showed a limited comprehension of “sustainable/sustainability,” especially among younger participants. Those aware of sustainability recognized its diverse aspects, including health, economic, and ecological domains. Some adolescents recognized the link between health and sustainability in their diets, emphasizing the need for food literacy. These findings emphasize the importance of public health and sustainable policies among Portuguese adolescents.