Examining waste management in San Pablo del Lago, Ecuador: a behavioral framework

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to propose and examine with evidence from Ecuador a behavioral framework that helps understand environmental practices in a small rural community.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a multidisciplinary study that integrates ethnographic, feminist, and fourth generation approaches. Qualitative and quantitative methods were applied.

Findings

Findings indicate a number of relevant determinant factors (social norms, personal norms, intention to act), moderating factors (knowledge of the issues, awareness of the consequences, knowledge of the strategies and action skills, assumption of the responsibilities), and socio‐demographic factors (gender and social class) that influence solid waste (garbage) management behavior in a small rural community in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Practical implications

This study recommends general public training for the stakeholders of this community taking into account gender and social class differences. The importance of generating role models in groups such as business owners and teachers to lead in waste management behavior is also suggested.

Originality/value

This study develops a behavioral framework with supporting empirical evidence from Ecuador that aids the understanding of environmental management practices of women and men from a small cohesive community

Citation

Aung, M. and Arias, M.L. (2006), "Examining waste management in San Pablo del Lago, Ecuador: a behavioral framework", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 740-752. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830610702557