Investing the impact of person-environment fit and normative factors on employees’ energy-saving behavior in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose

One of the simplest ways to improve the profitability of a business is by saving energy. Responding to recent calls to investigate the mechanism leading to individuals’ energy-saving behaviors in the workplace, this study aims to investigate combining person-environment (PE) fit theory with normative factors to understand employees’ decisions to engage in energy-saving activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of an online survey reveal that person-organization fit, person-job fit and moral norm significantly affect employees’ energy-saving intention.

Findings

Furthermore, the findings show that moral norm is the strongest predictor of employees’ willingness to save energy. The results also demonstrate the interrelated relationships between PE fit and normative factors.

Originality/value

The results contribute overall to a greater understanding of energy-saving practices in the organizational context. Apart from the theoretical contributions, the findings of the current investigation offer valuable practical insights for organizations and policymakers to promote energy conservation practices.

Citation

Tang, Z. and Wu, L. (2024), "Investing the impact of person-environment fit and normative factors on employees’ energy-saving behavior in the workplace", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 2275-2291. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-03-2024-0009