Hernan ‘Banjo' Roxas and Rodilina Marte
Given the lucrative millennial or generation Y market across the globe, this study aims to draw on social cognitive and institutional theories to tease out the crucial roles of…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the lucrative millennial or generation Y market across the globe, this study aims to draw on social cognitive and institutional theories to tease out the crucial roles of regulatory and social pressures in shaping the eco-brand orientation of millennial consumers. The study focuses on millennials from a developing country – a context that is less explored in the literature on the social and institutional perspectives of green consumer behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from a survey of 354 millennial consumers in the Philippines, the authors tested the hypotheses on the effects of two types of institutional pressures (social and regulatory) on the key constructs espoused by social cognitive theory. The authors followed the partial least square approach to path analysis to determine the significant empirical relationships and linkages of the constructs contained in the proposed model.
Findings
The results highlight the significant influence of the social-institutional environment on the internal drivers of millennials' orientation towards green or environmentally sustainable brands.
Research limitations/implications
Although the sample size has generalisability-related constraints, the findings extend the current understanding of green millennial consumer behaviour from a social cognitive perspective by highlighting the role of institutions – a concept that is less explored in the marketing and consumer behaviour literature.
Practical implications
It provides valuable business and policy insights and directions for future research on how business enterprises such as producers, manufacturers, retailers and marketers can influence millennial consumers’ orientation towards green brands.
Originality/value
This study uses data from a survey of millennial consumers in the Philippines. The study extends the ambit of social cognitive theory by drawing on institutional theory to highlight the role of institutional social pressures on sustainable consumer behaviour.
Details
Keywords
Marigold G. Castaneda, Carmelita P. Martinez, Rodilina Marte and Banjo Roxas
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social capital within a community on the adoption of consumer eco-behaviour or environmentally sustainable behaviour of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social capital within a community on the adoption of consumer eco-behaviour or environmentally sustainable behaviour of consumers. The authors draw on the behavioural perspective model (BPM) of consumer behaviour and social capital theory in arguing that social capital shapes a consumer’s knowledge of environmental issues and pro-environmental attitudes, which in turn influence a consumer’s perceived capability to engage in eco-behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling of survey data involving 1,044 consumers in the Philippines. It involves testing of a measurement model to examine the validity and reliability of the constructs used in the study. This is followed by testing of the structural models to test the hypothesised relationships of the constructs.
Findings
The results suggest the substantive influence of social capital on environmental knowledge, pro-environmental attitudes and eco-capability. Both knowledge and attitudes have positive effects on eco-capability, which in turn positively shapes eco-behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies can examine how social capital as a multi-dimensional construct impacts context-specific consumer behaviour.
Practical implications
Social and environmental marketing may focus on social network activation to encourage eco-behaviours of consumers.
Social implications
Findings highlight the role of social capital within one’s community as a resource channel to encourage environmentally responsible consumer behaviour.
Originality/value
The study extends the BPM by offering a social capital view as a more nuanced explanation of consumer eco-behaviour.