Using the theory of planned behavior to understand the students’ pro-environmental behavior: a case-study in a Portuguese HEI

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete Correia ◽  
Sara Sousa ◽  
Clara Viseu ◽  
Joana Leite
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Environmental Attitude ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Determinants

Purpose Through the application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study aims to explore the main determinants of higher education students’ pro-environmental behavior. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted among the students of a public higher education institution (HEI) in Portugal, from March to May of 2020. The data were analyzed with the structural equation modeling technique, considering environmental attitude, knowledge, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control as exogenous latent variables, and pro-environmental intention and behavior as endogenous latent variables. Findings The results show that the students’ environmental attitude and knowledge have no significant impact on their pro-environmental intention, while the students’ subjective norm and perceived behavioral control have a positive impact on their pro-environmental intention. The results also reveal that the students’ perceived behavioral control and pro-environmental intention have a strong and positive impact on their pro-environmental behavior. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on the students from a single public HEI, in accounting and administration area, and deepens environmental behavior in relation to resources’ consumption. Practical implications This study provides findings that can be useful for HEIs to be more effective in their policies, strategies and practices to improve students’ environmental behavior. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature by exploring the main determinants of higher education students’ pro-environmental behavior in a Portuguese HEI and extending the TPB considering the additional variable environmental knowledge.

scholarly journals Opening the “Black Box” of University Entrepreneurial Intention in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Sofia Gomes ◽  
Marlene Sousa ◽  
Tânia Santos ◽  
José Oliveira ◽  
Márcio Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Relationship Of

This research aims to study the determinants of entrepreneurial intention in academia and compare the outcomes from two different moments, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a quantitative methodology was used, whereby a questionnaire was given to higher education students in these two chronological moments. From the obtained results, it was possible to ascertain that, given the motivational dimension, the attitude towards behavior and perceived behavioral control are having a positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions during the pandemic and that subjective norms have a negative impact on entrepreneurial intentions. This relationship of influences is unchanged, either before or during the pandemic. Regarding the environmental dimension, both of the variables under analysis are having a negative impact on entrepreneurial intention during the pandemic period, which corresponds to an aggravation or loss of positive influences when compared to the context before the pandemic, and the next assessment had a positive impact on entrepreneurial intentions. On the theoretical contributions, the findings are very important, as they strengthen the literature on entrepreneurial intentions, and in specific contexts of social and economic instability. As for practical contributions, this research suggests actions to agents with an important intervention role in the community, one of these agents is Higher Education Institutions, which play a determining role by creating a positive environment to support their students’ entrepreneurial intent. This research is original, as far as we are informed, and it is the first to study entrepreneurial intention in academia during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Portuguese context. Moreover, we suggest that the obtained results should be succeeded by further studies to confirm the evolutionary trends now identified on the subject under analysis.

Green computing intent and behavior of Pakistani academic librarians: PLS-SEM analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saira Hanif Soroya ◽  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Muhammad Shahid Soroya ◽  
Sumaira Hussain ◽  
Aleeha Ilyas
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Green Computing ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Behavior

PurposeIn the age of global warming where there is a need to go green in various sectors of life, it is also an urgent need for different IT industries and companies to incorporate green agenda. The green agenda is also dependent on human behavior. Therefore, it is equally important to explore the factors that positively affect green computing behavior. In this regard, contextual considerations are important. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore the green computing intent and behavior of heavy IT users, i.e. librarians underpinning the theory of planned behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on a quantitative research design. A total of 181 survey-based online questionnaires were filled by Pakistani university librarians. The proposed hypothetical model was tested using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS v3.2.FindingsThe study findings confirm that attitude and perceived behavioral control have a significant positive impact on the intention to adopt green computing behavior (GC behavior) among academic librarians. The findings further reveal that green computing awareness proved a strong predictor of green computing behavior, as it not only affects GC behavior but also impacts positively on attitude and perceived behavioral control that ultimately affects GC behavior through intention.Originality/valueThe study argues that green computing behavior is dependent on several predictors that can be deployed to develop a positive behavior towards green computing. The study is important as it is the first time conducted on one of the heavy IT user groups, i.e. librarians.

scholarly journals The development of entrepreneurial potential among higher education students

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Varamäki ◽  
Sanna Joensuu ◽  
Erno Tornikoski ◽  
Anmari Viljamaa
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Young People ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of how entrepreneurial potential is developed among young people. Changes in individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions and the antecedents of intentions are investigated, as well as the impact of entrepreneurship education on the changes. Design/methodology/approach – Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is applied. Longitudinal data from 197 HE students, in their first and third year of studies, is examined using path analysis. Findings – Overall the entrepreneurial intentions of HE students decreased over time. Intentions decreased particularly for those with high initial level of intentions, whereas the group with increasing intentions rose from low to neutral level of intentions. Changes in attitudes and perceived behavioral control have a significant positive impact. Versatile entrepreneurship courses have direct effect on changes in attitudes. Changes in attitudes have a dual role, as they influence change in both intentions and perceived behavioral control. The developed model explains 19 percent of the variance among women and 28 percent among men, suggesting gender differences in development of intentions. Research limitations/implications – Only one way of developing entrepreneurial potential in young people (i.e. education) is covered. The empirical sample is limited to one university. Practical implications – The results suggest versatile methods of entrepreneurship education are more effective in developing intentions than perhaps purely active modes. Gender differences should be considered when designing interventions to foster entrepreneurial potential. Originality/value – The research confirms with longitudinal individual-level data the applicability of TPB on entrepreneurial intentions and demonstrates the mediated impact of versatile entrepreneurship courses on changes in intentions.

Determinants of recycling behavior in higher education institution

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Chin Thoo ◽  
Shi Jie Tee ◽  
Hon Tat Huam ◽  
Adaviah Mas’od
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Subjective Norm ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Recycling Behavior

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of theory of planned behavior (namely, attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control) on recycling intention, as well as the relationship between recycling intention and behavior in one of the top five universities in Malaysia. In addition, the mediation effect of recycling intention on the relationships is investigated. Design/methodology/approach A total of 180 responses were collected using online survey that distributed via Google Form. SmartPLS was used for data analysis via outer and inner model assessment. The assessments include construct reliability, validity and hypotheses testing. Findings The findings indicated that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control have a positive and significant relationship with students’ recycling intention. Besides, students’ recycling intention is positively related to actual recycling behavior. Additionally, this study also discovered that recycling intention mediates the relationship between attitude and recycling behavior, between subjective norm and recycling behavior, as well as between perceived behavioral control and recycling behavior. Practical implications The result of the study may serve as a guide for universities or higher education institutions to design effective recycling campaigns to promote the campus sustainability. Originality/value Universities are in a crucial position to make a huge impact when they recycle. In Malaysia, there is still a lack of high concern of universities toward green and sustainability concept. This paper fulfils the gap to study how recycling behavior can be enabled.

Influence of educational programs oriented toward entrepreneurship on the entrepreneurial intention of university students: the case of Chile

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Silva ◽  
Cristóbal Fernández‐Robin ◽  
Diego Yáñez ◽  
Gianni Romaní
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
University Students ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Global University

PurposeThis study measures the influence of educational programs oriented toward entrepreneurship (POE) on the prediction of the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of university students, based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).Design/methodology/focusThe sample contains a total of 4,697 answers from university students, obtained through the 2018 Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) project. A model of structural equations was used.FindingsThe results show that educational POE have an impact on EI, mediated by the perceived university environment (UE) and entrepreneurial skills (ES). In addition, it was confirmed that the variable that best explains EI is the attitude toward entrepreneurship (ATE), followed by perceived behavioral control (PBC); these two variables are able to mediate the effect of subjective norm (SN) on EI.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to students in higher education. Additionally, the data used come from only one country.Practical implicationsEducational POE that are focused on providing and improving ES and knowledge must be promoted, given that they indirectly strengthen the EI of students in higher education.Originality/valueThe effect of educational POE, mediated by ES and the UE, on EI is measured.

Graduates giving back – a mentoring program for MBA students

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Darwin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
A Value ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges and obstacles encountered in the implementation of a mentoring program for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students at the University of South Australia (UniSA) Business School. The paper starts with an exploration into the need for a mentoring program, the trial and subsequent four years of implementation. The paper also explores the network model of mentoring and the reasons why this, rather than a more traditional model, was chosen for the program’s implementation. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory case study uses data from over 600 students and their alumni mentors over a five-year period to evaluate and improve the program as well as cultivating a critical community of adult learners. Findings – Feedback from students indicates that the mentoring program is regarded by most as a value-added feature of their early learning as it offers support, if and when it is required, from those who have been there before. Research limitations/implications – Results are limited to one institution. However, as research into mentoring for higher education students is thin on the ground, this study contributes to our understanding of the positive impacts of mentoring on student success. Practical implications – This paper emphasizes the importance of business leaders giving back to their alma mater through mentoring current MBA students. It shows how mentoring can support learning and management development. Originality/value – This is an original study which explores ways to increase the learning of higher education students for positive social outcomes.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among University Students in Beijing, China: An Empirical Study Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7009
Author(s):  
Jiabin Li ◽  
Xianwei Liu ◽  
Yang Zou ◽  
Yichu Deng ◽  
Meng Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Subjective Norms ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Institutional Climate ◽  
Beijing China

Higher education institutions (HEIs), among other social systems, have an irreplaceable role in combating COVID-19. However, we know little about institutional and individual factors that might facilitate university students’ beliefs and behaviors toward preventive behaviors for COVID-19 within the higher education context. Our study applies an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to investigate the structural relationships among the institutional climate, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and preventive behaviors of university students and to detect the moderating impacts of perceived risk on the structural model. Data were collected from 3693 university students at 18 universities in Beijing, China through an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup analysis were performed to examine the empirical model. The results reveal that (1) the institutional climate has a significant, direct effect on preventive behaviors for COVID-19 among university students, (2) the TPB components, namely attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, partially mediate the relationship between the institutional climate and preventive behaviors for COVID-19, and (3) perceived risk moderates several paths in the model. Theoretical and practical implications are offered, and recommendations for future research are outlined.

Overconfidence of vocational education students when entering higher education

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark P. Bowden ◽  
Subhash Abhayawansa ◽  
John Bahtsevanoglou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
First Year ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There is evidence that students who attend Technical and Further Education (TAFE) prior to entering higher education underperform in their first year of study. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of self-efficacy in understanding the performance of students who completed TAFE in the previous year in a first year subject of microeconomics in a dual sector university in Melbourne, Australia. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilises data collected by surveys of 151 students. Findings – A student’s self-efficacy is positively associated with their marks in a first year subject of microeconomics. However, the relationship between final marks and self-efficacy is negative for those students who attended TAFE in the previous year suggesting that they suffer from the problem of overconfidence. When holding self-efficacy constant, using econometric techniques, TAFE attendance is found to be positively related to final marks. Research limitations/implications – The findings are exploratory (based on a small sample) and lead to a need to conduct cross institutional studies. Practical implications – The research points to the need for early interventions so that TAFE students perform well in their first year of higher education. It also points to potential issues in the development of Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) programs. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the inter-related impact of attendance at TAFE in the previous year and self-efficacy on the subsequent academic performance of TAFE students.

Intention to adopt cryptocurrency: a robust contribution of trust and the theory of planned behavior

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro ◽  
Naimatullah Shah ◽  
Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeAt present, the adoption of cryptocurrency investment has brought consideration to the globe. The present paper attempts to investigate the intention to adopt cryptocurrency (IACR) among the potential investors of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe theory of planned behavior (TPB) is applied to underpin the conceptual framework. The study uses a quantitative approach. The study collects cross-sectional data through an online survey questionnaire. In the last, the authors utilized 334 samples for outcomes.FindingsFindings of the SEM reveal a significant positive effect of attitude, subjective norms (SNs), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and trust on IACR.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of an investigation would develop further intention and trust towards cryptocurrency adoption. The results would support developing favorable policies regarding the reduction of the ban on cryptocurrency in Pakistan to make easier transactions of the investors further. Possibly, it brings several opportunities in all segments of society in making the digital transaction modes through cryptocurrency. Finally, the findings would further validate the TPB in the context of cryptocurrency.Originality/valueThe study provides a better understanding of cryptocurrency and investors IACR. The empirical evidence further develops the other individuals' intentions towards cryptocurrency usage.

Predicting sustainable consumption of package-free bath products among students in higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Patrick M. Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Purchase

Purpose This study aims to examine the applicability of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase behavior (PB) of package-free bath products, among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Using a non-experimental survey research design, this study empirically tested an extended TPB model through structural equation modeling. The dataset was obtained through a survey of undergraduate students in three HEIs in the Philippines. Findings Environmental knowledge (EK) predicted attitudes toward purchasing package-free bath products. Attitudes, subjective norms and pro-environmental self-identity (PSI) predicted intention to purchase package-free bath products. Furthermore, the intention to purchase package-free bath products and perceived behavioral control predicted PB of the said item. Research limitations/implications The results imply that the addition of EK and PSI to the TPB is applicable in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase of package-free bath products. Practical implications The results showed how HEIs can encourage their students to purchase package-free bath products. Social implications The results highlight how social and economic factors play a role in promoting or inhibiting pro-environmental behavior among HEI students. Originality/value The findings support the inclusion of EK and PSI to the TPB for an integrative model that aims to improve the prediction of the purchase of package-free bath products.

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