scholarly journals Selecting decision-relevant ethical product attributes for grocery shopping

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vüsal Hasanzade ◽  
Victoria-Sophie Osburg ◽  
Waldemar Toporowski
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Consumer Choice ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Target Consumer

Purpose Despite the existence of various approaches for promoting ethical consumption, it remains a challenge to determine which ethical product features are actually decision relevant for consumers. Based on the assumption that values influence behavior across a range of situations, the purpose of this paper is to explore consumers preferences for product information items that address underlying motivators (i.e. concerns about the environment, animal welfare, other humans, price). Information preferences are also determined for different consumer segments separately, enabling one to target consumer groups with specific decision-relevant information. Design/methodology/approach A German online survey was conducted with mainly young consumers. The survey used a choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA) with the relevant product information items chosen based on an analysis of the attributes of dairy products and the guidelines for eco- and fair trade labels. The identified items were assigned to the ethical criteria of animal welfare, environmental protection, and labor and human rights. These criteria, along with price and country of origin, represent the attributes of the CBCA. Findings The results indicate that information about animal welfare increases consumer choice the most, followed by information about labor and human rights, and environmental protection. Three identified segments differ with respect to their decision-relevant product information: ethically motivated consumers (53.8 percent), price oriented consumers (12 percent), and price-quality oriented consumers (34.2 percent). Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of how ethical product information can most effectively be communicated to consumers, particularly for dairy products. The results highlight the need to carefully select ethical product information based on the target consumer segment in order to promote ethical consumption.

Psychological antecedents to customized apparel purchases

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-81
Author(s):  
Sukyung Seo ◽  
Chunmin Lang
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Extended Self ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Need For Uniqueness ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Target Consumer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the influences of consumers’ internal-oriented psychological factors (i.e. self- promotion, need for uniqueness, self-expression and self-monitoring) and external-oriented psychological properties (i.e. social identity and other-directedness) on the perception of customization and the sense of extended-self; further to identify whether the perception of customization and the sense of extended-self lead to purchase intention toward customized apparel products. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an online survey among college students in the USA, generating a valid sample size of 338 participants. Factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were utilized to test proposed hypotheses. Findings The results indicated that need for uniqueness and self-monitoring were significantly related to consumers’ perception of customization and the sense of extended-self, whereas impacts of self-expression and other-directedness were not significant. Furthermore, the results also confirmed that consumers’ perception of customization and the sense of extended-self were positively associated with purchase intention of customized apparel products. Originality/value This study investigates consumers’ psychological features that influence consumers’ buying intention of customized apparel products, which is the first attempt. The study results are insightful and beneficial for marketers to construct target consumer segmentation under different cultural and social settings.

scholarly journals Do ethical concerns and personal values influence the purchase intention of fast-fashion clothing?

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Stringer ◽  
Gary Mortimer ◽  
Alice Ruth Payne
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe rise of fast fashion has changed the face of global fashion. Despite sector growth, critics have questioned the level of obsolescence, encouragement of over-consumption and fast fashion's unsustainable business practices. Specifically, mounting concerns surround the impact on environmental, worker and animal welfare. Accordingly, the aim of this current work is to understand the influence of consumer's values on ethical consumption in a fast-fashion context.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was designed to collect responses relating to personal values and ethical concerns towards animal and worker welfare issues, as well as environmental concerns. A total of 350 US-based fast-fashion consumers completed the survey via Amazon MTurk. Factor analyses and structural equation modelling were used to analyse and test a theoretically hypothesised model.FindingsThis study found that self-transcendence values and openness to change values have a positive impact on consumers' levels of ethical concern towards animal welfare, the environment and worker welfare concerns within the fashion industry. Furthermore, a consumer's level of concern towards animal welfare and the environment positively influences a consumer's likeliness to purchase ethically marketed fast fashion.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate the role of consumer values and their influence on ethical concerns within the fashion industry and the impact of these concerns on intentions to purchase ethically marketed fast fashion. Responding to calls for further research into ethical consumption of apparel, this study includes all elements of ethical consumption identified, including animal welfare. This study identifies ethical areas of concern salient amongst fast-fashion consumers and provides a deeper understanding of the values impacting the level of ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare, the environment and worker welfare.

scholarly journals Segmenting consumers’ reasons for and against ethical consumption

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 2237-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Burke ◽  
Christine Eckert ◽  
Stacey Davis
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Consumerism ◽  
Ethical Products ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ethical Purchasing

Purpose – This paper aims to quantify the relative importance of reasons used to explain consumers’ selection and rejection of ethical products, accounting for differences in ethical orientations across consumers. Design/methodology/approach – Reviewing previous literature and drawing on in-depth interviews, a taxonomy of reasons for and against ethical purchasing is developed. An online survey incorporating best–worst scaling (BWS) determines which reasons feature more in shaping ethical consumerism. Cluster analysis and multinomial regression are used to identify and profile segments. Findings – Positively orientated consumers (42 per cent of respondents) purchase ethical products more so because of reasons relating to impact, health, personal relevance, and quality. Negatively orientated consumers (34 per cent of respondents) reject ethical alternatives based on reasons relating to indifference, expense, confusion and scepticism. A third segment is ambivalent in their behaviour and reasoning; they perceive ethical purchasing to be effective and relevant, but are confused and sceptical under what conditions this can occur. Research limitations/implications – Preferences were elicited using an online survey rather than using real market data. Though the task instructions and methods used attempted to minimise social-desirability bias, the experiment might still be subject to its effects. Practical implications – Competitive positioning strategies can be better designed knowing which barriers to ethical purchasing are more relevant. The paper challenges the benefits in altruistic-based positioning and outlines shortcomings in communication about ethical products, including those relating to product labelling. Social implications – Through their purchase behaviours across a number of categories, ethical consumers aim to minimise the harm and exploitation of humans, animals and the natural environment. This research provides insights into the potential reasons why the uptake of ethical products is not being achieved and how it can be addressed to make improvements in making this movement more mainstream. Originality/value – This research examines an extensive list of reasons for and against ethical purchasing used by a general population of consumers. By forcing respondents to make trade-offs, this is the first study quantifying the relative importance of reasons utilised by consumers. It also highlights the value in using cluster analysis on best–worst scores to identify underlying segments.

scholarly journals Engaging citizens in sustainability research: comparing survey recruitment and responses between Facebook, Twitter and qualtrics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Bridge ◽  
Beth Armstrong ◽  
Christian Reynolds ◽  
Changqiong Wang ◽  
Ximena Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Recruitment Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recruitment Methods ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe study aims to compare survey recruitment rates between Facebook, Twitter and Qualtrics and to assess the impact of recruitment method on estimates of energy content, food safety, carbon footprint and animal welfare across 29 foods.Design/methodology/approachTwo versions of an online survey were developed on the citizen science platform, Zooniverse. The surveys explored citizen estimations of energy density (kcal) or carbon footprint (Co2) and food safety or animal welfare of 29 commonly eaten foods. Survey recruitment was conducted via paid promotions on Twitter and Facebook and via paid respondent invites on Qualtrics. The study included approximately 500 participants (Facebook, N˜11 (ratings 358), Twitter, N˜85 (ratings 2,184), Qualtrics, N = 398 (ratings 11,910)). Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square analyses compared citizen estimations with validated values and assessed the impact of the variables on estimations.FindingsCitizens were unable to accurately estimate carbon footprint and energy content, with most citizens overestimating values. Citizen estimates were most accurate for meat products. Qualtrics was the most successful recruitment method for the online survey. Citizen estimates between platforms were significantly different, suggesting that Facebook and Twitter may not be suitable recruitment methods for citizen online surveys.Practical implicationsQualtrics was the favourable platform for survey recruitment. However, estimates across all recruitment platforms were poor. As paid recruitment methods such as Qualtrics are costly, the authors recommend continued examination of the social media environment to develop appropriate, affordable and timely online recruitment strategies for citizen science.Originality/valueThe findings indicate that citizens are unable to accurately estimate the carbon footprint and energy content of foods suggesting a focus on consumer education is needed to enable consumers to move towards more sustainable and healthy diets. Essential if we are to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger, good health and wellbeing and responsible consumption and production. The study highlights the utility of Zooniverse for assessing citizen estimates of carbon footprint, energy content, animal welfare and safety of foods.

scholarly journals How detailed product information strengthens eco-friendly consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1084-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria-Sophie Osburg ◽  
Vignesh Yoganathan ◽  
Sandra Brueckner ◽  
Waldemar Toporowski
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Negative Information ◽  
Ethical Consumption ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Identity

Purpose Whilst many studies consider labelling as means of aggregated communication of environmental product features, the presentation of detailed product information seems a promising alternative. However, the mechanisms through which detailed product information takes effect on consumers requires better understanding. The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop a framework that focuses on consumers’ perceived usefulness of, and trust in, detailed product information, whilst also considering the role of environmental self-identity. This understanding will help businesses to further stimulate eco-friendly consumption. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling and conditional process analysis are utilised to test hypotheses based on a sample of 279 respondents to a German online survey. Findings Results show that the perceived usefulness of product information (PUPI) has a positive effect on purchase intention, and this effect is intensified by an individual’s environmental self-identity. Furthermore, for consumers with high environmental self-identity, the effect of PUPI on purchase intention is mediated in turn by trust in detailed product information and resistance to negative information. Originality/value This study contributes to the debate on the role of product information in ethical consumption by showing how detailed product information gives rise to favourable behavioural outcomes. When detailed information is perceived as being useful, it can affect purchase intention through greater trust and an increased resistance to negative information. Further, detailed product information appears beneficial for both, the mass market and specific segments with high environmental self-identity. Hence, this study empirically establishes the effects of detailed product information on consumer decision making, thus informing sustainability-related marketing theory and practice.

The influence of showrooming on Millennial generational cohorts online shopping behaviour

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-103
Author(s):  
Olivia Johnson ◽  
Stefanie Ann Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Online Shopping ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Generational Cohorts ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shopping Behaviour

PurposeOmnichannel retailing has changed the behaviour of consumers by empowering activities like showrooming which is the process of collecting product information in store then making the purchase online. Since individuals, particularly Millennials, interact with multiple touchpoints throughout their shopping journey, retailers must consider how these experiences influence purchasing behaviour. Literature regarding showrooming has focussed primarily on antecedents to the phenomenon and the negative effects to brick and mortar retailers, however limited studies have investigated the quantitative influence of showrooming from the consumers' perspective. While data show that interest in online shopping is spiking, a vast majority of retail sales are made in-store suggesting barriers to online shopping still exist. Thus, the purpose of this research is to identify the role of showrooming in decreasing risk in an online shopping context. Additionally, Millennial generational cohorts (MGCs) were proposed as moderators in exploring the differences between the dimensions of perceived risk and online shopping intention.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the relationship between showrooming and MGCs online shopping behaviour an online survey was administered. Data were collected from 480 Millennial consumers at a large southwestern university. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the direction, magnitude and significance of relationships within the models.FindingsResults from the analysis revealed showrooming and MGCs influence online shopping behaviour as it relates to dimensions of risk. Moreover, showrooming increased online shopping intention specifically in relation to product and financial risk.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the relevant literature by proposing a relationship between showrooming and online shopping behaviour. This research provides evidence that Millennials are not a monolithic generation and consume differently.

scholarly journals Consumer perceptions of free-range laying hen welfare

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 1999-2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Claire Pettersson ◽  
Claire Alexandra Weeks ◽  
Lorna Rachel Maven Wilson ◽  
Christine Janet Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Free Range ◽  
On Farm ◽  
High Welfare

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand which factors and resources free-range egg consumers believe are important for hen welfare. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was distributed via the mailing list of a UK free-range egg brand receiving 6,378 responses. The survey was mostly five-point Likert-scale based. The same survey was also distributed to a group of animal welfare specialists receiving 34 responses. Findings – Respondents bought free-range eggs because hens are “happier” (74.2 per cent) and “healthier” (69.0 per cent) and because they believed such eggs to taste better (57.9 per cent). They rated all the suggested factors that might contribute to hen welfare as “important” or “very important” (on average) but believed outside access and fresh air to be most important. Respondents rated the suitability of resources relating to behavioural needs high (“suitable” or “very suitable”) indoors and shelter as the most suitable outdoors. Consumers differed from welfare specialists in their views on factors contributing to hen welfare, but their views on resource suitability were similar. Research limitations/implications – The sample was biased towards free-range egg consumers who had expressed an interest in a brand marketed as high welfare. Originality/value – This is the first study to ask consumers what they consider to be important for hen welfare and how they think hen welfare can be improved. Because consumers can affect on-farm welfare through their purchasing habits assessing the degree of agreement between consumers and animal welfare specialists is important.

What drives Muslim Malaysian consumers’ general attitude towards religious advertising?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Waqas
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Product Information ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Surprising Result ◽  
Social Image ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Attitude ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Given the increased interest in the practical significance of the general attitude towards religious advertising, the purpose of this paper is to examine what influences consumers’ general attitude towards religious advertising in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach An analytical research design was used to examine the impact of five factors (attitude towards the purpose/goal of the religious advertising [attitude institution], the quality of the message [attitude instrument], the information presented in the religious advertising about the product [product information], the social image associated with the advertised product [social image] and the hedonic pleasure owing to the advertisement of the product or service [hedonic pleasure]) on the general attitude towards religious advertising. Data were collected using an online survey (n = 210) and were analysed using structural equation modelling method. Findings The research found that the attitude towards the institution of advertising and the hedonic pleasure significantly influence the general attitude towards religious advertising. However, the quality of the advertisement, social image and product information were found to be insignificant predictors. Overall, this is a surprising result, where consumers place their trust in the reputation of the provider of the product or service and act based on the stimulus of good feeling the advertisement converse to them. Originality/value This paper fills the gap in the research, as there are very few studies done on religious advertising. This paper has presented ways to improve practices of religious advertising.

Escazu offers framework for progress in Latin America

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Implementation

Significance The ‘Escazu Agreement’, as it is also known, could become a fundamental tool in promoting human rights and environmental protections regionwide. Full and effective implementation nevertheless looks likely to pose challenges, raising doubts as to whether the agreement’s goals will be achieved. Impacts Progress in environmental protection will depend on more countries joining the current twelve in fully committing to the agreement. A lack of political will and pressure from economic groups will see governments drag their feet on signing and ratifying the agreement. Honduras’s absence and the failure of Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala to ratify will undermine efforts to protect environmental defenders.

Environmental Obligations of States Arising from Duty to Protect Human Rights

2021 ◽  
Vol 193 ◽  
pp. 182-316
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
State Responsibility ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Personal Integrity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
State Obligations

182Environment — State obligations in relation to environmental protection — American Convention on Human Rights, 1969 — Scope of the word “jurisdiction” under Article 1(1) of American Convention for purposes of determining State responsibility — Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment in the Wider Caribbean Region, 1983 — State obligations under special environmental protection treaty regimes — Whether special environmental protection treaty regimes establishing extraterritorial jurisdiction for purposes of States Parties’ obligations under American ConventionHuman rights — Human rights and the environment — Articles 4(1) and 5(1) of American Convention on Human Rights, 1969 — Right to life — Right to personal integrity — State environmental protection obligations for protection of rights to life and personal integrity — Obligation of prevention — Precautionary principle — Obligation of cooperation — Procedural obligations — Access to information — Public participation — Access to justiceHuman rights — Article 26 of American Convention on Human Rights, 1969 — State obligation of progressive realization of rights implicit in economic, social, educational, scientific and cultural standards in Charter of the Organization of American States, 1948 — Whether rights under Article 26 justiciable — Right to a healthy environment — Whether right to a healthy environment encompassed by Article 26 — Whether right to a healthy environment an autonomous rightInternational tribunals — Jurisdiction — Advisory jurisdiction — Extent of jurisdiction — Whether advisory jurisdiction restricted by related petitions before Inter-American Commission on Human Rights — Whether advisory jurisdiction restricted by related contentious cases before International Court of Justice — Question posed — Whether Court empowered to reformulate question — Admissibility — Whether Request meeting formal and substantive requirementsState responsibility — Wrongful acts — Wrongful acts resulting in environmental damage and human rights violations — State responsibility for wrongful acts of third parties within jurisdiction

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