Experiential and instrumental attitudes: Interaction effect of attitude and subjective norm on recycling intention. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, Calvin; Shen, Geoffrey Qiping; Choi, Stella
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental psychology. Volume 50(2017)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Moderation -- Social influence -- Waste management -- Policy -- Hong Kong; Environmental psychology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2017.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4944

Abstract

Abstract: Prior studies have identified key factors that influence recycling intention. However, these studies rarely pay attention to the interaction of attitude and subjective norm that influences recycling intention. This study applied a conceptual model by extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) for addressing the gap. The study collected 246 responses through a street survey in Hong Kong. Findings revealed that two interaction terms (i.e., experiential attitude and subjective norm; instrumental attitude and subjective norm) influenced recycling intention. It implies that subjective norm plays a crucial role in motivating recycling behaviors. Moreover, subjective norm could increase the likelihood of recycling for people exhibiting positive experiential attitude, and motivate people who possess limited knowledge on recycling benefits of practicing recycling behaviors. Policy implications were drawn from the findings. Limitations of the study and future research direction were also discussed. Highlights: A knowledge gap exists on the interaction of subjective norm and attitude that influences recycling intention. Subjective norm increases the likelihood of recycling for people exhibiting positive experiential attitudes. Subjective norm motivates people with limited knowledge on recycling benefits to practice recycling behavior.