The role of environmentally conscious purchase behaviour and green scepticism in organic food consumption. Issue 10 (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golob, Ursa; Kos Koklic, Mateja; Podnar, Klement; Zabkar, Vesna
• Is Part Of: British food journal. Volume 120:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 2411
• Page End: 2424
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Scepticism -- Environmentally conscious purchase behaviour -- Organic food consumption; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Food adulteration and inspection -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; 381.456413
• DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-08-2017-0457
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-070X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Despite numerous scholarly attempts, there is a lack of consensus regarding the relevance of various factors used to promote organic food consumption. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of environmentally conscious purchase behaviour (ECPB) and green scepticism on organic food consumption. Moreover, the paper examines the indirect impact of attitudinal and contextual forces on organic food consumption (through ECPB). Design/methodology/approach: The paper develops a conceptual model of organic food consumption. Data were collected through an online survey on a sample of 462 consumers in Slovenia. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesised relationships. Findings: The findings indicate that ECPB positively and green scepticism negatively affects organic food consumption. In addition, ECPB is positively influenced by personal and social norms, perceived availability and consumer sustainability orientation. Interestingly, the social norms exert the strongest indirect effect on organic food consumption. Research limitations/implications: This study informs organic food producers and policy makers about the relative importance of ECPB and scepticism for increasing organic food consumption. It also highlights the role of general attitudinal and contextual factors for ECPB and organic food consumption. Originality/value: The proposed model enables a better understanding of the relevance of ECPB, its antecedents and green scepticism as (direct or indirect) determinants of organic food consumption.