Skip to main content
Top

2018 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

4. How Cultural Beliefs and the Response to Fear Appeals Shape Consumer’s Purchasing Behavior Toward Sustainable Products

Authors : Nuria Rodríguez-Priego, Francisco J. Montoro-Ríos

Published in: Sustainability in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

This study examines how cultural beliefs and other cognitive processes related with the response to fear appeals can contribute to explain why consumers choose to purchase goods produced by sustainable companies. For this purpose, it tested the Cultural Cognition Theory and the Protection Motivation Theory as determinants of consumers’ purchasing behavior. There are two independent ordered probit regression models that examine the relationships between the proposed independent variables and the behavior of respectively punishing non-sustainable companies and rewarding sustainable companies. Results show that the more egalitarian and the less hierarchical individuals are, the more they will reward sustainable companies. Besides, consumer’s behavior toward the companies is determined by their perception of environmental threat and their perceived response efficacy. These outcomes are relevant for companies seeking to differentiate their products and their image to improve the positioning in the market, and for governments aiming at increasing citizens’ awareness toward global climate change.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Springer Professional "Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 390 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe




 

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Literature
go back to reference Aaker, D. A., & Bagozzi, R. P. (1982). Attitudes toward public policy alternatives to reduce air pollution. Journal of Marketing, 1, 85–94. Aaker, D. A., & Bagozzi, R. P. (1982). Attitudes toward public policy alternatives to reduce air pollution. Journal of Marketing, 1, 85–94.
go back to reference Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179–211.CrossRef Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179–211.CrossRef
go back to reference Anderson Jr., W. T., & Cunningham, W. H. (1972). The socially conscious consumer. Journal of Marketing, 36(3), 23–31.CrossRef Anderson Jr., W. T., & Cunningham, W. H. (1972). The socially conscious consumer. Journal of Marketing, 36(3), 23–31.CrossRef
go back to reference Axelrod, L. J., & Lehman, D. R. (1993). Responding to environmental concerns: What factors guide individual action? Journal of Environmental Psychology, 13(2), 149–159.CrossRef Axelrod, L. J., & Lehman, D. R. (1993). Responding to environmental concerns: What factors guide individual action? Journal of Environmental Psychology, 13(2), 149–159.CrossRef
go back to reference Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191–215.CrossRef Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84, 191–215.CrossRef
go back to reference Bandura, A. (1982). Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 37, 122–147.CrossRef Bandura, A. (1982). Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 37, 122–147.CrossRef
go back to reference Barr, S. (2007). Factors influencing environmental attitudes and behaviors: A UK case study household waste management. Environment and Behavior, 39(4), 435–473.CrossRef Barr, S. (2007). Factors influencing environmental attitudes and behaviors: A UK case study household waste management. Environment and Behavior, 39(4), 435–473.CrossRef
go back to reference Bockarjova, M., & Steg, L. (2014). Can protection motivation theory predict pro-environmental behavior? Explaining the adoption of electric vehicles in the Netherlands. Global Environmental Change, 28, 276–288.CrossRef Bockarjova, M., & Steg, L. (2014). Can protection motivation theory predict pro-environmental behavior? Explaining the adoption of electric vehicles in the Netherlands. Global Environmental Change, 28, 276–288.CrossRef
go back to reference Dake, K. (1992). Myths of nature: Culture and the social construction of risk. Journal of Social Issues, 48(4), 21–37.CrossRef Dake, K. (1992). Myths of nature: Culture and the social construction of risk. Journal of Social Issues, 48(4), 21–37.CrossRef
go back to reference Datta, S. K. (2011). Pro-environmental concern influencing green buying: A study on Indian consumers. International Journal of Business and Management, 6(6), 124–133. Datta, S. K. (2011). Pro-environmental concern influencing green buying: A study on Indian consumers. International Journal of Business and Management, 6(6), 124–133.
go back to reference Diamantopoulos, A., Schelegelmich, B. B., Sinkovics, R. R., & Bohlen, G. M. (2003). Can socio-demographics still play a role in profiling green consumers? A review of the evidence and an empirical investigation. Journal of Business Research, 56(6), 465–480.CrossRef Diamantopoulos, A., Schelegelmich, B. B., Sinkovics, R. R., & Bohlen, G. M. (2003). Can socio-demographics still play a role in profiling green consumers? A review of the evidence and an empirical investigation. Journal of Business Research, 56(6), 465–480.CrossRef
go back to reference Dietz, T., Stern, P. C., & Guagnano, G. A. (1998). Social structural and social psychological bases of environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 30(4), 450–471.CrossRef Dietz, T., Stern, P. C., & Guagnano, G. A. (1998). Social structural and social psychological bases of environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 30(4), 450–471.CrossRef
go back to reference Douglas, M. (1978). Cultural bias. Royal Anthropological Institute, Occasional Paper 35: London. Douglas, M. (1978). Cultural bias. Royal Anthropological Institute, Occasional Paper 35: London.
go back to reference Douglas, M. (1985). Risk acceptability according to the social sciences. New York: Russell Sage Foundation. Douglas, M. (1985). Risk acceptability according to the social sciences. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
go back to reference Douglas, M. (1992). Risk and blame: Essays in cultural theory. London: Routledge.CrossRef Douglas, M. (1992). Risk and blame: Essays in cultural theory. London: Routledge.CrossRef
go back to reference Douglas, M. (1998). Estilos de pensar. Barcelona, Spain: Editorial Gedisa. Douglas, M. (1998). Estilos de pensar. Barcelona, Spain: Editorial Gedisa.
go back to reference Douglas, M., & Wildavsky, A. (1982). Risk and culture. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. Douglas, M., & Wildavsky, A. (1982). Risk and culture. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
go back to reference Dunlap, R. E., Gallup, G. H., & Gallup, A. M. (1993). Of global concern: Results of the health of the planet survey. Environment, 35, 7–15. Dunlap, R. E., Gallup, G. H., & Gallup, A. M. (1993). Of global concern: Results of the health of the planet survey. Environment, 35, 7–15.
go back to reference Dunlap, R. E., & Jones, R. (2002). Environmental concern: Conceptual and measurement issues. In R. Dunlap & W. Michelson (Eds.), Handbook of environmental sociology (pp. 482–524). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Dunlap, R. E., & Jones, R. (2002). Environmental concern: Conceptual and measurement issues. In R. Dunlap & W. Michelson (Eds.), Handbook of environmental sociology (pp. 482–524). Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
go back to reference Dunlap, R. E., & Van Liere, K. D. (1978). The new environmental paradigm. A proposed measuring instrument and preliminary results. Journal of Environmental Education, 9, 10–19.CrossRef Dunlap, R. E., & Van Liere, K. D. (1978). The new environmental paradigm. A proposed measuring instrument and preliminary results. Journal of Environmental Education, 9, 10–19.CrossRef
go back to reference Fraj, E., & Martinez, E. (2006). Environmental values and lifestyles as determining factors of ecological consumer behavior: an empirical analysis. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 23(3), 133–144.CrossRef Fraj, E., & Martinez, E. (2006). Environmental values and lifestyles as determining factors of ecological consumer behavior: an empirical analysis. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 23(3), 133–144.CrossRef
go back to reference Gatersleben, B., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2002). Measurement and determinants of environmentally significant consumer behavior. Environment and Behavior, 34(3), 335–362.CrossRef Gatersleben, B., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2002). Measurement and determinants of environmentally significant consumer behavior. Environment and Behavior, 34(3), 335–362.CrossRef
go back to reference Jenkins-Smith, H. (2001). Modeling stigma: An empirical analysis of nuclear waste images of Nevada. In J. Flynn, P. Slovic, & H. Kunreuther (Eds.), Risk, media, and stigma: Understanding public challenges to modern science and technology (pp. 107–132). Sterling, VA: Earthscan. Jenkins-Smith, H. (2001). Modeling stigma: An empirical analysis of nuclear waste images of Nevada. In J. Flynn, P. Slovic, & H. Kunreuther (Eds.), Risk, media, and stigma: Understanding public challenges to modern science and technology (pp. 107–132). Sterling, VA: Earthscan.
go back to reference Jenkins-Smith, H. C., & Herron, K. G. (2009). Rock and a hard place: Public willingness to trade civil rights and liberties for greater security. Politics & Policy, 37(5), 1095–1129.CrossRef Jenkins-Smith, H. C., & Herron, K. G. (2009). Rock and a hard place: Public willingness to trade civil rights and liberties for greater security. Politics & Policy, 37(5), 1095–1129.CrossRef
go back to reference Kahan, D. M., Braman, D., Gastil, J., Slovic, P., & Mertz, C. K. (2010). Culture and identity-protective cognition: Explaining the white-male effect in risk perception. In P. Slovic (Ed.), The Feeling of Risk: New Perspectives on Risk Perception. Washington DC: Earthscan. chapter 11. Kahan, D. M., Braman, D., Gastil, J., Slovic, P., & Mertz, C. K. (2010). Culture and identity-protective cognition: Explaining the white-male effect in risk perception. In P. Slovic (Ed.), The Feeling of Risk: New Perspectives on Risk Perception. Washington DC: Earthscan. chapter 11.
go back to reference Kim, S., Jeong, S. H., & Hwang, Y. (2012). Predictors of pro-environmental behaviors of American and Korean students: The application of the theory of reasoned action and protection motivation theory. Science Communication, 1075547012441692. Kim, S., Jeong, S. H., & Hwang, Y. (2012). Predictors of pro-environmental behaviors of American and Korean students: The application of the theory of reasoned action and protection motivation theory. Science Communication, 1075547012441692.
go back to reference Kinnear, T., Taylor, J. R., & Ahmed, S. (1974). Ecologically concerned consumers: Who are they? Journal of Marketing, 38, 20–24.CrossRef Kinnear, T., Taylor, J. R., & Ahmed, S. (1974). Ecologically concerned consumers: Who are they? Journal of Marketing, 38, 20–24.CrossRef
go back to reference Laroche, M., Bergeron, J., & Babaro-Forleo, G. (2001). Targeting consumers who are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 18(6), 503–520.CrossRef Laroche, M., Bergeron, J., & Babaro-Forleo, G. (2001). Targeting consumers who are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 18(6), 503–520.CrossRef
go back to reference Leiserowitz, A. and Smith, N. (2010). Knowledge of climate change across global warming’s six Americas. Yale University. New Haven, CT.: Yale Project on Climate Change Communication. Leiserowitz, A. and Smith, N. (2010). Knowledge of climate change across global warming’s six Americas. Yale University. New Haven, CT.: Yale Project on Climate Change Communication.
go back to reference Maddux, J. E., & Rogers, R. W. (1983). Protection motivation and self-efficacy: A revised theory of fear appeals and attitude change. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 19(5), 469–479.CrossRef Maddux, J. E., & Rogers, R. W. (1983). Protection motivation and self-efficacy: A revised theory of fear appeals and attitude change. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 19(5), 469–479.CrossRef
go back to reference Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C., & Leiserowitz, A. (2009). Global warming’s six Americas 2009: An audience segmentation analysis. Yale Project for Climate Change Communication: George Mason University/Center for Climate Change Communication. Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C., & Leiserowitz, A. (2009). Global warming’s six Americas 2009: An audience segmentation analysis. Yale Project for Climate Change Communication: George Mason University/Center for Climate Change Communication.
go back to reference Mainieri, T., Barnett, E. G., Valdero, T. R., Unipan, J. B., & Oskamp, S. (1997). Green buying: The influence of environmental concern on consumer behaviour. The Journal of Social Psychology, 137(2), 189–204.CrossRef Mainieri, T., Barnett, E. G., Valdero, T. R., Unipan, J. B., & Oskamp, S. (1997). Green buying: The influence of environmental concern on consumer behaviour. The Journal of Social Psychology, 137(2), 189–204.CrossRef
go back to reference Mamadouth, V. (1999). Grid-group cultural theory: An introduction. GeoJournal, 47, 395–409.CrossRef Mamadouth, V. (1999). Grid-group cultural theory: An introduction. GeoJournal, 47, 395–409.CrossRef
go back to reference Milfont, T. L., & Gouveia, V. V. (2006). Time perspective and values: An exploratory study of their relations to environmental attitudes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 26, 72–82.CrossRef Milfont, T. L., & Gouveia, V. V. (2006). Time perspective and values: An exploratory study of their relations to environmental attitudes. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 26, 72–82.CrossRef
go back to reference Pechmann, C., Zhao, G., Goldberg, M. E., & Reibling, E. T. (2003). What to convey in antismoking advertisements for adolescents: The use of protection motivation theory to identify effective message themes. Journal of Marketing, 67(2), 1–18.CrossRef Pechmann, C., Zhao, G., Goldberg, M. E., & Reibling, E. T. (2003). What to convey in antismoking advertisements for adolescents: The use of protection motivation theory to identify effective message themes. Journal of Marketing, 67(2), 1–18.CrossRef
go back to reference Poortinga, W., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2004). Values, environmental concern, and environmental behavior. Environment and Behavior, 36(1), 70–93.CrossRef Poortinga, W., Steg, L., & Vlek, C. (2004). Values, environmental concern, and environmental behavior. Environment and Behavior, 36(1), 70–93.CrossRef
go back to reference Rippetoe, P. A., & Rogers, R. W. (1987). Effects of components of protection-motivation theory on adaptive and maladaptive coping with a health threat. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 596.CrossRef Rippetoe, P. A., & Rogers, R. W. (1987). Effects of components of protection-motivation theory on adaptive and maladaptive coping with a health threat. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 596.CrossRef
go back to reference Rogers, R. W. (1975). A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change. The Journal of Psychology, 91(1), 93–114. Rogers, R. W. (1975). A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change. The Journal of Psychology, 91(1), 93–114.
go back to reference Rogers, R. W. (1983). Cognitive and physiological processes in fear appeals and attitude change: A revised theory of protection motivation. In J. Cacioppo & R. Petty (Eds.), Social psychophysiology. New York: Guilford Press. Rogers, R. W. (1983). Cognitive and physiological processes in fear appeals and attitude change: A revised theory of protection motivation. In J. Cacioppo & R. Petty (Eds.), Social psychophysiology. New York: Guilford Press.
go back to reference Samdahl, D. M., & Robertson, R. (1989). Social determinants of environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 21(1), 57–81.CrossRef Samdahl, D. M., & Robertson, R. (1989). Social determinants of environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 21(1), 57–81.CrossRef
go back to reference Schultz, P. W. (2002). Environmental attitudes and behaviors across cultures. In W. J. Lonner, D. L. Dinnel, S. A. Hayes, & D. N. Sattler (Eds.), OnLine readings in psychology and culture. Western Washington University, Department of Psychology, Center for Cross-Cultural Research Web site: (http://www.wwu.edu/culture). Schultz, P. W. (2002). Environmental attitudes and behaviors across cultures. In W. J. Lonner, D. L. Dinnel, S. A. Hayes, & D. N. Sattler (Eds.), OnLine readings in psychology and culture. Western Washington University, Department of Psychology, Center for Cross-Cultural Research Web site: (http://​www.​wwu.​edu/​culture).
go back to reference Schwarz, M., & Thompson, M. (1990). Divided we stand. Redefining politics, technology and social choice. University of Pennsylvania Press: Pennsylvania, PA. Schwarz, M., & Thompson, M. (1990). Divided we stand. Redefining politics, technology and social choice. University of Pennsylvania Press: Pennsylvania, PA.
go back to reference Silva, C. L., & Jenkins-Smith, H. C. (2007). The precautionary principle in context: U.S. and E.U. scientists prescriptions for policy in the face of uncertainty. Social Science Quarterly, 88(3), 640–664.CrossRef Silva, C. L., & Jenkins-Smith, H. C. (2007). The precautionary principle in context: U.S. and E.U. scientists prescriptions for policy in the face of uncertainty. Social Science Quarterly, 88(3), 640–664.CrossRef
go back to reference Stern, P. C. (2000). Toward a coherent theory of environmentally significant behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 47(10), 1224–1232. Stern, P. C. (2000). Toward a coherent theory of environmentally significant behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 47(10), 1224–1232.
go back to reference Straughan, R. D., & Roberts, J. A. (1999). Environmental segmentation alternatives: A look at green consumer behavior in the new millennium. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 16(6), 558–575.CrossRef Straughan, R. D., & Roberts, J. A. (1999). Environmental segmentation alternatives: A look at green consumer behavior in the new millennium. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 16(6), 558–575.CrossRef
go back to reference Thompson, M., Ellis, R., & Wildavsky, A. (1990). Cultural theory. Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Thompson, M., Ellis, R., & Wildavsky, A. (1990). Cultural theory. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
go back to reference Van Liere, K. D., & Dunlap, R. E. (1981). Environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 13(6), 651–676.CrossRef Van Liere, K. D., & Dunlap, R. E. (1981). Environmental concern. Environment and Behavior, 13(6), 651–676.CrossRef
go back to reference Wildavsky, A. (1987). Choosing preferences by constructing institutions: A cultural theory of preference formation. The American Political Science Review, 81(1), 3–22.CrossRef Wildavsky, A. (1987). Choosing preferences by constructing institutions: A cultural theory of preference formation. The American Political Science Review, 81(1), 3–22.CrossRef
go back to reference Zimmer, M. R., Stafford, T. F., & Stafford, M. R. (1994). Green issues: Dimensions of environmental concern. Journal of Business Research, 30(1), 63–74.CrossRef Zimmer, M. R., Stafford, T. F., & Stafford, M. R. (1994). Green issues: Dimensions of environmental concern. Journal of Business Research, 30(1), 63–74.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
How Cultural Beliefs and the Response to Fear Appeals Shape Consumer’s Purchasing Behavior Toward Sustainable Products
Authors
Nuria Rodríguez-Priego
Francisco J. Montoro-Ríos
Copyright Year
2018
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57318-2_4

Premium Partner