18-04-2017 | Originalbeitrag/Original article | Issue 3-4/2017

The empowered consumer
Investigating the attitude-behaviour gap phenomenon in the avoidance of plastic waste
Abstract
The sphere of Consumer Social Responsibilty is of particular relevance considering the increasing environmental problems connected to consumers’ irresponsibility. Nevertheless, even responsible consumers often show a high divergence between attitude and behaviour regarding responsible consumption, the so-called Attitude-Behaviour-Gap. In this context, this article aims to advance the understanding of the social responsibility of consumers and the related Attitude-Behaviour Gap with its influencing factors. The review serves as the basis for a single source, cross-sectional survey which aims to assess the Attitude-Behaviour Gap affecting plastic bag consumption. The study reveals the existence of the gap and a statistically significant impact of various influencing factors. Based on the theoretical and empirical context, it can be concluded that the gap between attitudes towards sustainability and unsustainable behaviour is a crucial and complex area of research, which suggests the need for further and more extensive study.