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Keywords
Institute
Responding to the global call for a "sustainable economy" requires meaningful insights into sustainability-conscious consumers and their actual buying behaviors. Sustainable consumption is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon because it encompasses several distinct behavioral patterns and consumption types. Therefore, companies are well advised to recognize multiple types of sustainability-conscious consumers with different expectations, attitudes, and values and to implement targeting strategies that do not rest on the assumption of homogeneity. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide a more fine-grained picture of (un)sustainable consumer segments and their differentiated effects in different product markets. Based on three large datasets, we create a robust six-segment typology of consumer consciousness regarding sustainable consumption. By using panel data on actual purchases, the results show not only that sustainability concerns significantly positively influence actual sustainable purchases, as expected, but also that sustainable buying can occur independently of sustainability concerns.
The perceived risks and benefits of genetically modified food products : Experts versus consumers
(1999)
This article introduces the concept of sustainability-rooted anticonsumption (SRAC), which refers to consumers' anticonsumption practices of voluntary simplicity in living and, on a smaller level, collaborative consumption and boycotting with the goal of supporting sustainable economic development. The SRAC measurement approach is validated based on three empirical studies. Results of a representative German sample (Study 2) reveal that SRAC is predominantly negatively linked to consumer overconsumption dispositions. Exemplary, voluntary simplification and boycott intention may result in declining levels of indebtedness. Study 3 shows that psychosocial well-being is positively related to SRAC and overconsumption. However, a simplified lifestyle and a greater willingness to boycott are not necessarily associated with psychosocial well-being. This article provides insights for practitioners and policymakers to leverage existing SRAC values via “new” business models (sharing offers) or to influence the existing level of consciousness to effectively pave the way for solid progress in the sustainability movement.
This article introduces the concept of sustainability-rooted anticonsumption (SRAC), which refers to consumers' anticonsumption practices of voluntary simplicity in living and, on a smaller level, collaborative consumption and boycotting with the goal of supporting sustainable economic development. The SRAC measurement approach is validated based on three empirical studies. Results of a representative German sample (Study 2) reveal that SRAC is predominantly negatively linked to consumer overconsumption dispositions. Exemplary, voluntary simplification and boycott intention may result in declining levels of indebtedness. Study 3 shows that psychosocial well-being is positively related to SRAC and overconsumption. However, a simplified lifestyle and a greater willingness to boycott are not necessarily associated with psychosocial well-being. This article provides insights for practitioners and policymakers to leverage existing SRAC values via “new” business models (sharing offers) or to influence the existing level of consciousness to effectively pave the way for solid progress in the sustainability movement.
To purchase or not?
(2017)
Although ecologically and socially responsible consumption helps to reduce the harmful effects of resource use for both nature and society, all types of consumption (whether green or fair) deplete valuable resources. At the same time, to maintain household financial sustainability, spending should not exceed a household's financial resources. Thus, economically sustainable consumption is related to the consumer's decision to not buy products and the disposition to forgo specific purchases. Based on a means-end chain approach, this study investigates consumer cognitive decision-making structures related to six distinct options for economically (non-)sustainable consumption. Whereas saving motives, waste concerns, and avoidance motivations support economically sustainable decisions, economically non-sustainable decision-making is directly linked to attaining overall life goals. By clustering respondents based on the elicited means-end chains, the study discloses four consumer groups with distinctive motivational structures. The study also reveals several obstacles to promoting economic sustainability, indicates methods to overcome such obstacles, and suggests avenues for future research.
BALDERJAHN, I.; KRUEGER, C.: Produkte und Prozesse mit dem Ziel Nachhaltigkeit Teilprojekt: "Marketing, Kommunikation, Informationsmanagement" ; MÜLLER, K. et al: Ansätze für eine dauerhaft umweltgerechte landwirtschaftliche Produktion: Modellgebiet Nordost-Deutschland (GRANO) ; PETERSEN, H.-G.; MÜLLER, K.: GRANO - Projektbereich 1: Dezentrale Bewertungs- und Koordinationsmechanismen - Teilprojekt 2: Honorierung ökologischer Leistungen ; SCHULTZ, P.; SOYEZ, K.: Der ökologische Friedhof - Ein Ort des Lebens ; THRÄN, D.: Nachhaltiges Stoffstrommanagement ländlich strukturschwacher Regionen
Brandenburgisches Umweltforschungszentrum e.V.:
Arbeitsgruppe: Nachhaltigkeit ; Arbeitsgruppe: Umwelt- und Biotechnologie ; Arbeitsgruppe: Umweltmanagement ; Arbeitsgruppe: Umweltsoziologie ;
Zentrum für Umweltwissenschaften:
Arbeitsgruppe: Betriebliches Umweltmanagement/Umweltbewußtes Konsumentenverhalten ; Arbeitsgruppe: Grüne Bioraffinerie ; Arbeitsgruppe: Integrierter Arten- und Biotopschutz ; Arbeitsgruppe: LIDAR-Inversionen ; Arbeitsgruppe: FG Ökotechnologie ; Arbeitsgruppe: Regenerative Energien ; Arbeitsgruppe: Stoffdynamik in Geosystemen ; Arbeitsgruppe: Umweltbildung
Inhalt: Umweltschutz als gesellschaftlicher Anspruch -Sustainable Development -Umweltorientierte Anspruchsgruppen einer Unternehmung -Die Betroffenheit der Unternehmen -Bedeutung von Anspruchsgruppen -Lebenszyklen von gesellschaftlichen Anliegen Umweltschutz als Unternehmensziel -Duales Zielkonzept -Priorität des Umweltschutzes -Konfliktfelder zwischen ökonomischen und ökologischen Zielen -Umweltschutz als Chance -Umweltschutz als ethischer Anspruch -Umweltaktive Verbände und Unternehmen Rahmenbedingungen umweltorientierter Unternehmensführung -Übersicht -Ökologie-Pull: das Umweltbewußtsein von Konsumenten, Ökologieorientierung im Handel -Ökologie-Push: Die EU-Umwelt-Auditing Verordnung Umweltmanagement -Das Umweltmanagement-Konzept -Übersicht: Strategien im Umweltmanagement -Ökologische Basisstrategien -Risikostrategien Instrumente des Umweltmanagements -Öko-Bilanzen -Umwelt- und Risikodialog
Umweltzeichen
(2001)
There are two fundamental ways in which consumers can express their concerns and obligations for society through their consumption decisions: They can boycott companies that they deem to be irresponsible or they may deliberately buy from companies that they perceive to act responsibly (‘buycott’). It has been largely ignored that individuals are driven by different motivational mechanisms to join boycotts and buycotts (punishment vs. reward of corporate behaviors), and thus, these mechanisms have disparate implications for the participating individual (e.g., high vs. low subjective costs because of a restriction in consumption habits). This paper fills this void and develops a framework suggesting that the extent to which consumers translate their concerns and obligations for society into a willingness to boycott and/or buycott is bounded by self-interest. Using a unique, representative sample of 1833 German consumers, this study reveals that the effects of environmental concerns and universalism on buycotting are amplified by hedonism, while the effects of social concern on buycotting and boycotting are attenuated by hedonism and simplicity, respectively. These results have far-reaching implications for organizations and policy planners who aim to change corporate behavior.
Vertrauen als zentrales Konstrukt der Geschäftsbeziehung zwischen Ärzten und Pharmaunternehmen
(2006)
Welfare beyond consumption
(2020)
In developed regions worldwide, so-called anti-consumers are increasingly resisting high-level consumption lifestyles or shifting to alternative forms of consumption. A general reduction in consumption levels is considered necessary to attain global sustainability goals. However, knowledge regarding the factors driving people to deliberately consume less and how anti-consumption affects individuals' well-being is limited. Against this background, this study considers the influence of human values and the well-being effects of two types of anti-consumption: voluntary simplicity and collaborative consumption. Based on representative data from the US (N = 1075) and Germany (N = 1070), the findings show that the two anti-consumption types do not reduce the well-being of individuals' but in some cases, even improve it, which suggests that lowering consumption can not only help protect environmental resources but also serve the greater good of society. In particular, this relationship holds among collaborative consumers with a strong need for cognition, i.e., a cognitive thinking style that involves a high level of decision control. According to the study results, opposite value orientations are the drivers of voluntary simplicity and collaborative consumption (i.e., a focus on self-transcendence versus self-enhancement). These findings are comparable in both countries; however, the strength of the effects differs.
The organic market is characterized by remarkable disparities, and confusion persists about which motives drive organic consumption. To understand them, this research introduces the idea that the same consumer motives can exert different and potentially opposite impacts when organic consumption patterns unfold. The proposed multistage theory of differential effects distinguishes a participation stage, when consumers decide whether to purchase organic at all, and an expenditure stage, when consumers decide about how much of their budget to spend on organic products across purchases. An analysis of shopping patterns of approximately 14,000 households confirms the proposed differential influences: Other-oriented motives (care for others and the environment) support participation but impede sustained expenditures. Only self-oriented motives (hedonism) foster both participation and expenditures. The results pinpoint the need to rethink organic consumption as a stage-specific problem, which opens up new perspectives for managers about an old but persistent problem.
As overconsumption has negative effects on ecological balance, social equality, and individual well-being, reducing consumption levels among the materially affluent is an emerging strategy for sustainable development. Today's youth form a crucial target group for intervening in unsustainable overconsumption habits and for setting the path and ideas on responsible living. This article explores young people's motivations for engaging in three behavioural patterns linked to anti-consumption (voluntary simplicity, collaborative consumption, and living within one's means) in relation to sustainability. Applying a qualitative approach, laddering interviews reveal the consequences and values behind the anti-consumption behaviours of young people of ages 14 to 24 according to a means-end chains analysis. The findings highlight potential for and the challenges involved in motivating young people to reduce material levels of consumption for the sake of sustainability. Related consumer policy tools from the fields of education and communication are identified. This article provides practical implications for policy makers, activists, and educators. Consumer policies may strengthen anti-consumption among young people by addressing individual benefits, enabling reflection on personal values, and referencing credible narratives. The presented insights can help give a voice to young consumers, who struggle to establish themselves as key players in shaping the future consumption regime.
Studien im Bereich des fairen Handels schätzen oftmals hohe Zahlungsbereitschaften der Kon-sumenten. Die geringen Marktanteile für fair gehandelte Produkte liefern jedoch ein anderes Bild und lassen auf eine hohe soziale Wünschbarkeit in den Antworten schließen. Ziel dieser Studie war es mittels Discrete-Choice-Analyse den Probanden in einer realitätsnahen Kaufsitua-tion sozialverträgliche Produkte anzubieten. Im Rahmen der Diskreten Entscheidungsanalyse wurden Kaufwahrscheinlichkeiten und Marktanteile für die einzelnen Produkte geschätzt. Ins-besondere in Kombination mit einem Markenprodukt lassen die ermittelten Mehrpreisbereit-schaften auf nicht unerhebliche Marktchancen für gesiegelte Produkte schließen. Die Ergebnis-se zeigen auch, dass mehr Informationen und höheres Vertrauen der Konsumenten über Fair Trade zu einer gesteigerten Preisbereitschaft führen. Als Resultat der Zertifizierung mit Fair Trade Siegeln wurden nicht zu unterschätzende Wettbewerbsvorteile für Produzenten von Kon-sumgütern festgestellt.
Öko-Controlling
(2001)
Ökologisches Marketing
(2001)