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Comparative Study on Leadership Styles and Customer Behavior: Environmentalist and Non-Environmentalist Students, Barcelona, Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Aida MEHRAD

    (C3S Business School)

  • Hamza BOUTAMENT

    (C3S Business School)

  • Neema GEORGE RWERAMILA

    (C3S Business School)

  • Mohammad Hossein TAHRIRI ZANGENEH

    (C3S Business School)

  • Meriem BOUZEDIF

    (C3S Business School)

  • Rashi SHAH

    (C3S Business School)

  • Isaiah NKETIAH

    (C3S Business School)

Abstract

The study delves into the relationship between sustainability, consumer behavior, and leadership styles among students at C3S Business School in Barcelona. It focuses on the impact of ecological consciousness, which refers to environmental awareness and concern, on purchasing decisions and leadership practices. In the current context, with sustainability increasingly crucial in decision-making, individuals and organizations are reassessing their actions considering ecological concerns. The literature suggests a growing demand for sustainable products driven by heightened environmental awareness among consumers, especially millennials. Despite this trend, there is a noticeable gap between attitudes and behaviors, with many environmentally conscious individuals needing help translating their values into consumer choices. The research uses a qualitative approach, combining semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews allow in-depth exploration of students' environmental attitudes and behaviors, while online questionnaires provide a broader perspective. This approach was chosen to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how students identify with environmentalism and its impact on consumer behavior. The study categorizes participants into environmentalist and non-environmentalist groups, analyzing their motivations, purchasing behaviors, and the influence of leadership styles on their decisions. Key findings reveal that transformational leadership styles significantly enhance pro-environmental behaviors among students, aligning personal values with sustainable practices. These findings have practical implications for businesses and educational institutions, highlighting the role of leadership in promoting sustainable behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Aida MEHRAD & Hamza BOUTAMENT & Neema GEORGE RWERAMILA & Mohammad Hossein TAHRIRI ZANGENEH & Meriem BOUZEDIF & Rashi SHAH & Isaiah NKETIAH, 2024. "Comparative Study on Leadership Styles and Customer Behavior: Environmentalist and Non-Environmentalist Students, Barcelona, Spain," Journal of Emerging Trends in Marketing and Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, vol. 1(3), pages 28-44, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aes:jetimm:v:1:y:2024:i:3:p:28-44
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Leonard-Barton, Dorothy, 1981. "Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyles and Energy Conservation," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 8(3), pages 243-252, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Customer behavior; environment; leadership styles.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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