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Consumers’ Reaction to Greenwashing in the Saudi Arabian Skincare Market: A Moderated Mediation Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Mohd Adil

    (Department of Management Studies, NIT Hamirpur, Hamirpur 177005, India)

  • Eden Samuel Parthiban

    (Department of Management Studies, NIT Hamirpur, Hamirpur 177005, India)

  • Haitham A. Mahmoud

    (Industrial Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia)

  • Jei-Zheng Wu

    (Department of Business Administration, Soochow University, Taipei 100, Taiwan)

  • Mohd Sadiq

    (Peter Faber Business School, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia)

  • Fatima Suhail

    (Department of Commerce & Business Administration, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India)

Abstract

Amidst the abundance of skincare options, the process of identifying the most fitting products is a daunting task. This challenge is further intensified when brands frequently lack transparency concerning their environment-friendly characteristics, fostering skepticism among consumers or potential adopters. As a result, to resolve the problem of consumers’ mixed emotions towards skincare brands, it is necessary to understand how greenwashing, green skepticism with two moderators (information quality and brand reputation) shape consumers’ intentions. Drawing on a theoretical conceptual model rooted in the consumer behavior literature, the present investigation tested the hypotheses through cross-sectional survey research. Using convenience sampling, 441 participants were recruited through social media platforms and skincare-related forums. This study establishes the mediating role of green skepticism and the direct impact of greenwashing on consumers’ purchase intentions. Consequently, the statistical significance of the path coefficients provide empirical support for the influence of greenwashing and green skepticism on consumers’ intentions. Our research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable consumption, offering theoretical advancements and practical implications for the researchers, policymakers, and businesses involved in the Saudi Arabian skincare market.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohd Adil & Eden Samuel Parthiban & Haitham A. Mahmoud & Jei-Zheng Wu & Mohd Sadiq & Fatima Suhail, 2024. "Consumers’ Reaction to Greenwashing in the Saudi Arabian Skincare Market: A Moderated Mediation Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:1652-:d:1340283
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Farrukh Rafiq & Mohd Adil & Mohd Sadiq, 2022. "Does Contextual Factor Influence Travelers’ Towel Reuse Behavior? Insights from Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Liu, Linlin & Lee, Matthew K.O. & Liu, Renjing & Chen, Jiawen, 2018. "Trust transfer in social media brand communities: The role of consumer engagement," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-13.
    3. Dandan Wang & Thomas Walker, 2023. "How to Regain Green Consumer Trust after Greenwashing: Experimental Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-24, October.
    4. Aysun Kahraman & İpek Kazançoğlu, 2019. "Understanding consumers' purchase intentions toward natural‐claimed products: A qualitative research in personal care products," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(6), pages 1218-1233, September.
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