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How Exposure to ”Role Model” Projects Can Lead to Decisions for More Sustainable Infrastructure

Author

Listed:
  • Nora Harris

    (Glenn Department of Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Lowry Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Tripp Shealy

    (Charles Edward Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 200 Patton Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA)

  • Leidy Klotz

    (Glenn Department of Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Lowry Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

Abstract

A role model, whether an individual or a project, can inspire similar performance in others. This research examines such a phenomenon during the design process for more sustainable physical infrastructure. In this empirical study, engineering professionals ( n = 54) were randomly assigned either a modified version of the Envision rating system for sustainable infrastructure, which was changed to include details from an exemplary role model project, or the current version of Envision, with no role model. Professionals given the role model version of Envision achieved on average 34% more points ( SD = 27) than the control group ( p = 0.001). A positive role model project appears to lead engineering professionals to higher goals for sustainability performance in their design decisions. This finding, and the corresponding line of interdisciplinary research, can be used in decision-structuring interventions, which are a relatively low-cost approach to support greater sustainability in physical infrastructure development.

Suggested Citation

  • Nora Harris & Tripp Shealy & Leidy Klotz, 2016. "How Exposure to ”Role Model” Projects Can Lead to Decisions for More Sustainable Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-9, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:2:p:130-:d:63198
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Umberto Berardi, 2012. "Sustainability Assessment in the Construction Sector: Rating Systems and Rated Buildings," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(6), pages 411-424, November.
    2. Klotz, Leidy & Mack, Daniel & Klapthor, Brent & Tunstall, Casey & Harrison, Jennilee, 2010. "Unintended anchors: Building rating systems and energy performance goals for U.S. buildings," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(7), pages 3557-3566, July.
    3. Earley, P. Christopher & Kanfer, Ruth, 1985. "The influence of component participation and role models on goal acceptance, goal satisfaction, and performance," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 378-390, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Qionghan Zhang & Yingyuan Chen & Yuan Tao & Tahir Farid & Jianhong Ma, 2019. "How Consistent Contributors Inspire Individuals to Cooperate: The Role of Moral Elevation and Social Value Orientation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-19, March.
    2. Mustafa S. Al-Tekreeti & Salwa M. Beheiry & Vian Ahmed, 2021. "A Framework for Assessing Commitment Indicators in Sustainable Development Decisions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Delgado, Laura & Shealy, Tripp, 2018. "Opportunities for greater energy efficiency in government facilities by aligning decision structures with advances in behavioral science," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3952-3961.
    4. Nora Harris & Tripp Shealy & Leidy Klotz, 2016. "Choice Architecture as a Way to Encourage a Whole Systems Design Perspective for More Sustainable Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-16, December.
    5. Eesley, Charles & Wang, Yanbo, 2017. "Social influence in career choice: Evidence from a randomized field experiment on entrepreneurial mentorship," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 636-650.
    6. Dalya Ismael & Tripp Shealy, 2018. "Sustainable Construction Risk Perceptions in the Kuwaiti Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-17, June.

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