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Understanding the Mechanisms behind Changing People’s Recycling Behavior at Work by Applying a Comprehensive Action Determination Model

Author

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  • Sunita Prugsamatz Ofstad

    (Department of Psychology, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway)

  • Monika Tobolova

    (Department of Psychology, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway)

  • Alim Nayum

    (Department of Psychology, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway)

  • Christian A. Klöckner

    (Department of Psychology, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway)

Abstract

This study moves toward a better understanding of the mechanisms behind changing people’s recycling behavior at work by mapping out which pathways and variables change in recycling behavior as triggered by interventions. A questionnaire was designed based on the theory of planned behaviour, the norm-activation model, habits, and a comprehensive action determination model (CADM). The data was collected in two rounds: before the intervention and after a three-month pilot period with implemented interventions using a sample of n = 1269 students and employees. The CADM model appears to be a good fit with the data. The results from the structural equation modelling indicate the pathways to influencing behavioural change. The most important psychological variables accounting for waste separation behaviour are intentions, perceived behavioural control, personal norms, social norms and habits. No difference in waste separation behaviour was observed in the control building. Interventions targeting the increase in waste separation raised participants’ intentions to engage in such behaviour. Results indicate that waste separation at work must go beyond technical aspects to include various key elements of sustainability to ensure success. Furthermore, understanding human behavior is key in determining the performance and success of an integrated and effective recycling intervention strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Sunita Prugsamatz Ofstad & Monika Tobolova & Alim Nayum & Christian A. Klöckner, 2017. "Understanding the Mechanisms behind Changing People’s Recycling Behavior at Work by Applying a Comprehensive Action Determination Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:2:p:204-:d:89253
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Adekunle Oke, 2015. "Workplace Waste Recycling Behaviour: A Meta-Analytical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(6), pages 1-20, June.
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    12. Wei-Ta Fang & Mei-Hsuan Huang & Bai-You Cheng & Rong-Jeo Chiu & Yi-Te Chiang & Chun-Wei Hsu & Eric Ng, 2021. "Applying a Comprehensive Action Determination Model to Examine the Recycling Behavior of Taipei City Residents," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-18, January.
    13. Urša Golob & Klement Podnar & Mateja Kos Koklič & Vesna Zabkar, 2019. "The importance of corporate social responsibility for responsible consumption: Exploring moral motivations of consumers," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(2), pages 416-423, March.
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    16. Qiao Liu & Qianhui Xu & Xin Shen & Bowei Chen & Sonia Sadeghian Esfahani, 2022. "The Mechanism of Household Waste Sorting Behaviour—A Study of Jiaxing, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-12, February.
    17. van den Broek, Karlijn L. & Walker, Ian & Klöckner, Christian A., 2019. "Drivers of energy saving behaviour: The relative influence of intentional, normative, situational and habitual processes," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 811-819.
    18. Wenyao Zhang & Ruzhi Xu & Yuan Jiang & Wei Zhang, 2021. "How Environmental Knowledge Management Promotes Employee Green Behavior: An Empirical Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
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    20. Gangga Muniandy & Marhana Mohamed Anuar & Bob Foster & Jumadil Saputra & Muhamad Deni Johansyah & Tran Tien Khoa & Zafar U. Ahmed, 2021. "Determinants of Sustainable Waste Management Behavior of Malaysian Academics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.

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