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To Buy or Not to Buy? Exploring Ethical Consumerism in an Emerging Market—India

Author

Listed:
  • Sunanda Nayak

    (FORE School of Management)

  • Vijay Pereira

    (NEOMA Business School)

  • Bahar Ali Kazmi

    (Aston Business School)

  • Pawan Budhwar

    (Aston Business School)

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a field study conducted on the purchasing intentions of ethical consumers in India. We explored how the involvement of ethical consumers with social networking sites (SNSs such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and others) affects their intentions to buy ethical products. Applying an extended theoretical lens of theory of planned behavior and social capital, we present an analysis of a rich qualitative data. We identify and describe 7 dimensions, representing the 19 factors and manifesting the informational, relational, and valuation usage of SNSs that explain their impact on the purchase intention of ethical consumers in India. We conclude by highlighting the decision-making role played by the ethical knowledge and price sensitivity of ethical consumers, reflecting the peculiarities and dynamics of ethical consumption in India.

Suggested Citation

  • Sunanda Nayak & Vijay Pereira & Bahar Ali Kazmi & Pawan Budhwar, 2024. "To Buy or Not to Buy? Exploring Ethical Consumerism in an Emerging Market—India," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 191(4), pages 811-835, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:191:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-024-05670-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05670-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Smirti Kutaula & Alvina Gillani & Diana Gregory-Smith & Boris Bartikowski, 2024. "Ethical Consumerism in Emerging Markets: Opportunities and Challenges," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 191(4), pages 651-673, May.

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