Title: Cognitive factors influencing green consumption behaviour of young millennials: an empirical check on Indian consumers

Authors: Sher Jahan Khan; Chetna Chauhan; Manzoor Ul Akram

Addresses: Department of Management Studies, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India ' Fore School of Management, New Delhi, India ' Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India

Abstract: This study, empirically examines the green consumption behaviours of young consumers in India by employing Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as core theoretical framework. In addition to examining the tenets of TPB, we also investigate the cognitive and external contingencies that may influence the green consumption behaviours of young consumers such as environmental campaigns, green stigma, pro-environment self-identity and environmental concern. Data, collected from 347 young consumers, was utilised to test the hypotheses using structural equation modelling technique. The results show that environmental campaigns strengthen the positive relationship between consumers' attitudes towards green brands and their purchase intentions. We also found that pro-environmental self-identity strengthens the relationship between consumers' green purchase intentions and purchase behaviour, while green stigma had a dampening impact on this relationship. The study contributes to the broader literature by highlighting the role of environmental campaigns, pro-environmental self-identity and green stigma can play in addressing discrepancies in the green purchase behaviour research. Further, we discuss managerial implications.

Keywords: green consumption; green stigma; environmental concerns; pro-environmental self-identity; emerging markets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGE.2020.112566

International Journal of Green Economics, 2020 Vol.14 No.4, pp.293 - 314

Received: 02 May 2020
Accepted: 15 Nov 2020

Published online: 20 Jan 2021 *

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