Title: Role of working professionals in the modern corporate landscape in fostering the transition towards circular economy

Authors: Balasundharam Uma Maheswari; Pramod Adwaith; Devarajan Kavitha; Ramdass Sujatha

Addresses: PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Technology, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641004, Tamil Nadu, India ' PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Technology, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641004, Tamil Nadu, India ' PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Technology, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641004, Tamil Nadu, India ' PSG Institute of Management, PSG College of Technology, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641004, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: The circular economy principle works on reusing and recycling resources through effective utilisation and minimising waste generation. In this evolving paradigm, the pivotal role of working professionals in influencing this shift towards a circular economy remains an understudied domain. This study aims to fill this critical gap. An exploratory study adopting the theory of planned behaviour framework was adopted in order to assess working professionals' attitudes, behaviour, and intentions (Ajzen, 1991) towards the implementation of circular economy practices. The findings demonstrate that while attitude and perceived behavioural control emerged as the most significant predictors of circular economy adoption intention, subjective norms were not influencing the adoption. Thus, efforts to promote circular economy adoption should focus on emphasising the self-benefiting aspects to enhance the influence of subjective norms on adoption intention. This study provides a framework for organisations that would aid in driving the implementation of circular economy practices among their employees.

Keywords: circular economy; sustainability; theory of planned behaviour; adoption intention; transition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2024.144473

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2024 Vol.8 No.4, pp.362 - 381

Received: 17 Jul 2024
Accepted: 13 Aug 2024
Published online: 14 Feb 2025 *

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