International Journal of Sustainable Society (15 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Sustainability Disclosure and Financial Performance: a Literature Review on Research Trend  
  by Amos O. Talabi, F.M. Taib, D.B. Jalaludin 
  Abstract: This paper presents a review of literature on how sustainability reporting (SP) influences financial performance (FP). The study maps the trends in the fields of SP and FP related using a bibliometric approach. The scoping literature review with The Lens.com as an online database were employed for selecting 245 published academic papers, out of which, 102 papers were selected for trend and word cloud analysis over a ten-year period. The study observed application of multiple theories. In applying theories, researchers should have thorough understanding of the study context, organisational components, countries' existing laws, sociocultural diversity and geographical location of companies. Inconsistencies in the previous empirical results were due to differences in methodology. This article will increase managers' knowledge of the need to report firm operations to stakeholders as a strategy for improving corporate performance. The study recommends for theory selection based on company attributes, countries' existing laws and sociocultural diversity.
  Keywords: Sustainability Reporting; Financial Performance; Theories; Trend Analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10072384
   
  
• Consumer Readiness for Organic Purchase: Moderating Role of Food Neophilia and Food Neophobia in between Buying Intention and Buying Behaviour  
  by Shrish Singh, Vikas Tyagi, Girish Kathuria, Vijay Jain, Prashant Trivedi 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine customers buying intentions and their actual buying behaviour by exploring the moderating role of food neophilia and food neophobia between them for organic foods. A theoretical framework was proposed to explain and empirically verify the impact of purchase intention on consumer buying behaviour. The proposed model was assessed and validated using Partial Least Square Path Modelling (PLS-PM) with 250 respondents data collected through cross-sectional survey. The findings show that food neophilia (defined as a readiness to try new foods) increases the possibility that customers will translate their good purchasing intentions into actual organic food purchases while food neophobia (a reluctance to try unknown foods) serves as a barrier in actual buying behaviour. The study highlights that it is crucial for food businesses to comprehend food neophilia and neophobia, especially when introducing organic foods. The study provides useful information for marketers and food producers looking to effectively promote organic foods. The study suggests to marketers that sensory marketing, educational campaigns, and clear labelling to reduce food neophobia, while through promotion of novelty, uniqueness and innovativeness of foods may increase the feeling of neophilia.
  Keywords: Food Neophilia; Food Neophobia; Organic Food; Buying Intention; Buying Behaviour; TPB.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10072419
   
  
• Environmental Issues and Sustainable Indigenous Practices of North-East India  
  by Smita Sundaram, Hritushna Bailung Baruah, Rimjhim Chaudhary, Anusmita Mahanta, Parismita Phukan, Payal Mago 
  Abstract: North-East, famous for lush green hills and scenic landscapes has much more to offer to people ranging from rich cultural heritage to their sustainable indigenous practices. Bamboo serves the need of the North-East people in unique ways. Bamboo is a versatile plant it’s used for construction, medicine, clothing, craft and food. Sustainability and development have always remained an issue of utmost importance. They have adopted various sustainable practices for the protection of biological diversity. The sustainable textile industry of the North-East occupies a unique and important place in the indigenous textile culture of India. North-East also have several sacred groves. The sacred grooves help in maintain the forest cover in the region and are a haven for many species of flora and fauna. The region also offers tremendous scope for eco-tourism, being blessed with scenic beauty, distinct historical culture and ethnic heritage.
  Keywords: Sustainable practices; Bamboo; Sacred groves; Eco-Tourism; Conservation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10073838
   
  
• Consideration of the Effectiveness of Inter-School Collaboration in Human Resource Development in Educating Nursing Care Workers  
  by Chi Nghia Nguyen, Masami Saito 
  Abstract: A shortage of nursing care personnel is an urgent issue in Japan. As one response, national contests for nursing care workers and high school students disseminate the attractions of the field, increase professional motivation and pride, and improve skills. This study surveyed 18 participants from universities A and B to examine their learning in the International Nursing Care Technique Contest, a collaborative inter-school activity. Results showed gains in communication, collaboration, flexible thinking, and the acquisition of teaching methods. Students also demonstrated acceptance of users and support for their independence, understanding of users physical functions, attention to the safety of welfare equipment, and accepting, flexible responses to people with dementia. The contest winner was a Vietnamese team with relatively low Japanese-language proficiency, suggesting the importance of nonverbal communication in nursing care. We conclude that nursing care skills are attainable for students outside welfare disciplines and can meet employers practical needs.
  Keywords: inter-school collaboration; International Nursing Care contest; nursing care skills; international students; nonverbal communication.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10074992
   
  
• Control Model for Forest Areas In Anai Watershed, West Sumatera Province, Indonesia  
  by Iswandi Umar, Dian Adhetya Arif, Reski Pratama 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of uncontrolled land use changes on watershed sustainability and its control model policy at Anai Watershed West Sumatera. Using Landsat images from 2000 to 2022, forest area changes were assessed, and a projection for 2030 was made using the CA-Markov method. The Kappa statistical method assessed classification accuracy. Policy directions for land use control were determined through the Analytical Hierarchy Process with input from 20 experts. Forest area decreased from 37,535.24 ha in 2000 to 32,763.11 ha in 2022. By 2030, it is projected to be 25,990.93 ha. Expert assessments identified three priority control alternatives: promoting alternative economic activities for forest communities, stakeholder collaboration, and enforcing laws against forest destruction, with institutional criteria having the highest weight.
  Keywords: AHP method; Cellular automata; Land use Change; Land use control; Watershed.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10075235
   
  
• The Role of Political Actors in Managing Environmental Challenges in Mediterranean Coastal Urban Areas of Northwest Morocco  
  by Rachid Azougagh, Mustapha Hmamou, Noureddine Chikhi, Nourddin Elhaiek 
  Abstract: Coastal cities on the northeast side of the Tangier Peninsula, such as Fnideq, M’diq, Martil, and Oued Laou, are affected by overcrowding and several environmental issues, including coastal retreat, high solid waste generation, water scarcity, rising flood risk, and vegetation degradation. This article aims to unravel these challenges, assess how local political actors incorporate environmental concerns into their programs, and explore citizens' knowledge and perceptions of institutional performance. Drawing on a mix of inductive and deductive methodology, statistical methods, fieldwork-based surveys and questionnaires answered by inhabitants or members of the local councils, and semi-structured interviews with elected party politicians between November 2022 and March 2023, it shows that political programs lag behind environmental requirements. Residents are very concerned about environmental governance, indicating that sustainable ecology dimensions have not been fully incorporated into local authorities' work. These conclusions underline the need for a more anticipative environmental approach in coastal urban planning.
  Keywords: Political actors; management; environmental constraints; urban areas.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10075393
   
  
• Adaptive Behaviour of Wheat Growers to Climate Change evidence from Iran  
  by Sanaz Barsalari, Mohammad Sadegh Ebrahimi, Mostafa Karbasioun 
  Abstract: Water shortage is a major barrier to agricultural development in Iran, where climate is marked by drought and crisis. Adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate climate change impacts and sustain rural livelihoods. This study investigates wheat producers compatibility with climatic fluctuations, particularly droughts, using a descriptive-survey approach supported by documentary methods and fieldwork. Findings show that farmers main coping measures include weed control, temporary shift to non-agricultural jobs, and cultivation of alternative crops. Key information sources were neighbours and relatives, leading farmers, and expert meetings at work sites. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between adaptation and factors such as age, farming experience, household size, access to development services, education, diversification of economic activities, rural infrastructure investment, financing, and insurance. Factor analysis identified six vulnerability causes personal, social, knowledge, economic, production system, and agricultural factors explaining 87.35% of variance. Results highlight the complexity of drought adaptation and the need for integrated rural strategies.
  Keywords: Sustainability; Adaptation; Drought; Iran.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10076540
   
  
• Socio-economic Factors Influencing Local Chicken Consumption: a Study of Household Behaviours in Togo's Poultry Sub-Sector  
  by Aliou Kayira Diallo, Samir Baha-Eddine Maliki, Olfa Monia Bouallegue 
  Abstract: Competition between imported and domestic chickens is a significant barrier to the progress of the poultry sub-sector. This article investigates the underlying factors influencing the consumption of local hens in Togo. It looked at the various factors that influence local chicken consumption. To do this, data were obtained through a detailed questionnaire issued to 311 families spread across Lomes five districts. Using the maximum likelihood estimation method, we used descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and regression analysis. According to the studys findings, households have a stronger preference for preparing imported chicken. This preference is due mainly to the lower cost of imported chicken, its widespread use in menu preparation, and its accessibility to a considerable proportion of consumers with minimal purchasing power. As a result, these families usually prefer imported frozen poultry cuts, and household head income has emerged as the most important element influencing chicken consumption.
  Keywords: Chicken Consumption; Poultry Sub-Sector; Socio-economics factors; Togo.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10076641
   
  
• Greenwashing and its Relationship to Green Purchase Intention: a Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda  
  by Sergio Andres Suarez-Gutierrez, Luz Alexandra Montoya-Restrepo, Javier A. Sánchez-Torres 
  Abstract: The phenomenon of greenwashing has shown a steady interest over the last decades. However, extensive research is needed on its relationship with green purchase intention, as there is evidence that greenwashing can have negative effects. The aim of this research is to provide an overview of this relationship, identifying the most relevant studies, as well as gaps and future research opportunities. An analysis was employed through a systematic literature review, supported by a bibliometric analysis according to the PRISMA 2020 methodology in Scopus, and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Bibliometrix. The results reveal that greenwashing has a negative impact on consumers' green purchase intention, generating confusion and scepticism, and eroding trust in green brands, which decreases the intention to purchase sustainable products. It is crucial to further explore how contextual factors affect the relationship between greenwashing and purchase intention.
  Keywords: greenwashing; green purchase intention; greenwash; sustainable; corporate social responsibility; green marketing; ecofriendly; environmental scepticism; green marketing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10077034
   
  
• The Exploration of Carbon Neutral Community Construction Indicators for Urban Planning  
  by Xiaohui Xie, Xiao Teng, Jiaxuan Chen, Yuntian Zhang, Zhenjiang Shen 
  Abstract: This paper takes carbon neutral community construction as the research object, to conduct a comparative study about the evaluation indicator system, construction implementation path, etc., and summarises the experiences for carbon neutral community construction in China and Europe and America. Dameisha community in Shenzhen is the first demonstration project of lowcarbon communities aiming at carbon neutrality in China. This paper investigates the carbon neutrality construction indicators of Dameisha community planning and compares them with the relevant indicators of carbon neutral communities in Europe and America, and finds that Dameisha community planning has planned for energy structure optimisation, building energy-saving renovation, and increasing carbon sinks, but there are deficiencies in the aspects of the total amount control of carbon emission, and the carbon neutral management mechanism, participation of community residents and other aspects, which need to be further strengthened.
  Keywords: Carbon sink indicator; low-carbon community; total carbon emission control; management mechanism; technical standard; policy support and incentive.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10077638
   
  
• The Influence of Brand and Social Cause on Cause-Related Purchase Decisions: An Indian Perspective  
  by Rajesh Poonia, Mithilesh Pandey 
  Abstract: This study examines the mediating roles of brand perception and social cause in the relationship between cause-related advertising and consumer purchase intention. Employing a cross-sectional design, primary data were collected via a structured questionnaire, with participants exposed to two cause-related video advertisements to establish familiarity. Structural equation modelling (Smart PLS 4.0) assessed the hypothesised relationships. Results reveal that cause-related advertising significantly shapes consumer perceptions of both the brand and the associated social cause, which, in turn, enhance purchase intention. Notably, the indirect effects through brand and social cause exceeded the direct impact of the advertisement, highlighting the pivotal mediating role of these factors. The findings emphasise that cause-related advertising not only drives consumer behaviour but also strengthens brand equity. Strategic alignment with an appropriate social cause is essential, particularly in emerging markets, where this study provides novel insights into leveraging cause-related marketing to cultivate brand identity rather than merely stimulating immediate purchases.
  Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility; Cause-related Marketing; Cause-related Advertisement; Social Cause; Brand; Purchase Intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10078659
   
  
• Nutritional and Purchase Behaviour as well as Beliefs of Social Milieus about Sustainable and Cost-Conscious Food Consumption in Germany  
  by Tonia Ruppenthal, Nathaniel C. Lupton, Jana Rückert-John 
  Abstract: This study examined how socio-demographic characteristics affect consumers’ nutritional and purchase behaviour and future beliefs about sustainable food consumption. We hypothesize that these behaviours and beliefs are influenced by both contextual and individual characteristics, interactively, using a social milieu concept, in which people are classified according to various socio-demographic variables. We surveyed a representative sample of 2,004 German consumers on nutritional and purchase behaviour as well as beliefs about the future of sustainable food consumption. We conducted a factor analysis, followed by principal components analysis for factor reduction, to identify dimensions that capture nutritional and purchase behaviour. Analysis of variance was used to compare differences amongst social milieu categories in current sustainability beliefs about the future of sustainability. We found that that there are relevant differences in sustainable and cost-conscious behaviour as well as future beliefs of sustainable food consumption, and these differences can be partially explained by social milieu.
  Keywords: sustainable food consumption; nutritional behaviour; cost-conscious behaviour; social milieu; socio-demographics; survey; quantitative research.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10079139
   
  
• Interrogating Civil Society Organisations and Journalists' Advocacies on Flattening the Curve of Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Nigeria  
  by Obinna Johnkennedy Chukwu  
  Abstract: The study was carried out to interrogate journalists and civil society organisations advocacies towards flattening the curve of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria. The study was predicated on social responsibility theory (SRT) and public sphere theory. The objectives were to determine the extent the CSOs and journalists knowledgeability of the existence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria, the extent of advocacy campaigns, and the challenges encountered, whilst carrying out the advocacy campaigns. Survey research design was adopted, and questionnaire utilised to elicit responses from the respondents 180 journalists and 12 CSOs purposively selected from the six geo-political zones that make up Nigeria. Findings indicate that the CSOs and journalists extent of knowledgeability of the existence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is high, whilst the advocacy campaign very low. The findings, also, amongst others, reveal that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exist in Nigeria. The study, thus, recommends, among other things, massive advocacy campaign, in order to counter anti-COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories, and by extension, stem or obliterate vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria.
  Keywords: Interrogating; Journalists; CSOs; Advocacy; Flattening; Covid-19-Vaccine-Hesitancy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10079178
   
  
• Social Media Use and Mental Health: Implications and Benefits for College Students  
  by Bumsoo Park, Sanghyun Park, Kimberly Bissell 
  Abstract: This study examined whether and how social media use affects college students positive mental health (subjective well-being) and negative mental health (anxiety, depression) with a focus on the mediating role of social connectedness. The results indicated social media use was positively associated with social connectedness and social connectedness was positively associated with subjective well-being. While social media use was not directly associated with subjective well-being, social connectedness mediated this relationship. Similarly, social media use was not directly associated with mental health problems (anxiety, depression). Yet, this study discovered the mediating mechanism by which social media use was negatively associated with mental health problems through social connectedness and subjective well-being.
  Keywords: social media; social connectedness; mental health; subjective well-being; anxiety; depression.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2026.10080759
   
  
• Metaverse Adoption in TVET: Enhancing Communication and Multimedia Learning in Malaysian Higher Education  
  by Keoy Kay-Hooi, Lim Ai-Fen, Eva Wei-Lee Lim, Khalid Abdullah Abu Bakar, J.I.A. LI 
  Abstract: This study investigates how metaverse technology can be sustainably integrated into Malaysias Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to drive digital transformation in higher education. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Trust Theory, data from 286 institutions were analyzed to identify key adoption factors. Results show that technological readiness, organizational support, and environmental factors significantly influence perceived ease of use, which then affects adoption intention. Trust in the technology also plays a crucial role. However, environmental factors have minimal impact on perceived usefulness. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and developing supportive policies. These insights are vital for advancing strategic digital innovation in education and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9. Future studies should explore long-term, cross-cultural perspectives to better understand how user acceptance and institutional readiness evolve.
  Keywords: Metaverse adoption; TVET; digital transformation; cybersecurity; sustainable computing; higher education; SDG 4; SDG 9.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2027.10081215