The role of climate change conspiracy in consumers’ pro-environmental behaviors

Objective of the study: This study seeks to investigate psychological processes driving consumers to engage in home energy efficiency investment behaviors and the potentially inhibiting role climate change conspiracy beliefs play in those processes. Methodology/approach: Our conceptual model offers a set of hypotheses that we test through structural equation modeling. Main results: Our model offers strong support for the values-beliefs-norms (VBN) model and the inhibiting role of climate change conspiracy beliefs in consumer energy investment behaviors. Theoretical/methodological contributions: Our research utilizes value-belief-norm (VBN) theory to test our hypotheses. Additionally, we utilized conspiracy theory and specifically, conspiracy ideation, to demonstrate the role conspiracy beliefs play in decisions to engage in energy investment behaviors. Relevance/originality: Conspiracy theory and climate change are two important topics affecting society. This is the first research that investigates both of these topics within the framework of VBN theory.  Hence, our results have significant theoretical, management and social implications. Management or social implications: Results suggest that those investigating decisions to adopt environmental products or engage in pro-environmental behaviors should consider the inhibiting role of conspiracies and using the VBN model as a key foundation.  Moreover, these results indicate that how managers promote pro-environmental behaviors to customers and society must consider conspiracy ideation in developing their marketing strategies.

Key advertising components and media channels for recruiting long haul drivers

This research examines how trucking companies can develop effective advertising media and messages for reaching and recruiting qualified long distance long distance truck drivers. Long distance truck driver candidates seem most interested in competitive pay, paid vacation, a weekly payment schedule (along with direct deposit), assigned equipment, 24/7 dispatch, a large volume of hub group freight, and flexible home time. To reach this audience and its needs, we suggest advertisements emphasizing these benefits be placed on the Internet and social media sites, as well as in selected professional magazines frequented by truck drivers searching for jobs

Mollifying green skepticism: Effective strategies for inspiring green participation in the hospitality industry

Environmental awareness is a growing concern for consumers, and effective green messaging strategies are crucial for businesses. This 2 × 2 between-subject experiment investigates the influence of message style and sidedness on consumer participation in green practices and explores the role of message usefulness and skepticism. Our results show that a narrative message style and a two-sided message increase perceived usefulness, reduce skepticism, and lead to greater behavioral intent. Further, the study supports the moderated serial mediation role of message usefulness and skepticism. These findings offer significant implications for businesses seeking to promote sustainable practices and engage consumers in green initiatives. Copyright © 2023 Kim, Kwon, Hong, Shoenberger and Stafford

Impact of freight traffic on school walking decisions in urban environments

In light of the decline in social acceptance of walking and biking to school, there is a critical need to examine issues impacting school transportation decisions and to identify strategies to promote healthier behavior. In urban areas with high volume freight corridors, factors affecting school walking decisions can be complicated by increased truck and rail traffic. This paper presents findings from a study of urban neighborhoods in a major southeastern city, including those that are adjacent to freight corridors. Perceptions of neighborhood residents are compared in the context of existing infrastructure and network characteristics (urban vs. urban freight-centric). The results provide insight into factors influencing school transportation decisions in urban environments, and highlight discrepancies between perceptions and actual issues relevant to child pedestrian safety

Mollifying Green Skepticism: Effective Strategies for Inspiring Green Participation in the Hospitality Industry

Environmental awareness is a growing concern for consumers, and effective green messaging strategies are crucial for businesses. This 2 × 2 between-subject experiment investigates the influence of message style and sidedness on consumer participation in green practices and explores the role of message usefulness and skepticism. Our results show that a narrative message style and a two-sided message increase perceived usefulness, reduce skepticism, and lead to greater behavioral intent. Further, the study supports the moderated serial mediation role of message usefulness and skepticism. These findings offer significant implications for businesses seeking to promote sustainable practices and engage consumers in green initiatives