Widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) can help to achieve deep reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions; however, the degree to which this potential will be realized depends on consumers’ decisions to purchase these vehicles over conventional ones. To provide comprehensive insight into the psychological and contextual influences on consumer vehicle preferences, three studies were performed using a mixed-methods approach. Study 1 employed a survey and stated choice experiment to explore: 1) the explanatory power of the three psychological variables from Ajzen’s (1991; 2005) theory of planned behaviour in predicting PEV purchase intentions among new vehicle buyers from British Columbia, and 2) the influence of hypothetical variations in financial and non-financial incentives on estimated PEV preference, with the goal of informing the design of provincial policy measures. Vehicle preferences were most strongly influenced by purchase price and point-of-sale incentives – with a roughly 4% forecasted increase in PEV new vehicle market share under a $5,000 purchase rebate – as well as by attitudes about PEVs (especially concerning personally-relevant PEV benefits), perceived behavioural control, and social norms. In Study 2, a latent class choice model was used to integrate survey and choice experiment data to characterize consumer classes based on vehicle preferences, demographic characteristics, and psychological variables. Findings revealed profiles of five distinct preference-based segments and demonstrated that the inclusion of psychological covariates can improve the fit of such latent class models. Study 3 extended these findings through a controlled message framing experiment that evaluated the impact of psychological distance on PEV purchase intentions. Results demonstrated that messages emphasizing both personally-relevant and societally-relevant PEV benefits increased related purchase intentions compared to the control group. Taken together, these findings may be useful in the development of PEV policies as well as targeted marketing and communications strategies aimed at supporting a transition to PEVs within Canada. / Graduate / 0451 / 0621 / 0709 / christine.kormos@gmail.com

<p>Syftet med studien var att undersöka ungdomars uttryckta attityder gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar samt att ta reda på hur de upplever den subjektiva normen från föräldrarna. Frågeställningarna var: Vilken attityd uttrycker ungdomen gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Hur uppfattar ungdomen den subjektiva normen från föräldrar och vänner när det gäller alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Finns det något samband mellan ungdomens uttryckta attityd gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar och upplevelsen av föräldrarnas attityd gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Hur skiljer sig de uttryckta attityderna åt mellan ungdomarna beroende på kulturell bakgrund och kön? Den kvantitativa utgångspunkten valdes för studien och Theory of Planned Behaviour användes som teoretisk utgångspunkt. Resultatet visade att respondenterna uttrycker främst negativa attityder gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar. Respondenterna upplever en negativ subjektiv norm från föräldrarna. Resultatet visade inga större könspecifika skillnader, dock framkom det skillnader beroende på kulturell bakgrund. Studien visade att både föräldrars och vänners attityder har inflytande över ungdomar samt över hur de formar sina attityder.</p>

Syftet med studien var att undersöka ungdomars uttryckta attityder gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar samt att ta reda på hur de upplever den subjektiva normen från föräldrarna. Frågeställningarna var: Vilken attityd uttrycker ungdomen gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Hur uppfattar ungdomen den subjektiva normen från föräldrar och vänner när det gäller alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Finns det något samband mellan ungdomens uttryckta attityd gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar och upplevelsen av föräldrarnas attityd gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar? Hur skiljer sig de uttryckta attityderna åt mellan ungdomarna beroende på kulturell bakgrund och kön? Den kvantitativa utgångspunkten valdes för studien och Theory of Planned Behaviour användes som teoretisk utgångspunkt. Resultatet visade att respondenterna uttrycker främst negativa attityder gentemot alkoholrelaterade handlingar. Respondenterna upplever en negativ subjektiv norm från föräldrarna. Resultatet visade inga större könspecifika skillnader, dock framkom det skillnader beroende på kulturell bakgrund. Studien visade att både föräldrars och vänners attityder har inflytande över ungdomar samt över hur de formar sina attityder.

Non-compliance with visitor regulations in national parks can have an impact on park conservation and the experience of other park visitors. Park management in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve located on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada is challenged by visitors’ non-compliant behaviour concerning regulations to keep dogs on the leash in the park. Dogs that run free (off-leash) on the beaches of the park disturb migratory shorebirds, and have the potential to habituate wolves to regard dogs as objects of prey. This study investigates why many visitors opt for non-compliance with regulations aimed at conservation. The goal of the study is to contribute new insights that may help park management find workable solutions to deliver the ‘dual mandate’ of managing protected areas both, for conservation and for nature-based tourism. The study is grounded within the context of Lefebvre’s (1991) notions of the production of space, and recent work in animal geography that addresses the changing role of our canine companions in modern society. The methodology combines qualitative and quantitative research applying Fishbein & Ajzen’s (2010) theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The research is presented using a journal format, which unavoidably implies some repetition of information but allows for the different sections to be read as stand-alone documents. The thesis starts with an introductory chapter. This is followed by a book chapter published in Domesticated Animals & Leisure (Carr, 2015 in press) that reports highlights from qualitative research exploring why park visitors appear reluctant to comply with on-leash rules. Results reveal the beach as a contested space, driven by a strong off-leash social norm. Chapter Three is a journal article format paper that reports on a quantitative survey based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify beliefs that underlie visitor behaviour. Results indicate that habit, with respect to dog leashing when at home and on previous visits to the park, appear to impact the ability of the model to predict future behaviour. Chapter Four is a second journal article format paper where it is suggested that ambivalence, the presence of conflicting behavioural beliefs, influences the relation between behavioural beliefs and attitudes in the TPB, resulting in non-compliance behaviour. A concluding chapter summarizes how results presented in the three main chapters contribute to the body of knowledge on animal geography, compliance and research using the TPB, as well as suggesting techniques that park staff should consider for managing visitor behaviour under situations of apparent non-compliance. / Graduate

Study 1 - Individual - The purpose was to determine whether a 12-week behavioural risk reduction intervention caused self-reported MVPA to increase and to identify associated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Three hundred twenty-four physically inactive (<150 minutes/week moderate-vigorous PA) participants were included. Intervention participants were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.22-5.63, p<.001), which was significantly correlated with increases in TPB constructs. // Study 2 - Family - Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 participants to elicit perceptions of factors that influence PA. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analyzed. Spouses were more likely to engage in PA with their spouse after the CHD event; however this may be limited by their partners’ capabilities. The data suggests awareness of an increased susceptibility to CHD is not stimulating participants to increase their own PA to prevent future risk, particularly among offspring, but they may take other actions. The shared family environment can promote PA, although intensity may be limited. // Study 3 - Neighbourhood - Self-reported PA from a prospective behavioural risk reduction intervention was explored in the context of objectively measured Walk Scores and neighbourhood walkability in Ottawa, Canada. Participants in the intervention arm had significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines at 12-weeks compared to the standard care control group. This was not influenced by Walk Scores or walkability. This individual-level intervention was effective in assisting participants to overcome potential structural barriers presented by their neighbourhood to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks.

Study 1 - Individual - The purpose was to determine whether a 12-week behavioural risk reduction intervention caused self-reported MVPA to increase and to identify associated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Three hundred twenty-four physically inactive (<150 minutes/week moderate-vigorous PA) participants were included. Intervention participants were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.22-5.63, p<.001), which was significantly correlated with increases in TPB constructs. // Study 2 - Family - Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 participants to elicit perceptions of factors that influence PA. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analyzed. Spouses were more likely to engage in PA with their spouse after the CHD event; however this may be limited by their partners’ capabilities. The data suggests awareness of an increased susceptibility to CHD is not stimulating participants to increase their own PA to prevent future risk, particularly among offspring, but they may take other actions. The shared family environment can promote PA, although intensity may be limited. // Study 3 - Neighbourhood - Self-reported PA from a prospective behavioural risk reduction intervention was explored in the context of objectively measured Walk Scores and neighbourhood walkability in Ottawa, Canada. Participants in the intervention arm had significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines at 12-weeks compared to the standard care control group. This was not influenced by Walk Scores or walkability. This individual-level intervention was effective in assisting participants to overcome potential structural barriers presented by their neighbourhood to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks.

The retail banking services sector, a key driver for global economic growth, faces drastic challenges, such as globalised competition and continuously changing customer expectations that call for an in-depth understanding of customer switching, particularly in Asia’s emerging markets. Research shows that minor reductions in switching can notably enhance profitability. Yet only insufficient or fragmented research to explain switching exists. For this study titled “A Cross-Cultural Study of Consumer Switching in the Retail Banking Services Sector” at The University of Manchester, completed in September 2014, Frank Siegfried identified the theory of planned behaviour as the most suitable framework, while Singapore served as a test bed in view of its diverse population. A qualitative pilot study was conducted (February to April 2010), consisting of 22 semi-structured interviews, in which a suitable definition of switching and a better understanding about the cross-cultural context of this study were developed. These insights were instrumental in the design of a new theoretical model, built on constructs that had not been combined in a single framework before, applying constructs of the theory of planned behaviour as the foundational framework, and subsequently integrating the concept of past behaviour, selected cultural dimensions from the GLOBE model and four distinct predisposing and precipitating factors. Next, a quantitative study was conducted (January to May 2013) and, after data cleaning, a quasi-representative sample of 1,431 cases was subjected to analysis. For comparability with other studies, both regression analysis (RA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed. Notable results that were consistent in RA and SEM include: Attitude towards switching (attitude) successfully explained switching intention. Subjective norms had a positive effect on attitude, which implied a mediated effect of subjective norms on switching intention. Contradicting the initial hypothesis, a significant effect of perceived behavioural control on switching intention was negative. Past behaviour had a significant, but weak positive effect on attitude and switching intention, as well as an indirect positive effect on switching intention, mediated by attitude. Lack of trust positively affected switching intention. Service failure had a strong positive effect on switching intention, with perceived behavioural control moderating this effect. Performance orientation had a moderately strong effect on perceived behavioural control. High in-group collectivism negatively affected service failure. These results constitute the new Comprehensive Banking Service Switching Model (CBSSM). Interestingly, a large number of constructs and construct paths that played an important role in the literature could not be confirmed as significant contributors to the model. Overall, tests of model fit still showed a significant contribution of the proposed extensions to the foundational model. Weighting the importance of various constructs in a single framework enhances the understanding of switching of retail banking services in Singapore and offers new insights for strategic planning, particularly in the areas of branding, marketing, service operations and human capital management. Theoretical, methodological and managerial implications are discussed in detail.

Second hand har genomgått olika faser sedan många år tillbaka och har med tiden ändrat status för konsumenten. Idag kan second han bäras med omtanke för miljön och hållbar konsumtion eller som en modetrend. Idag har det utvecklats fler second hand-verksamheter som möter den allt mer miljömedvetna konsumenten. Tidigare forskning har givit kunskap om olika barriärer och motiv kopplat till second hand, men inte satt dessa barriärer och motiv i relation till köpprocessen. I vår studie tillämpar vi “teorin om planerat beteende” och analyserar gymnasieelevers resonemang kring barriärer och motiv i förhållande till köpprocessens olika steg. Genom att studien tillämpar dessa perspektiv, bidrar det därmed till en djupare förståelse om gymnasieelevers attityder och beteenden. Syftet med studien är att identifiera gymnasieelevers attityder till att handla second hand samt identifiera barriärer och motiv till att konsumera second hand. Resultatet från studien tillhandahåller följaktligen en ökad kunskap till befintliga second hand-verksamheter om gymnasieelevers attityder till att handla second hand i syfte att utveckla verksamheten. Studiens valda metod är en kvalitativ ansats där semi-strukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med gymnasieelever via videoplattformen Zoom. Totalt 18 elever intervjuades i tre olika skolklasser i Västra Götaland. Sex elever från varje klass deltog i studien. De mest framträdande motiven till att gymnasieelever väljer att handla second hand är det “överkomliga priset” samt “omtanke för miljön” och de mest framträdande barriärerna till att inte vilja handla second hand är “kontaminerade kläder”, “begränsat utbud och tillgänglighet”, “oinspirerade butiksmiljöer” samt “grupptryck”. Motiven och barriärerna sätts i relation till köpprocessen och det visar sig att “överkomligt pris” och “kontaminerade kläder” identifieras i samtliga steg i köpprocessen. Studiens slutsatser är att ett attityd-beteendegap har identifierats hos gymnasieelever samt att barriärer och motiv kan placeras i köpprocessens olika steg. Även storlek på stad påverkar vilken attityd en gymnasieelev har till second hand-köp. Rekommendationer utifrån studiens resultat tyder på att second hand-verksamheter behöver förbättra och effektivisera sin marknadsföring, öka tillgängligheten av butiker för att nå fler konsumenter samt att utveckla butiksatmosfären till en attraktiv miljö för den unga konsumenten. Vår studie bidrar med kunskap om hur gymnasieelever resonerar om barriärer och motiv i köpprocessens olika steg. Kunskapen kan inte generaliseras på grund av studiens begränsade urval och för framtida forskning rekommenderas därför ett bredare urval av respondenter med större geografisk spridning. / Second hand has undergone several phases historically and has over time changed status due to the consumer perception. These days second hand could be worn with concern for the environment, sustainable consumption or as a fashion trend. More second hand businesses have been developed as a response to the increasingly environmentally conscious consumer. Previous research has provided knowledge about various barriers and motives connected to second hand but did not put these barriers and motives in relation to the buying process. In our study, we apply the “theory of planned behaviour” to analyze high school students’ reasoning about barriers and motives in relation to every step of the buying process. Through these perspectives, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of young consumers’ attitudes and behaviors. The main purpose of this study is to identify high school students’ attitudes towards second hand shopping and to identify barriers and motives for consuming second hand. The result from the study will consequently provide an increased knowledge to existing second hand-retailers about high school students' attitudes toward secondhand-buying, in purpose of a business development. This study’s research design is based on a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with high school students via the video platform Zoom. A total of18 students were interviewed in three different classes in Västra Götaland. Six students were chosen from each class to participate in this study. The most prominent motives for highschool students to shop second hand are the affordable price and the concern for the environment. Regarding the barriers for not having a willingness to perform a buying were “contaminated clothes”, “limited supply and availability”, “uninspired stores” and “peerpressure”. The motives and the barriers are put in relation to the buying process and it turns out that “affordable price” and “contaminated clothes” are identified in all steps in the buying process. Conclusions from the study shows that attitude-behavior gap is identified in high school students and that barriers and motives can be placed in various steps of the buying process. The size of the city also affects the attitude of a high school student towards secondhand-buying. Implications based on the results of the study indicate that second hand-business need to improve their efficiency of marketing, increase availability of stores to reach more consumers and to develop the store-environment for the purpose of attracting potential customers. Our study contributes with knowledge of high school students reasoning about barriers and motives in various steps of the buying process. The knowledge can’t be generalized due to the limited selection of the study. Further research could therefore widen the selection of respondents with a greater geographical spread.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Muslims and non-Muslim consumers regardless of who they are or from where they come, whether natives or foreigners in a particular country are much concerned with consuming food products. However, not any researchers in South Africa (SA) have addressed the consumers who buy food products labelled halal. This doctoral dissertation primarily aims to explore and bring new knowledge towards halal food purchasing behaviour. It specifically focuses on understanding the current purchase intention and behaviour of halal consumers in Cape Town, South Africa. For this purpose, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was utilised as the theoretical framework to measure the purchase intention and subsequently the buying behaviour of halal consumers. An exploratory sequential mixed method was adopted. A qualitative approach formed the first phase of the study, while a quantitative approach formed the second phase of the study. For the qualitative phase, data was collected purposively through 9 intensive semi-structured interviews. Nonetheless, for the quantitative phase, data was collected by means of 516 self-administrated questionnaires using a stratified random sampling. In analysing the qualitative data, thematic analysis was applied. However, for the quantitative phase, data was analysed using multivariate statistical analysis known as the Structured Equation Modelling (SEM).

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate consumers’ willingness to act socially responsible in their online fashion purchasing behaviour. Three frameworks; Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Socially Responsible Consumer Behaviour (SRCB) and Consumer Social Responsibility (CNSR), constitute a foundation and have been combined in a conceptual framework. The research approach used is a qualitative research approach, and the empirical data was gathered in two semi-structured focus-groups with five and six participants. The participants were recruited by a convivence sampling method, with purposive sampling characteristics. The findings indicate that factors that influenced consumers’ willingness to act socially responsible was price, convenience, and time. Moreover, the findings show that SRCB is seen as a process, and that consumers’ stage in the process influence their willingness to act socially responsible. Lastly, it is shown that the TPB and SRCB must be considered before consumers can act socially responsible. This since consumers who have positive attitudes towards responsible actions, are susceptible to information of social and environmental issues related to their behaviour. These consumers can create enough awareness to take social- and environmental responsibility for their actions. Responsible consumers also aim to influence other consumers to take a greater responsibility. The findings of this study have contributed to further understanding within the research area of responsible consumers. Since the conceptual framework consider consumer behaviour in combination with their areas of awareness and responsibilities, this study contributes to deeper understanding of why consumers act socially responsible or not.