The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of consumers’ green perceptions (CGPs) which encompasses consumers’ current perceptions of green products, green consumers, green consumption practices, and green marketing communications. We hypothesise that CGPs may influence their consumption behaviour and how ready they are to be green. Focus groups were used to explore the concept of CGPs. Stage Two involved two surveys in Australia and New Zealand to test and corroborate the themes that were identified in the exploratory study. We identified five dimensions underpinning CGPs. These include “product perception”, “hard to be green”, “green stigma”, “perceived sense of responsibility” and “readiness to be green”. This paper presents the findings from both studies, provides empirical insights into Australian and New Zealand consumers’ green perceptions and demonstrates the explanatory power of CGPs in predicting green consumption behaviour, in particular their likelihood to purchase green household products.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to understand how and why environmentally conscious consumers rationalise their non-green purchase behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
– Seven focus groups were conducted. A total of 51 people, aged 19-70 years, participated in the study. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to organise the data as various themes emerged.
Findings
– Through application of neutralisation theory, this study identified additional barriers to green consumption. Two new neutralisation techniques emerged, namely protecting (maintaining) one’s sense of self and consumer attachment to the brand. These techniques recognise the impact consumer culture has had on consumers.
Research limitations/implications
– The study took place in an urban centre hence the views of the participants may be different from those who live in rural centres; low-income consumers were under-represented; and more male participants would have been desirable.
Social implications
– Despite its limitations, this study reveals that consumers will rationalise their decisions in order to protect their self-esteem and self-identity. Until green becomes a social norm, consumers will continue to place individual goals over collective goals. Understanding this rationalisation process is important if marketers and policy makers want to encourage behavioural change.
Originality/value
– This study makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of the green attitude-behaviour gap. It provides fresh insights into how environmentally conscious consumers vindicate their non-green consumption behaviours and how marketers and policy makers can overcome these challenges. It also identifies two new neutralisation techniques and extends the theory to a consumer culture context.
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