A structural equation test of the value-attitude-behavior hierarchy.

Abstract

The role of values has received limited empirical attention relative to its potential significance, especially within a causal modeling approach. A series of multivariate and structural equation analyses supported the hypotheses that values have internal and external dimensions that influence attitudes. In turn, attitudes were found to influence behaviors, as the final phase in the value-attitude-behavior hierarchy. These analyses were performed on data derived from a survey about natural food shopping. As hypothesized, we found that people who have more internally oriented and less externally oriented value structures like natural foods more than other people, and these attitudes then lead to behaviors appropriate to the structure. Theoretical implications are discussed.The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments from Robert M. O'Brien.

Identifying the green consumer: A segmentation study

“…The studies undertaken by Homer and Kahle 39 and McCarty and Shrum 40 helped to clarify the interrelationship between values, attitudes and environmental behaviour. The research undertaken by Homer and Kahle 39 provided the empirical support for the hierarchical effect of the ' valueattitude-behaviour ' model in the case of ecological food.…”

The Value Base of Water Governance: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective

“…Empirical research in environmental psychology often aims at explaining environmentally friendly behaviour through a causal chain or cognitive hierarchy from values to attitudes and behaviour (Homer & Kahle 1988). According to the most recent literature, there are four types of values that determine environmentally relevant beliefs, preferences, and actions, namely 'hedonic', 'egoistic', 'altruistic', and 'biospheric' values (Steg et al 2014).…”

The baby boomer market maven in the United Kingdom: an experienced diffuser of marketplace information

“…Clearly, this personality trait is akin to materialism, which is usually classified as a value in the consumer behaviour literature (Bearden & Netemeyer, 1999), and has been found to be an antecedent to market mavenism (Goodey & East, 2008). Perhaps, then, investigations into values are more worthwhile, especially as values have hierarchical primacy over attitudes (Homer & Kahle, 1988) and transcend objects and situations, which attitudes do not (Crosby, Gill, & Lee, 1984). Indeed, values can help the understanding of consumer's motivations and logic of decision-making (Homer & Kahle, 1988) and influence a range of consumer behaviours including reactions to products media preferences, advertising, packaging, personal selling and retailing (Batra, Homer, & Kahle, 2001).…”