Comparing normative influences as determinants of environmentally conscious behaviours between the USA and Japan

Abstract

The present study explored the influences of subjective and descriptive norms on environmentally conscious behaviours between the USA and Japan. It was predicted that subjective norms would have a larger effect on behaviour in Japan than in the USA. Descriptive norms were expected to have a greater influence on behaviour in the USA. The survey was done with 160 American students and 114 Japanese students. The results showed that subjective norms are relevant only in Japan, but the effect was limited. Alternatively, descriptive norms were a powerful determinant in the USA. It was also found that respondents asserted that they commit environmentally conscious behaviours more frequently than others, regardless of their country. The present research suggests that the role of subjective and descriptive norms may vary between cultures, and highlights a necessity for distinguishing between interpersonal and social norms

Environmental Consciousness in Daily Activities Measured by Negative Prompts

“…Sustainability 2016, 8,24 All ages and gender were almost equally represented except for teens (3.4%). Company employees accounted for one third of the total respondents.…”

“…Sustainability 2016, 8,24 9 concern and personal responsibility and displayed PEB regardless of others' perceptions. However, people living with more than two others showed almost no difference to the mean.…”

“…Results of factor analysis. Sustainability 2016, 8,24 certain respondents in the group dedicated the most time and placed high priority on environmental problems. …”

Influential Factors on Pro-Environmental Behaviors—A Case Study in Tokyo and Seoul

“…"Environment friendly" is relatively close to "Moral" in Seoul, while this reason is closely connected to "Following others" and "Recommendation" in Tokyo. Social norms, such as descriptive and subjective norms (i.e., the influence of others), are one of the most important factors in PEBs [7,8,10,[27][28][29]. Ando et al [7,8] have pointed out that the Japanese are more influenced by others, namely by subjective norms, when practicing PEBs than people in other countries.…”

“…Although people may intend to practice PEBs, various factors such as traditional values, lifestyle, and surrounding circumstances can influence their behavior. In the field of PEB studies, to understand the PEBs deeply, various cross-national studies have been conducted [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”