Factors influencing the attitudes of individuals in favor of sustainable development: a study with students in the field of management

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the attitudes of individuals towards sustainable development, in its different dimensions.Design/methodology/approach: For the scope of the study, were admitted students from presential courses in Administration and Accounting Sciences from two Higher Education Institutions (HEI) located in the State of Bahia. Questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. For the test of hypothesis, a multiple linear regression analysis was made, with a data base of 254 questionnaires.Findings: There was evidence that the knowledge about sustainability influences, in a positive and significant way, the student attitude in Dimensions Environmental, Economic, Social and Education. Results indicate that students with left-wing political conceptions have a tendency of showing more positive attitudes regarding sustainable development in Social and Education Dimensions. Finally, evidence was obtained about negative and significant relation between family income with Environmental and Economic Dimensions.Research Implications: Conceptually, in this study a fourth dimension of attitudes regarding sustainability was incorporated to the traditional tripod of sustainability, thus transforming it in a tetrahedron.Practical Implications: The meaning and importance of those evidences are discussed and can contribute to generate policies on education for sustainability.Originality/value: The study contributes to enable a better understanding about the formative process, the conscience, the attitude and the behaviors around sustainability questions in the field of management, which are relevant for reaching one of the Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations.

The influence of green fashion products on the achievement of the 12 Sustainable Development Goals for masters and doctoral students

“…Thus, in view of the perspective punctuated by Cruz, Gomes, Figueiredo, Sampaio, Dias Filho and Ferreira Neto (2020), where women tend to obtain more positive attitudes towards sustainable behavior than men, it appears that the…”

“…Taking into account the sustainable perspective, factors such as gender influence the attitudes of individuals, considering that they have different needs and interests, and consequently different contributions related to sustainability. In this sense, women tend to adhere to more positive attitudes towards the environmental aspect, being more prone to active attitudes towards sustainable behavior (Cruz, Gomes, Figueiredo, Sampaio, Dias Filho & Ferreira Neto, 2020) Xie, Huo and Zou (2019) explain that, although some consumers are not willing to pay more for green products, in general, having an ecologically correct image is very important for companies to win customers who are willing to buy green products, regardless of the price that has been allocated to them. The green image of a company refers to organizations that have a perception of environmental commitment and concern.…”

How urban green areas influence different dimensions of sustainable behaviour

“…Environmental education includes relevant strategies such as the recognition of environmental problems and the intention to study solutions to address them through sustainable consumption. Therefore, environmental education has its roots in society's concerns about the future and the quality of life of present and future generations, reflecting on new ways for people to relate to the environment (Chan, 2001;da Cruz et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2014).…”