Using the theory of planned behavior to explore environmental behavioral intentions in the workplace

• Published in: Journal of environmental psychology 2013-06, Vol.34, p.109-120
• Main Authors: Greaves, Martin, Zibarras, Lara D., Stride, Chris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antecedent beliefs; Individual behavior change; Pro-environmental behavior; Theory of planned behavior
• ISSN: 0272-4944; 1522-9610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.02.003

This paper presents a study using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore environmental behavioral intentions in a workplace setting. The first stage of the research process was the development of a questionnaire covering TPB constructs, their antecedent beliefs, and environmental behavioral intentions across three scenarios (switching off PCs every time employees left their desks for an hour or more; using video-conferencing for meetings that would otherwise require travel; and recycling as much waste as possible), using best practice guidelines to ensure that it was specific and precisely defined for the target population. This was then administered to N = 449 participants, with the resulting dataset used to test hypotheses relating antecedent beliefs to behavioral intentions via the potentially mediating effect of TPB constructs. TPB constructs were found to explain between 46% and 61% of the variance in employee intentions to engage in three environmental behaviors, and to mediate the effects of specific antecedent beliefs upon employee intentions to engage in these behaviors. The results form a basis upon which interventions could be developed within the host organization, and are discussed in relation to their implications, in terms of theory, practice and future research. ► We investigated three potential pro-environmental behaviors in a workplace setting. ► We developed a bespoke scale based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). ► TPB accounted for 46–61% of variance in employee intentions to perform the behaviors. ► Using TPB antecedent beliefs enabled specific intervention targets to be identified. ► Findings were used by organization to design interventions to encourage behavior.