Exploring purchase intention of green skincare products using the theory of planned behavior: Testing the moderating effects of country of origin and price sensitivity

• Published in: Journal of retailing and consumer services 2017-01, Vol.34, p.145-152
• Main Authors: Hsu, Chia-Lin, Chang, Chi-Ya, Yansritakul, Chutinart
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Country of origin; Environmental problem; Green skincare product; Price sensitivity; The theory of planned behavior
• ISSN: 0969-6989; 1873-1384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2016.10.006

Increased community awareness on various environmental problems has changed consumers’ behaviors and induced purchasing decisions on green products. Applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study aims to explain the effects (i.e., attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) on purchase intention of green skincare products; it also aims to determine if country of origin (COO) and price sensitivity moderate the links between purchase intention and its antecedences. Data collected from 300 respondents in Taiwan are tested against the research model by using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control have a significant impact on purchase intention of green skincare products, and that country of origin and price sensitivity can enhance the positive effects on the links between purchase intention and its antecedences. The findings of this study present important theoretical and practical implications for consumer green product purchase behaviors. •TPB is useful for predicting purchase intention of green skincare products.•Additional constructs (country of origin and price sensitivity) are included in TPB.•Attitude, SN and PBC significantly affect purchase intention.•We show the moderating effects of country of origin and price sensitivity.