Forest owners' stand improvement decisions: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

• Published in: Forest policy and economics 2015-01, Vol.50, p.275-284
• Main Authors: Karppinen, Heimo, Berghäll, Sami
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Associations; Attitude; Family forest; Finland; Men; Norm; SEM model; Stand improvement; Surveys; Women
• ISSN: 1389-9341; 1872-7050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2014.09.009

Forest owners' timber stand improvement (TSI) intentions were studied by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which was tested by estimating structural equation models on Finnish landowner survey data (n=2116). The TPB was supported by empirical data. The subjective norm was the most important explanatory factor, and attitudes had a smaller explanatory power. Perceived behavioral control had an inhibiting influence on TSI intentions. Women's intentions were more influenced by norm pressures than men's intentions. In the youngest and oldest age cohorts, the norm pressures were clearly the most dominant explanatory factor. The more urban the residential area of the forest owner, the more important were the norm pressures from outside. From the policy point of view, the responsiveness and need for professional advice of the younger (“new”), urban and female forest owners are worth noting: the most important referent was the extension personnel of the local forest management association. [Display omitted] •Theory of Planned Behavior was a good fit in explaining stand improvement.•Subjective norm was the most important explanatory factor.•Perceived behavioral control had an inhibiting influence.•The younger (“new”), urban and female forest owners are responsive to professional advice.