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Resistance to Change and Perceived Risk as Determinants of Water-Saving Intention

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco J. Sarabia-Sanchez

    (Center for Innovation and Business Development, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain)

  • Isabel P. Riquelme

    (Department of Economic and Financial Studies, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain)

  • Juan Manuel Bruno

    (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5000HRV Córdoba, Argentina)

Abstract

Both the academic literature and global organizations have emphasized the need for responsible water consumption, as stated in Sustainable Development Goal 12. However, individuals’ water-saving behaviors in their current state are not enough. This situation entails a resistance to change (RC) in consumer habits and a lack of perceived risk of scarcity. The novelty of this study lies in examining the influence of RC (through its emotional, cognitive, and confidence components) and perceived risk on water-saving intention. Interviews ( n = 384) were conducted in the southeast Mediterranean area of Spain by interviewers using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. The results of the structural equation modeling show that the perceived risk and the components of cognitive rigidity and negative emotions exert a direct influence on water-saving habits and an indirect influence on water-saving intention. None of the components of RC directly influence intention, and a lack of confidence in the outcomes of water saving does not influence water-saving habits or water-saving intention. In addition to the results obtained, the novelty of the work lies in the idea that in order to influence the perception of the risk of water scarcity through awareness campaigns, it is better to use an emotional message rather than showing facts or information because this does not drive water-saving behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco J. Sarabia-Sanchez & Isabel P. Riquelme & Juan Manuel Bruno, 2021. "Resistance to Change and Perceived Risk as Determinants of Water-Saving Intention," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:4677-:d:541401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carla Rodriguez-Sanchez & Francisco J. Sarabia-Sanchez, 2020. "Does Water Context Matter in Water Conservation Decision Behaviour?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Paul Slovic, 1999. "Trust, Emotion, Sex, Politics, and Science: Surveying the Risk‐Assessment Battlefield," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(4), pages 689-701, August.
    3. Jingling Chen & Rob van Tulder & Tao Eric Hu & Thorben Kwakkenbos, 2020. "Why People Do Not Keep Their Promise: Understanding the Pro-Environmental Behavior in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-18, August.
    4. Heidenreich, Sven & Kraemer, Tobias, 2015. "Passive innovation resistance: The curse of innovation? Investigating consequences for innovative consumer behavior," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 134-151.
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    1. Mina Khodadad & Mohsen Sanei & Christian Narvaez-Montoya & Ismael Aguilar-Barajas, 2022. "Climatic Hazards and the Associated Impacts on Households’ Willingness to Adopt Water-Saving Measures: Evidence from Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.

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