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The power of respect for authority and empathy – Leveraging non-cognitive theoretical constructs to trigger environmentally sustainable tourist behaviour

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  • Zhu, Oscar Yuheng
  • Li, Hongwei
  • Grün, Bettina
  • Dolnicar, Sara

Abstract

Behavioural change research for environmental sustainability is currently guided almost exclusively by a cognitive paradigm, which assumes that cognitive constructs drive behaviour and must be influenced to change it. This study challenges this dominant paradigm and tests two non-cognitive theoretical constructs – respect for authority and empathy – in the context of reducing buffet plate waste. Respect for authority (in contrast to empathy) passes the manipulation check and significantly reduces plate waste in a quasi-experimental field study in a Chinese hotel, providing proof of concept for a new, urgently needed, re-orientation in behavioural change intervention design. The intervention tested in this study can immediately be deployed by tourism and hospitality businesses who want to make their buffets more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Oscar Yuheng & Li, Hongwei & Grün, Bettina & Dolnicar, Sara, 2024. "The power of respect for authority and empathy – Leveraging non-cognitive theoretical constructs to trigger environmentally sustainable tourist behaviour," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:105:y:2024:i:c:s0160738323001548
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2023.103681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geng, Yuqing & Zhang, Xiaorui & Gao, Juan & Yan, Yan & Chen, Lingyan, 2024. "Bibliometric analysis of sustainable tourism using CiteSpace," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).

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