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Digital and Green Behaviour: An Exploratory Study on Italian Consumers

Author

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  • Nadia Palmieri

    (Department of Economics and Legal Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Generale Parisi Street, 13, 80132 Naples, Italy)

  • Flavio Boccia

    (Department of Economics and Legal Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Generale Parisi Street, 13, 80132 Naples, Italy)

  • Daniela Covino

    (Department of Economics and Legal Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Generale Parisi Street, 13, 80132 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

This paper aimed to understand consumer behaviour based on different constructs of buying behaviour antecedents, which included attitudes towards social aspects, green values, the value placed on digital channels, and green advertisements. Through an online survey of 650 respondents, we investigated the characteristics that affect consumer behaviour in Italy. A structural equation modelling (SEM) method was then used to explore the effects of the identified constructs on people’s buying behaviour, as well as evaluate their relative importance. On the one hand, the findings showed that among the identified constructs, attitudes towards social aspects have a direct effect on eco-friendly consumption, while green values positively impact both buying behaviour and openness to green publicity. On the other hand, green publicity only shows a weak impact on buying behaviours, while peoples’ attitudes towards digital channels have a positive effect on both eco-friendly consumption and on buying behaviour. In other words, the results suggest that people’s digital propensity, paired with environmental sensibility, may affect the online purchase of sustainable food. In light of the above, these results should be important for makers and experts dealing with green products, particularly sellers. In fact, sellers and marketers should consider our results as insights into their segmentation, targeting, and positioning strategies in markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadia Palmieri & Flavio Boccia & Daniela Covino, 2024. "Digital and Green Behaviour: An Exploratory Study on Italian Consumers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:8:p:3459-:d:1379707
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nadia Palmieri & Flavio Boccia & Assunta Di Vaio & Daniela Covino, 2025. "The Great Filter? A Preliminary Study on Metaverse and Sustainable Food Consumer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Antonio Garofalo & Nadia Palmieri & Flavio Boccia, 2025. "Is gastronomy crucial for UNESCO sites’ tourists? An important exploratory Italian study," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(1), pages 133-151, February.
    3. Nadia Palmieri & Daniela Covino & Flavio Boccia, 2024. "Digital channels and green transition: Consumer behaviour as for organic food e-commerce platforms," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2024(3), pages 117-136.

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