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Factors Affecting Contractors’ Waste Reduction Behavior in China: An Integrated Theory of Planned Behavior and Norm Activation Model Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Bojun Wang

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China)

  • Yingying Du

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China)

  • Yanping Yang

    (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China)

Abstract

Construction waste reduction is crucial for conserving resources, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development. However, few studies have explored the factors that may prompt construction waste reduction behavior among contractors in the Chinese construction industry. To address this gap, this study aims to examine the psychological drivers of contractors’ waste reduction behavior by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Norm Activation Model. This integrated approach allows for an analysis of motivations from both self-interested and altruistic viewpoints. Survey data were collected from 437 Chinese contractors and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) to empirically test the proposed theoretical model. The findings of this study reveal that reduction intention and perceived behavioral control are the most critical drivers of contractors’ waste reduction behavior. Subjective norms and personal norms also exert significant influence, with personal norms demonstrating a full mediation effect through reduction intention on behavior. Crucially, government monitoring significantly and positively moderates the relationship between reduction intention and actual behavior. This research not only deepens the theoretical understanding of contractors’ waste reduction behavior but, more importantly, provides robust empirical support for developing composite governance strategies that can simultaneously activate contractors’ internal norms and external motivations.

Suggested Citation

  • Bojun Wang & Yingying Du & Yanping Yang, 2025. "Factors Affecting Contractors’ Waste Reduction Behavior in China: An Integrated Theory of Planned Behavior and Norm Activation Model Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9202-:d:1773370
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Han Zhang & Shiying Shi & Fangfang Zhao & Mingming Hu & Xiao Fu, 2024. "Integrated Benefits of Sustainable Utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste in a Pressure-State-Response Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-24, September.
    3. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
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