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The Interaction of Economic Rewards and Moral Convictions in Predicting Attitudes toward Resource Use

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  • Brock Bastian
  • Airong Zhang
  • Kieren Moffat

Abstract

When people are morally convicted regarding a specific issue, these convictions exert a powerful influence on their attitudes and behavior. In the current research we examined whether there are boundary conditions to the influence of this effect. Specifically, whether in the context of salient economic rewards, moral convictions may become weaker predictors of attitudes regarding resource use. Focusing on the issue of mining we gathered large-scale samples across three different continents (Australia, Chile, and China). We found that moral convictions against mining were related to a reduced acceptance of mining in each country, while perceived economic rewards from mining increased acceptance. These two motivations interacted, however, such that when perceived economic benefit from mining was high, the influence of moral conviction was weaker. The results highlight the importance of understanding the roles of both moral conviction and financial gain in motivating attitudes towards resource use.

Suggested Citation

  • Brock Bastian & Airong Zhang & Kieren Moffat, 2015. "The Interaction of Economic Rewards and Moral Convictions in Predicting Attitudes toward Resource Use," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(8), pages 1-9, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0134863
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134863
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    2. Ajzenman, Nicolás & Balza, Lenin & Bejarano, Hernan & De Los Rios, Camilo & Gómez Parra, Nicolás, 2023. "Seemingly irrelevant factors and willingness to block polluting investments," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13325, Inter-American Development Bank.
    3. Measham, Thomas G. & Zhang, Airong, 2019. "Social licence, gender and mining: Moral conviction and perceived economic importance," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 363-368.
    4. Svobodova, Kamila & Vojar, Jiri & Yellishetty, Mohan & Janeckova Molnarova, Kristina, 2020. "A multi-component approach to conceptualizing the reputation of the mining industry from a stakeholder perspective," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    5. Dumbrell, Nikki P. & Adamson, David & Wheeler, Sarah Ann, 2020. "Is social licence a response to government and market failures? Evidence from the literature," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    6. Sesele, Kentse & Marais, Lochner & van Rooyen, Deidre, 2021. "Women and mine closure: A case study of policy in South Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).

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