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Systematic exploring domestic waste sorting behavior and influence mechanism of international students in China: based on the PKIC analysis framework

Author

Listed:
  • Qiong Zhang

    (Ningbo Polytechnic)

  • Yun Li

    (Ningbo Polytechnic)

  • Lei Ding

    (Ningbo Polytechnic)

  • Bin Jiang

    (Ningbo Polytechnic)

Abstract

The target group of domestic waste sorting (DWS) behavior focuses on urban residents, rural residents, college students and so on, while ignoring the comprehensive disclosure of the impact mechanism of international students’ DWS behavior. In this study, the PKIC analysis framework with 16 observed variables in four latitudes of “Personal Cognition, Knowledge and Education, Institutional Norms and Collective Action” is proposed, and a modified Structural Equation Model is employed to systematically reveal the main influencing factors and paths of international students’ DWS behavior in Zhejiang Province. The results illustrate that the DWS behavior of international students in China conforms to the PKIC analysis framework. Among them, the comprehensive influence of “Knowledge and Education” on the DWS behavior of international students is the largest (0.452), while the influence of “Institutional Norms” (0.297) is the least, which means that the influence of institutional norms on the group environmental behavior is weak in the context of stranger social environment. The DWS behavior of international students is comprehensively affected by 13 observed variables, and the degree of mastery of waste classification knowledge had the greatest influence, with a coefficient of 0.364. In addition, the difference of the individual background of international students has a significant impact on the DWS behavior of international students, which is reflected in the different educational levels and the time length of studying in China. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the environmental education and related policy promotion and guidance of short-term international students in China, which includes improving the practice of waste classification knowledge of international students through a variety of environmental education channels, strengthening collective action guidance, and playing a positive role of peer guidance.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiong Zhang & Yun Li & Lei Ding & Bin Jiang, 2025. "Systematic exploring domestic waste sorting behavior and influence mechanism of international students in China: based on the PKIC analysis framework," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(5), pages 10439-10467, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04317-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04317-3
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