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Exploring sustainability cross‐culturally: Employees' beliefs on green behaviors

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  • Alexander Yuriev
  • Willian Sierra‐Barón

Abstract

This study explores antecedent beliefs associated with green workplace behaviors within various cultures. Semi‐directed interviews were conducted with non‐academic employees of Canadian and Colombian universities in order to identify their beliefs towards two studied behaviors, such as using alternative transportation on the way to the university and making eco‐suggestions at work. Two researchers, applying the fundamentals of the theory of planned behavior, analyzed the interviews and identified pertinent behavioral, normative and control beliefs. Results of the study indicate that cultural and contextual specificities have a non‐negligible effect on intentions to engage in pro‐environmental workplace behaviors. Certain factors that impeded or facilitated the intention to engage in the studied behaviors were present only in transcripts from one country. Moreover, participants from Canada mentioned various beliefs significantly, more frequently, in comparison with Colombian respondents. Findings of this research indicate the necessity to differentiate practical recommendations depending on the behavior and the cultural context.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Yuriev & Willian Sierra‐Barón, 2020. "Exploring sustainability cross‐culturally: Employees' beliefs on green behaviors," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 1199-1207, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:28:y:2020:i:5:p:1199-1207
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2069
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katarzyna Piwowar-Sulej & Izabela Kołodziej, 2022. "Organizational practices promoting employees’ pro-environmental behaviors in a Visegrad Group country: How much does company ownership matter?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(2), pages 1-16, February.

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