The transmission of biased eWOM reduces the usefulness of online reviews to consumers and, if negative, is likely to affect a brand's image adversely. This research aims to investigate how traits, attention-seeking, and taking-the-lead make senders of eWOM subject to either the positivity or negativity bias, and how the cultural value of collectivism refines this relationship. A sample of 345 Chinese consumers was formed, and the data from an online survey was analysed using PLS-SEM. Results show that the attention-seeking trait makes Chinese people more susceptible to the negativity bias; however, a collectivistic culture weakens such a relationship. The taking-the-lead trait makes Chinese people more susceptible to the positivity bias, and a collectivistic culture strengthens this relationship. Our findings of the personality-culture nexus make a novel contribution to the eWOM literature.

Consumption values influence consumer choices in many industries. However, prior experience does not appear to have been combined with consumption value theory to explain attitudes towards electric vehicles. According to consumption value theory, value is multi-dimensional and product choice is influenced by perceptions of utilitarian and emotional value. The objective of this study is to evaluate the extent to which perceived values, emotions and experience influence attitudes and purchase intentions. As a high involvement decision, car buying is generally considered from a utilitarian, cost-benefit perspective. By considering the emotional and experiential facets of decision making, this study contributes to the literature and extends the theory of consumption values. The findings are based on a survey of older, higher income car buyers (n = 340), a segment that might convert from conventional to battery electric vehicles. Data analysis consists of partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that anticipated emotions, contextual change, charging anxiety and hedonic value have a significant effect on attitudes, which drive purchase intentions. The results show that prior experience is a double edged sword: although prior experience weakens charging anxieties, it dampens emotions. Several recommendations for policy makers and practitioners are made to promote the diffusion of battery electric vehicles in Australia and other laggard markets.

Wasted food has detrimental effects on the natural environment and on society. Although reducing food waste is seen as an ethical consumption behaviour, the influence of moral norms on food waste is still under debate and research has shown mixed results. To address this research gap, a temporal, extended norm activation model (NAM) is presented in this study, and it incorporates neutralization theory to explain how people negotiate moral issues. That is, individuals use several neutralization techniques to suppress their moral norms, which subsequently influence their intentions related to food waste. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse data from an online panel of UK consumers (n = 358). We found pathways between neutralisation techniques, moral norms and intentions towards avoiding food waste. The research shows that people use two neutralization techniques, "denial of responsibility" and "condemning the condemners" to dampen their moral norms, which further weaken their intentions to avoid food waste. Recommendations for policymakers and practitioners are made and de-neutralisation tools are identified, such as making people aware of their internal dialogues, ensuring greater accountability in food waste reduction pledges and providing workplace training.

There is a growing literature on the role of mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in supporting older adults and the self-management of personal health. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the usability of a government-funded mobile health app amongst older Australians and to evaluate whether cognitive function and demographic characteristics (i.e. age, gender, education) are associated with usability. A total of 28 older adults living in a regional city in Australia took part in the study. The participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data collection instruments consisted of validated cognitive tests, task-based usability tests, and a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using non-parametric strategies. The findings of this study demonstrated that a government-funded, mHealth app was usable by older adults. Users were able to perform basic tasks in an effective and efficient manner. The hypothesis that elderly age would be significantly associated with performance on cognitive tests, as well as usability, was not supported. Performance on some cognitive tests was significantly and positively related to usability. Education and gender were not related to usability. The results suggest that traditional stereotypes surrounding aging and cognitive decline need to be reexamined.

Orienting household behaviors towards more efficient use of energy in the home is crucial to climate change mitigation efforts. The objective of this work is to examine the social-psychological antecedents of energy curtailment in solar households. Using an online survey (n = 257) of solar households in Australia, the study validates an augmented model of planned behavior using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study shows that the path of a standard construct, from perceived behavioral control to intentions, is interrupted by moral licensing, a concept that has been largely ignored in studies applying the standard model of planned behavior. The study provides fresh insight into how consumers vindicate wasteful energy consumption behavior through moral licensing. Amongst its contributions, the study shows that social influence is the most important driver of intentions and behavior. The habitualised use of energy has a significant, negative effect on behavior. This work has several recommendations for retailers and policy makers in global energy markets on how to minimise licensing and negligent habits, and at the same time, it opens up new research avenues in the ethical consumption discourse.

Homeowners play a critical role in the uptake of low-carbon technologies, yet little is known about the factors that underlie market acceptance of residential battery storage. This research integrates social–psychological, demographic and behavioural factors into a holistic model that predicts market acceptance. Previous research has indicated that social factors play a crucial role in the adoption of rooftop solar. Still, the influence of subjective norms on battery storage, a relatively invisible technology, has yet to be fully understood. An online survey from homeowners in Australia, a mature renewable energy market, is used to provide insights into market acceptance that are relevant to international energy markets. A two-step econometric model, using factor analysis and ordered logistic regression, was used for data analysis. The results show that subjective norms, moral emotions and an environmental self-identity are positively associated with market acceptance. Demographic factors, such as younger age and higher levels of education, predict market acceptance. Motives such as technical interest, autarky and load-shifting behaviours are also relevant. Several recommendations for policymakers and practitioners are offered to improve the acceptance of battery storage, including interventions that exploit social parameters and appeal to consumer psychology.

Empirical evidence concerning the effects of multiple identities on energy consumption is growing, but it is unclear if the strength of their influence depends on a given domain. This research contributes to the literature by using identity theory to examine routine energy-saving behavior and purchase-related behavior. The mediating role of anticipated guilt in this central relationship between identity and energy saving is also explored. The study also compares solar with non-solar households using multi-group analysis since energy saving in solar homes is underexplored. Survey data were obtained from 607 Australian respondents and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that multiple identities are linked to energy-related behaviors and mediated through anticipated guilt. Interestingly, when studying the mediated links, the results show that an environmental identity is more influential than a frugal identity in motivating the choice of energy-efficient appliances. The findings serve as an opportunity for policymakers and practitioners to ‘nudge’ people towards energy conservation. The study suggests that combining guilt appeals with identity is likely to be effective in motivating energy-saving behaviors in both solar and non-solar households.

Addressing inequities in rooftop solar access is crucial to achieving decarbonisation and energy justice goals. This study contributes to the literature by applying an adapted consumption values model to the rooftop solar context and by examining renters' perceptions of factors that would reduce barriers to solar uptake. An online survey (n = 331) of Australian households reveals that value-for-money perceptions are the only significant difference between adopters and non-adopters of solar. Structural equation modelling shows that, while idealistic values influence attitudes towards rooftop solar, pragmatic values drive installation intentions, which is aligned with prior research. Logistic regression shows that the higher the functional value (defined as the perceived utility of a product based on value for money, performance or quality perceptions) and the higher the conditional value (defined as the perceived utility of a product based on the circumstances faced by the decision maker), the higher the odds of installing solar. The findings are consistent with studies reporting significant cost barriers to solar adoption. Several recommendations for policy makers and practitioners are made to support equitable access to rooftop solar and help address the negative effects of past policies that favoured homeowners over renters.

Purpose This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and lifestyle) contributing to different levels of food waste. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a face-to-face survey of 334 respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify consumer segments, and econometric analysis is used to model the factors contributing to different levels of food waste. Findings A total of six lifestyle segments are identified: the freshness lovers, the vegetarian and organic food lovers, the recycle/reuse advocates, the waste-conscious consumers, the label-conscious/sensory consumer and the food waste defenders. This research distinguishes between low and medium levels of food waste based on marginal effects analysis. At low levels of food waste, consumers who worry about the food waste cost, making efforts to reduce food waste are less likely to waste food. Affluent consumers, who claim to be waste conscious, have young children and frequently eat outside, are more likely to waste food than others, lying in the medium waste group. Originality/value Australia, like many other countries, has high levels of food waste and despite policy efforts, curbing household food waste remains a challenge. In addition, there are limited food waste studies that focus on consumers who practice sustainable lifestyles. The current paper contributes to the market segmentation literature and has several implications for food policy and practice.

The deployment of battery storage is crucial to decarbonizing the energy sector and mitigating climate change. The study examines the antecedents of battery storage acceptance and perceptions of prosumer and leasing models. An online survey was conducted with 609 homeowners in Australia, a mature renewable energy market. A two-step econometric model was used to analyze the data. The result shows that an environmental self-identity, subjective norms, the independence motive, technical interest, load-shifting interest, and education levels are positively related to acceptance of battery storage, while worries about battery technology, costs and age are negatively associated with acceptance of battery storage. The results show a general willingness to share and trade electricity. Over a quarter of respondents are interested in acting as prosumers and leasing batteries in return for a credit on the electricity bill. The main contribution to the literature is the insights generated into consumer acceptance of battery storage. Recommendations for practitioners and policymakers are made.

This study aims to identify the impact of psychological mechanisms, such as trust propensity and individuation, on response to eWOM by differentiating between volume of positive/negative eWOM and net eWOM valence (e.g., when positive eWOM volume exceeds negative eWOM volume and vice versa). Analysis based on 428 survey responses from Australia and China shows that positive eWOM positively influences brand image, particularly for individuals with a high trust propensity. Surprisingly, negative eWOM does not affect brand image, but negative net valence is influential, particularly for consumers with a high trust propensity and those scoring high on individuation.

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been widespread concern regarding the carbon footprint (CF) of food waste due to the key impact of CF on climate change, particularly as China’s food waste is rising with its economic development. China has the largest scale of higher education in the world, and the amount of food waste in university canteens is considerable and cannot be ignored. This study attempts to assess the carbon footprint (CF) of food waste at Chinese universities for the first time based on a national survey. It is estimated that 1.55 million tons of food were wasted in Chinese university canteens in 2018, based on 9,192 samples covering 29 provinces in China. The associated CF was 2.51 Mt CO2eq. The top two food categories contributing to the total CF were meat and grains, accounting for 46.28% and 36.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the location of the university was significantly associated with the CF of plate waste. It also indicated that household income, meal satisfaction, sex, education, meal days, and food-saving campaigns were important factors influencing the CF of food waste. This study highlights areas that can help reduce the environmental impact of plate waste. It also provides targeted measures to reduce the associated CF of food waste in Chinese universities.

Emerging economies, particularly China, are likely to play a critical role in determining global food waste. The paper investigates plate waste from a staple food consumption pattern perspective by surveying 9,192 Chinese university students at the on-campus canteens in 29 provinces of mainland China. A significant finding is that diet culture is closely related to food waste. Southerners who consume rice as a staple food are found to waste more food than Northerners who are wheat-based eaters on average. A robust test confirms the finding when matching the student's hometown and university location and setting the “Southerners studying in South China” as the reference group. Taking into account the possible self-selection problem, the robustness test based on the PSM model also confirms the association between staple food consumption patterns and food waste in Chinese university canteens. Comparative analyses based on the components of food consumption and the compositions of wastage further suggest that the differences in staple food consumption patterns determine the food wastage variations. This study provides empirical evidence that differences in consumption patterns bring about the disparity in food wastage within a country.

Plastic packaging has a destructive impact on the environment, and it is crucial to understand consumer response to plastic substitutes. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of sustainable lifestyles on the willingness to buy two types of packaging, sustainable and edible packaging, along with barriers to purchase. An online survey was conducted with 477 Australian consumers. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Out of the three lifestyle segments identified through cluster analysis, two segments are willing to buy edible packaging. Perceived dispersed responsibility to protect the environment is a psycho-social factor influencing purchase intentions. Willingness to buy sustainable packaging is positively related to familiarity with the sustainable packaging format and willingness to buy is negatively related to functional barriers. Different lifestyle segments respond to edible packaging in different ways. This study makes an important contribution to the marketing literature given the scarcity of studies on sustainable lifestyle segmentation. The study has implications for business managers who wish to acquire competitive advantage through packaging and niche marketing.

Rooftop solar PV installations have experienced rapid and unprecedented growth in Australia. However, one issue that contributes to inefficiencies in the electricity market is the ‘solar rebound effect’ which refers to the reduction in expected gains from eco-efficient technologies due to an increase in the use of the resource. However, little literature exists that incorporates consumers’ cognitions into studies of the solar rebound effect in Australia. This study aims to bridge a research gap by examining consumer perceptions of the solar rebound effect after installing rooftop solar, along with the psychological factors that might play a role in mitigating the solar rebound effects. A quantitative methodology was adopted, and a pilot survey was administered to residents (n=68) in a regional city. Frequency distributions and non-parametric tests were undertaken. The results indicate significant differences between those who report a solar rebound effect and those who do not, relating to factors such as thermal comfort, bill consciousness and an environmental self-identity. Implications for future research and practice are outlined in the paper.

Solar energy is crucial to the transformation of the energy system, and it is important to promote 'green' energy technologies to achieve the 2015 UN Paris Agreement targets. This study takes a holistic view of consumers' energy-related behaviour by identifying the factors driving the adoption of rooftop solar photovoltaic and by distinguishing the electricity conservation practices of solar and non-solar households. We reveal a nuanced understanding of the rebound effect from a behavioural perspective, which may help solar energy policy formulation and efficient decarbonization pathways in Australia and elsewhere. A face-to-face survey of 325 households in a regional city, principal component analysis and binary probit analysis were used to investigate the intention to install rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. The results show that home ownership, unwillingness to sacrifice personal comforts to save electricity, being pro-energy efficiency, and income are positively related to rooftop solar installation. In addition, different segments, such as the 'energy-efficiency advocate', the 'digital tool lovers' and the 'behaviour change advocates' were identified. Finally, recommendations for policy and practice are made to promote rooftop solar and more careful use of electricity in the residential sector.