Pro-Environmental Behavior Decisions in Face Mask Usage: A Pilot Study

  • Syeliya Md Zaini Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam
  • Corina Joseph Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Sarawak, Kota Samarahan
  • Susan Pudin Environment Protection Department Sabah
  • Mira Susanti Amirrudin Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam
Keywords: COVID-19, face mask, pro-environmental, waste, behavior.

Abstract

Human behavior and interaction with their surroundings vary from one another. Different people may engage and behave pro-environmental based on their beliefs and understanding of the consequences of environmental problems for themselves. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and value belief norm theory (VBN) suggest that an individual perceives environmental pollution effects could influence their decision-making in daily activities. This study aimed to examine people's behavior in using face masks and their perception of environmental consequences by integrating the TPB and VBN into a single conceptual framework. This study confirms that sub-factors, including biosphere, altruism, egoistic, awareness of consequences, and personal norms, are among the predictors that explain pro-environmental behavior in Malaysia. Additionally, the cultural factor significantly mediates the behavior. A questionnaire pilot survey was conducted among 50 visitors in a coastal area in Peninsular Malaysia. The Cronbach alpha test and descriptive analysis confirm the direct and mediatory effect of the causal of the variables in the TPB and VBN theory of pro-environmental behavior when making decisions in face mask usage. The research results validate the proposed TPB and VBN theory model linkages to clarify pro-environmental behavior.

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Published
2023-11-10
How to Cite
Md Zaini, S., Joseph, C., Pudin, S., & Amirrudin, M. S. (2023). Pro-Environmental Behavior Decisions in Face Mask Usage: A Pilot Study. Information Management and Business Review, 15(4(SI)I), 131-137. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v15i4(SI)I.3584
Section
Research Paper