Impact of religiosity on Pakistani youth green purchase intensions and behavior: extending theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Purpose Although much research has examined sustainable consumption, one key factor that has been rediscovered is religion. This study aims to include religiosity as a background variable to extend the theory of planned behavior in measuring the Pakistani youth’s green purchase intentions (GPI) and green purchase behavior (GPB) of energy-efficient home appliances. Design/methodology/approach Built on a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach of a quantitative design, a convenience sample of 317 participants was approached via online forms. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze both the measurement model and the structural model. Findings The results suggest that religiosity impacts consumers’ beliefs to maintain control over green behavior and perceived behavioral control (PBC), followed by sustainable attitudes (SA), beliefs that significant others endorse green behavior subjective norms (SN) and GPI. Besides, PBC, SN and SA impact GPI. Furthermore, GPI and PBC impact GPB. Finally, PBC, SN and SA mediate the religiosity and GPI link. However, the moderation effect of PBC on the link of GPI with GPB was not supported. Research limitations/implications The model developed is specific to the Muslim population in Pakistan. Therefore, the model might only be able to be generalized to nations that have a similar culture to the Muslims in Pakistan or in other developing countries. Originality/value The current research advances the knowledge on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal (SDGs) (Goal-12) by clarifying the mechanisms whereby religiosity impacts factors of sustainable consumption including SA, PBC and SN.