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Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2023) | Viewed by 28751

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Langkawi International Tourism and Hospitality (LITH) Research Center, School of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010, Malaysia
Interests: sustainability; tourism; CSR; environmental management; marketing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the success of the first edition of the Sustainability Special Issue titled “Sustainability and Consumer Behavior”, we have decided to launch a second edition with a special focus on the service industries, such as tourism, hospitality, medical and health, education, banking, etc.  The main aim of this second edition remains the same. It still aims to bring together multiple perspectives on the issue of sustainability and consumer behavior because, as emphasized in the first edition, consumer behavior can have a significant impact on sustainability especially in today’s age of rising population and dwindling resources. Nevertheless, the complex nature of both constructs makes it challenging to understand them and how they interact. It necessitates a comprehensive approach, in which concepts are examined from a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. Needs, wants, and demands, as well as influencing factors, decision making and competitiveness, are just a few of the angles and perspectives to consider in consumer behavior studies. Similarly, the concept of sustainability requires an examination of various factors and settings, with the environment, community, and business being at the forefront. Hence, this Special Issue aims to understand consumer behavior in the wider contexts of the three pillars of sustainable development, i.e., environment, society, and economy. It seeks to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability and consumer behavior so that we, as a society, can come a little closer to understanding these two dynamic constructs and how they affect our lives.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Consumers in tourism and hospitality settings;
  • Sustainability and marketing;
  • Sustainability and consumer management;
  • Consumers and cruise tourism;
  • Consumers in emerging markets;
  • Consumers and film tourism;
  • Consumers and food tourism;
  • Future trends in consumerism;
  • Consumers and gambling tourism;
  • Consumers and tourism governance;
  • Consumers, sustainability, and marketing;
  • Consumers, sustainability, and management;
  • Consumers and event business;
  • Consumers and education;
  • Consumers and environmental management;
  • Community as consumers;
  • Branding in tourism and hospitality;
  • Case studies on successful hospitality consumer management programs;
  • Consumers and climate change and tourism development;
  • Consumers and health tourism;
  • Consumers and medical tourism;
  • Consumers and hospitality product innovation;
  • Consumers and tourism product development;
  • Legal issues in consumerism;
  • Methodological issues in consumer research;
  • Consumers and sustainability planning;
  • Consumers and sustainable tourism development;
  • Consumers and tourism and hospitality education;
  • Consumers and transportation;
  • Consumers and corporate governance.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Azilah Kasim
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • consumers in tourism and hospitality settings
  • sustainability and marketing
  • sustainability and consumer management
  • consumers and cruise tourism
  • consumers in emerging markets
  • consumers and film tourism
  • consumers and food tourism
  • future trends in consumerism
  • consumers and gambling tourism
  • consumers and tourism governance
  • consumers, sustainability, and marketing
  • consumers, sustainability, and management
  • consumers and event business
  • consumers and education
  • consumers and environmental management
  • community as consumers
  • branding in tourism and hospitality
  • case studies on successful hospitality consumer management programs
  • consumers and climate change and tourism development
  • consumers and health tourism
  • consumers and medical tourism
  • consumers and hospitality product innovation
  • consumers and tourism product development
  • legal issues in consumerism
  • methodological issues in consumer research
  • consumers and sustainability planning
  • consumers and sustainable tourism development
  • consumers and tourism and hospitality education
  • consumers and transportation
  • consumers and corporate governance

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
Effects of Risk Attitude and Time Pressure on the Perceived Risk and Avoidance of Mobile App Advertising among Chinese Generation Z Consumers
by Ningyan Cao, Normalisa Md Isa and Selvan Perumal
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511547 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1337
Abstract
Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers require special consideration because they are a distinct demographic, are less receptive to mobile advertising, and have not been thoroughly studied. This study seeks to advance ad avoidance research by creatively examining Gen Zers’ perceived ad risk and [...] Read more.
Generation Z (Gen Z) consumers require special consideration because they are a distinct demographic, are less receptive to mobile advertising, and have not been thoroughly studied. This study seeks to advance ad avoidance research by creatively examining Gen Zers’ perceived ad risk and ad avoidance in mobile applications (apps) and the role that risk attitude and time pressure play in these phenomena. The formal study was conducted in March 2023 via an online survey, and 312 sample data were identified for data analysis. It was found that there is a positive relationship between Gen Zers’ perceived risk and their avoidance of app advertising, with time, performance, and privacy risks being the primary advertising risks. Gen Zers perceive higher advertising risk when they are under time pressure or are risk-averse, and time pressure is a more vital indicator of perceived risk than risk attitude. Time pressure also significantly affects mechanical avoidance (e.g., using an ad blocker) more than behavioral avoidance. Still, the risk attitude only positively affects Gen Zers’ behavioral avoidance of app ads. This study concludes that ad avoidance can be reduced by reducing users’ perceived risk and time pressure. Also, ads should be placed based on consumers’ risk attitude. Future research needs to validate these findings in other cultures, compare Gen Z to other generations, and consider the consequences of ad avoidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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19 pages, 952 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Relationship between Service Quality of Food and Beverage and Customer Behaviors for Sustainable Golf Course Management
by Ryang Suk Lee and Sheng Yen Lee
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11207; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411207 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1778
Abstract
This study verified the analysis of the relationship between service quality of food and beverage and customer behaviors for sustainable golf course management. This study employed triangulation design, a mixed methods research framework that compares the results of quantitative and qualitative investigations. The [...] Read more.
This study verified the analysis of the relationship between service quality of food and beverage and customer behaviors for sustainable golf course management. This study employed triangulation design, a mixed methods research framework that compares the results of quantitative and qualitative investigations. The quantitative study verified the effects of service quality of food and beverage on customer loyalty and willingness to recommend online. The subjects of the quantitative study analyzed the responses of 372 golfers over 20 who use driving ranges in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The results of the quantitative study were as follows. First, reliability and responsiveness among sub-factors of service quality had a positive effect on customer loyalty. Second, empathy among sub-factors of service quality had a positive effect on willingness to recommend online. Third, customer loyalty had a positive effect on willingness to recommend online. Fourth, customer loyalty had a mediating effect on the relationship between reliability among sub-factors of service quality and willingness to recommend online. For the qualitative study, six research participants were selected, and in-depth interviews were conducted on golfers’ preference and non-preference factors for food and beverage services at golf courses’ clubhouses. The qualitative research results are as follows. First, golf participants recognized that the speed of food preparation and prompt provision of food and beverages were significant. Second, the food flavors and the clubhouse restaurant’s physical environment were also deemed important. Third, poor quality of food and beverage facilities and meals negatively affect the reliability and willingness to recommend the golf course. This study is unique in that it adopted a mixed methods approach, which has not been done in related previous studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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17 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Environmental Product Innovation and Perceived Brand Value: The Mediating Role of Ethical-Related Aspects
by Donato Morea, Marcelo Gattermann Perin, Camila Kolling, Janine Fleith de Medeiros and Jose Luis Duarte Ribeiro
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 10996; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410996 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1469
Abstract
Studies developed in the last two decades indicate that environmental product innovations can potentially generate competitive advantages. However, the ethical dimension, now increasingly involved in evaluations for consumer decision-making, has received less attention in academic research. Considering the above, our study investigates the [...] Read more.
Studies developed in the last two decades indicate that environmental product innovations can potentially generate competitive advantages. However, the ethical dimension, now increasingly involved in evaluations for consumer decision-making, has received less attention in academic research. Considering the above, our study investigates the mediating role of ethical aspects in the relationship between environmental product innovation and perceived brand value. To this end, we carried out a quantitative study with 336 university students who are end users of Apple and Microsoft products and services. In addition to investigating the main effect of environmental product innovations on perceived brand equity, we explore the possible mediating effects of ethical behaviors: (i) open-mindedness and (ii) concerns with privacy practices. Our results indicate that environmental product innovations need to be supported by the ethical aspects of companies to have a positive effect on perceived brand equity. Crucially, customers perceive value in environmental product innovation when they can confirm that organizations exhibit ethical correctness, particularly in the sector under study. We understand that our research provides advancement in the field of sustainable innovation. The study confirms that broader approaches, mainly centered on corporate commitments beyond environmental issues, are critical for environmental product innovations to generate perceived brand value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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26 pages, 821 KiB  
Article
Community Perceptions on the Critical Success Factors of Hotels’ Community-Based Corporate Social Responsibility
by Azilah Kasim, Siti Noormala Jailani, Muhammad Fauzi Mokhtar, Jasmine Zea Raziah Radha Rashid Radha, Bussalin Khuadthong and Maebel Leong Sai Fong
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129842 - 20 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1218
Abstract
This paper examines community as the consumer of community-related corporate social responsibility (CSR). It empirically investigates the critical success factors of CSR within the context of tourism from the community perspective because, for CSR activities that are targeted towards them, understanding their perspective [...] Read more.
This paper examines community as the consumer of community-related corporate social responsibility (CSR). It empirically investigates the critical success factors of CSR within the context of tourism from the community perspective because, for CSR activities that are targeted towards them, understanding their perspective could not be more necessary. The study narrowed the gap of knowledge by testing twelve critical success factors proposed in the literature on 267 target respondents in Langkawi, Malaysia and analysed the data using PLS. The sample was drawn using a qualifying question from communities known to have participated in previous hotel CSR activities. The findings revealed that, from a community standpoint, just four of the recommended twelve variables were crucial to the performance of community-related CSR in Langkawi’s hotel industry. These variables were general community development, law and social norms, project management committee, and financial preparedness. The findings provide theoretical as well as managerial implications, which are explained in the later sections of the paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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13 pages, 1401 KiB  
Article
Increasing Honey Production Effectiveness in Erzincan and Van Provinces
by Emine Aşkan
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7524; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097524 - 04 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to determine the efficiency of beekeeping enterprises in Van and Erzincan provinces of Türkiye and to make recommendations to increase production efficiency. A total of 300 well-prepared questionnaires were distributed in the research area, of which 295 [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to determine the efficiency of beekeeping enterprises in Van and Erzincan provinces of Türkiye and to make recommendations to increase production efficiency. A total of 300 well-prepared questionnaires were distributed in the research area, of which 295 were analyzed. In the study, production analyses were performed with and without the bootstrapping technique. Constant and variable returns to scale were found in the estimates of technical efficiency scores using both non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) to produce efficiency scores and a truncated regression model to link the aforementioned scores with the characteristics of honeybee enterprises and beekeepers. The research revealed that cooperative membership and veterinary benefits had a 1% level of importance for income; some cities were found to have negligible beekeeping activity. Education level was also found not to be important. While determining the efficiency limits in DEA with and without bootstrapping, it was determined that 34.3% of enterprises without it had ineffective constant returns to scale compared to 39.5% for those with it. For variable returns to scale, 28.4% without bootstrapping worked ineffectively, while with bootstrapping, 29.4% were found to be ineffective. The study found that the same level of beekeeping can be maintained by reducing costs. In addition to its economic value, honey is an important source of income for the region. Beekeeping and honey production are important agricultural activities for increasing rural development to create new jobs and increase employment. As a form of alternative tourism, rural tourism combined with apitourism and gastronomy tourism and practices are important for the development of the Erzincan and Van provinces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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10 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Advocacy among Consumers: The Mediating Role of Brand Trust
by Mobin Fatma and Imran Khan
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032777 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4337
Abstract
Despite the increasing interest in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is a very limited understanding of the mechanism of perceived CSR and its effect on consumer behavioral outcomes. Additionally, there is limited evidence on the role of brand trust in [...] Read more.
Despite the increasing interest in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR), there is a very limited understanding of the mechanism of perceived CSR and its effect on consumer behavioral outcomes. Additionally, there is limited evidence on the role of brand trust in influencing brand advocacy. The aim of this study is to examine the direct and indirect influence of consumer perception of CSR on brand advocacy behavior. This research proposes a framework and examines the relationship between CSR and brand advocacy behaviors, including the role of brand trust. This study is quantitative in nature. Data were collected from 336 consumers of retail banks in India. The results were analyzed using the SEM through AMOS 22.0. This present research made a contribution to the CSR literature by taking the important role of brand trust in the relationship between CSR and brand advocacy behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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15 pages, 688 KiB  
Article
Examining the Relationship between Brand Symbolism and Brand Evangelism through Consumer Brand Identification: Evidence from Starbucks Coffee Brand
by Irada Osmanova, Seden Ozerden, Bassam Dalal and Blend Ibrahim
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021684 - 16 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5357
Abstract
In today’s competitive environment, it is important to understand that consumers’ evangelical behavior depends on symbolic brand attachment. This study, drawing on social identity theory (SIT), investigates the direct relationship between brand symbolism and three characteristics of brand evangelism, namely purchase intention, positive [...] Read more.
In today’s competitive environment, it is important to understand that consumers’ evangelical behavior depends on symbolic brand attachment. This study, drawing on social identity theory (SIT), investigates the direct relationship between brand symbolism and three characteristics of brand evangelism, namely purchase intention, positive brand referrals, and oppositional brand referrals, while also considering the mediating role of consumer brand identification (CBI) and the moderating role of generational cohorts. A total of 323 Starbucks coffee shop consumers were analyzed, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was employed using Smart PLS 3.2. The findings revealed that brand symbolism is the strongest predictor of positive brand referrals, followed by purchase intention and oppositional brand referrals. CBI was a significant mediator between brand symbolism and the three aspects of brand evangelism. The results of the moderation effect of the generational cohort showed a significant relationship between brand symbolism and purchase intention. Interestingly, the generational cohort was not a significant moderator between brand symbolism and positive brand referrals and oppositional brand referrals. The study concludes with theoretical and managerial implications, as well as some suggestions for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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30 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry: An Integrative Literature Review and Research Agenda
by Prakash Singh, Lokesh Arora and Abdulaziz Choudhry
Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010250 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 10537
Abstract
Ongoing technological disruptions in the service industries have altered modern business practices globally. Due to the unending transference in the overall consumer behavior in online and offline business environments, service providers are forced to rethink their existing business strategies, to understand the disruptive [...] Read more.
Ongoing technological disruptions in the service industries have altered modern business practices globally. Due to the unending transference in the overall consumer behavior in online and offline business environments, service providers are forced to rethink their existing business strategies, to understand the disruptive behaviors of consumers and the factors responsible for this. An integrative literature review (ILR) method has been employed to track the ongoing disruption in consumer behaviors in diverse service industries. This study is an attempt to bridge the gap by offering global insights related to the study of consumer behaviors in diverse service settings. The Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases have been mined to extract the existing literary works and 120 articles are selected as the final sample for this study through advanced inclusion and exclusion criteria. The key findings of the study have been categorized using the TCM (Theory, Context, and Methodology) framework as the future research agenda of this study. This study will contribute to enhancing the understandings of marketers, researchers, and academics through the massive collection of the existing literature in the research study of consumer behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry)
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