Developing pro-environmental behaviour: ecotourism fieldtrip and experiences

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a student participatory approach and assessment to achieve an environmentally friendly behaviour and change strategy. Design/methodology/approach: Three time-phase studies employed a participatory and experiential case in the form of ecotourism...

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Main Authors: Ting, D.H., Cheng, C.F.C.
Format: Article
Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Record Id / ISBN-0: utp-eprints.19792 /
Published: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. 2017
Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85032961938&doi=10.1108%2fIJSHE-03-2016-0052&partnerID=40&md5=872b424566540d1b8f8afa9164ce8c15
http://eprints.utp.edu.my/19792/
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Summary: Purpose: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a student participatory approach and assessment to achieve an environmentally friendly behaviour and change strategy. Design/methodology/approach: Three time-phase studies employed a participatory and experiential case in the form of ecotourism experiential learning and assessment using a sample of 100 higher education students. Findings: The findings suggest that students’ participations through the development, implementation and maintenance of nature-based experiences, combined with professional guides in educating students about sustainable practices has significant and positive effects on pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). The study reveals that social-psychological constructs (except environmental awareness) and socio-demographic variables account for variances in PEB intentions and provides managerial implications for marketers on the use of student participation to enhance behaviour. Practical implications: Experiential and guided learning adds value to PEB through performance accomplishments and instrumental support. Social implications: The guiding principles of moral norms and acting in favour of the community (general social pressure and the underlying normative beliefs) lead to a higher tendency to perform according to the ideal behaviour. Originality/value: This study is the first to use student participation, guided learning, tour guides and experiences to transfer the knowledge of PEB to individuals. © 2017, © Emerald Publishing Limited.