Bộ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO ĐẠI HỌC KINH TẾ THÀNH PHÓ HỒ CHÍ MINH BÁO CÁO TÔNG KẾT ĐÈ TÀI NGHIÊN cứu KHOA HỌC THAM GIA XÉT GIẢI THƯỞNG ‘’NHÀ NGHIÊN cúư TRẺ UEH” NĂM 2024 <GREENWASHING AND THE MODERN CONSUMER: A DEEP DIVE INTO BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES> Thuộc nhóm chuyên ngành: Marketing TP. Hồ Chí Minh, tháng 2/2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS. Research background and the statement of the problem.
Scope of study. CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT. Green Perceived Risk. Green Purchase Intention.
Green Product Psychological Ownership. Consumer Information andKnowledge. Expectancy Violation Theory. Prior Relevant Studies.
Research Framework and hypothesis development. The relationship between Greenwashand Green Purchase Intention. The mediating role of Brand Credibility. Customer Information and Knowledge moderates the relationship between Greenwash and Brand Credibility.
The mediating role of Consumer Skepticism. The mediating role of Green Perceived Risk. The mediating role of Green Product Psychological Ownership (GPPO). Customer Information and Knowledge moderates the relationship between Greenwash and Green Perceived Risk.
Customer Information and Knowledge moderates the relationship between Greenwash and Green Purchase Intention. CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. In-depth Interview. Data analysis process.
Descriptive statistics analysis. Assessing Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Assessing Composite Reliability. Assessing Convergent Validity.
Assessing Discriminant Validity. Assessing structure model. Relationship in structural model. Assessing Coefficient of determination (R2).
Assessing Effect Size (f2). Assessing the relevance of (Q2). CHAPTER 04: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULT. In-depth Interview Result and Discussion.
Risk perceived when buy green product. Reaction to brand goes greenwash. Ease negative reaction to brand's greenwash. How consumers show concern for the environment.
Green Product Psychological Ownership. Consumer perception of Greenwash. Focus Group Result and Discussion. Green Product Psychological Ownership.
Consumer Knowledge and Information. New moderating factor: Brand Attachment. New moderating factor: Switching Cost. Green Purchases Intention.
Consumer Perceived Risk. Assessment of measurement scales. Conclusion for measurement scales. Assessment of structural model.
CHAPTER 05: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. Discussion of Research. Limitation & Further Research. IN DEPTH INTERVIEW.
117 3 Risks perceived when buying green products.117 Reactions to brand go greenwash. 118 Ease negative reaction to brand's greenwash. How consumers show concern for the environment. Green Product Psychological Ownership.
Consumer perception of Greenwash. FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEW. Green Product Psychological Ownership. Consumer Knowledge and Information.
New moderating factor: Brand Attachment. New moderating factor: Switching Cost. Green Purchases Intention. Consumer Perceived Risk.
130 4 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS GW : Greenwash BC : Brand Credibility cs : Consumer Skepticism GPR : Green Perceived Risk GPPO : Green Product Psychological Ownership GPI : Green Purchase Intention CIK : Consumer Information and Knowledge SC : Switching Cost BA : Brand Attachment a : Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient K : Number of items in the scale 0-2 : The variance for all items on the scale r o2 : The variance of the individual item i i EVT : Expectancy Violation Theory ST : Signaling Theory 5 ABSTRACT The proliferation of greenwashing, denoting the dissemination of deceptive or unsubstantiated claims by companies regarding their environmental initiatives and products, has witnessed a substantial increase in recent years. This surge is ascribed to the escalating environmental consciousness among consumers, who seek to make sustainable choices. However, rather than endeavoring to devise green marketing campaigns that genuinely contribute to environmental sustainability, certain corporations opt for deceptive marketing strategies to conserve resources and maximize profits. This study aims to formulate a comprehensive model delineating the impact of corporate greenwashing on contemporary consumer behavior.
The model incorporates brand credibility, green perceived risk, green product psychological ownership, and consumer skepticism as mediators, with consumer information and knowledge serving as moderators. A mixed-methods approach, involving qualitative and quantitative research, is employed over a two-week period, with Generation z identified as the target population. The findings reveal a negative mediating influence of brand credibility in the relationship between greenwashing and green purchase intention. However, the hypothesized mediating effects of green product psychological ownership, consumer skepticism and green perceived risk were not substantiated.
Additionally, the study identifies two novel moderators, switching cost and brand attachment, in the association between greenwashing and green purchase intention. The research underscores the importance of perceived genuineness in strengthening connections with stakeholders and cultivating a favorable corporate image. Keywords: Greenwash, Brand Credibility, Consumer Information and Knowledge, Green Purchase Intention, Switching Cost, Brand Attachment. Research background and the statement of the problem In recent years, there has been a significant rise in public awareness and concern regarding environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.
This increased consciousness has led consumers to actively seek out environmentally friendly products and support companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. However, amidst this trend, some corporations engage in deceptive marketing tactics known as greenwashing. This phenomenon has created a paradox where companies with poor environmental records face less backlash than those perceived as environmental leaders but accused of greenwashing. This paradox raises questions about consumer perceptions, trust, and the effectiveness of corporate environmental communication.
Additionally, companies found guilty of greenwashing may face disproportionate blame for environmental degradation, highlighting complex dynamics between public perception, corporate accountability, and broader societal implications associated with greenwashing accusations. Vietnam, as a developing country, is experiencing rapid economic growth and a significant increase in consumerism. However, the cultural values and socio-economic factors shape consumer preferences and decision-making processes. The emphasis on affordability and functionality often outweighs considerations of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
In developing countries like Vietnam, consumers prioritize product quality as they have previously experienced low-quality products from local enterprises (Nguyen, Nguyen and Barrett, 2008). Existing research on greenwashing has predominantly focused on developed countries, where environmental consciousness and sustainability have become integral parts of consumer culture. These studies have provided valuable insights into consumer responses, such as skepticism, decreased trust, and negative attitudes towards greenwashing practices. However, it cannot be assumed that these findings directly apply to the Vietnamese context.
Therefore, there is a need for research that specifically examines the responses of Vietnamese consumers to greenwashing. By 7 understanding how cultural values, income disparities, and the prioritization of product features and price influence consumer behavior, this research can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of greenwashing effects in a developing country setting. The research aims to delve into this paradox by examining consumer responses to accusations of greenwashing leveled against environmental leaders and companies with a poor environmental track record. By exploring consumer attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in these contrasting scenarios, the study intends to uncover underlying factors that influence consumer responses and shed light on the complexities of consumer decision-making in relation to environmental claims.
By understanding how cultural values, income disparities, and the prioritization of product features and price influence consumer behavior, this research can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of greenwashing effects in a developing country setting. The research outcomes can assist policymakers, businesses, and marketers in developing strategies that align with the unique characteristics and priorities of Vietnamese consumers, fostering genuine sustainability practices and mitigating the risks of greenwashing in the local market. Research Objectives This research endeavors to comprehensively explore the concept of Greenwash in contemporary markets, aiming to understand its prevalence and assess its impacts on consumer attitudes and behaviors. Building upon this general objective, the study seeks to delve into the historical development, evolution, and current manifestations of Greenwash.
It also aims to investigate consumers' awareness and comprehension of Greenwash tactics, discerning their ability to differentiate genuine eco-friendly initiatives from deceptive marketing practices. Through empirical research methods such as surveys, interviews, and observational studies, the study aims to illuminate how Greenwash influences consumer decision-making processes and shapes perceptions of brands in the marketplace. Moreover, the research aims to extend its focus beyond consumer 8 perspectives, examining the broader implications and risks associated with greenwashing. It seeks to explore how greenwashing practices impact stakeholders such as investors, job markets, brand reputation, and business credibility.
Through a comprehensive analysis of socio-economic and environmental consequences, the study aims to identify challenges and obstacles faced by businesses in employing such tactics. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the discourse on green marketing ethics, providing practical insights for businesses, policymakers, and consumers to navigate the complexities of the Greenwash landscape effectively, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in environmental marketing practices. Considering the advanced nuances of modern marketing, an essential inquiry arises: Are consumers capable of differentiating between genuine green endeavors and mere cco-ccntric pretensions? 1. Research Objects • Research subjects: To ensure a complete understanding of consumer awareness, attitudes, and actions connected to Greenwash, it is critical to acquire insights from a diverse group of people.
• Participants: Customers from a range of age groups, economic brackets, educational levels, and geographic locations will be included in the sample. Scope of study • Space: This survey is conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. • Time: Data was collected over 2 months in 2023 (August, 2023 to October, 2023) at different times of day and on both weekdays and weekends. The studies and published results of the author’s group were carried out from August to October 2023.
Research method rhe Mixed Research Method is applied to comprehend objects mentioned in this paper. Specifically, Qualitative Methods have been used to explore and identify what are the dynamics indicating consumers' response to Greenwash and to what extent they would respond to the incident through Literature Review, Focus Group, and In-depth Interview. Moreover, while conducting interviews, more dominant variables apart from what had been collected from previous ones are expected to be found also. First, gathering an overview concised from previous verified researches is what was done followed by constructing a Question Table based on referred scaling items.
Operating In-dept and Group Interview have provided US additional findings of dynamics. After all the examinations, we modify and finalize our Questionnaire for further steps. Followed by, Quantitative Methods have been used to scale those contributory impacts to conclude to what extent those Dynamics are attributed to the response of the problems stated. This process consists of conducting Survey forms and Interactions through social Media platforms and personal networking.
We are targeting to collect around 400 responses and once all the data were obtained, we are starting to filter out scales that are contributive and using SmartPLS to analyze the dataset, which goes through stages of assessment: assessment of measurement scales to test for common method bias (CMB) and assessment of the structural model with hypotheses testing. The conclusion of how severe Greenwash impact on customers has helped us indicate the comparable challenges Brands have to face to revitalization after Greenwash incidents. Research structure Chapter 01 - Introduction, the study unfolds over four primary thematic chapters: 10 Chapter 02 - Literature and Hypothesis Development: This chapter dives into the existing literature, reviewing pertinent studies and leading to the development of the study’s hypotheses. Chapter 03 - Research Methodology: Here, we delve into the methodology underpinning the thesis using qualitative and quantitative research.
Elements covered include the overarching research process, the measurement scales in use, questionnaire formulation, details regarding the sample and data acquisition, and a breakdown of sample attributes. Chapter 04 - Data Analysis and Findings: This section is dedicated to a rigorous analysis of the research's data. The analysis is sequenced as follows: evaluation of measurement scales, an examination for potential common method biases, and scrutiny of the structural model. Chapter 05 - Discussion and Conclusion: In this concluding chapter, we encapsulate the significant findings of the study.
Additionally, potential limitations of the research are flagged, and suggestions for future investigative work are proffered 11 2. CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT 2. Greenwash Greenwashing (GW) is defined by Capaldi et al., 2013 as "the dissemination of false or deceptive information regarding an organization's environmental strategies, goals, motivations, and actions. All of these conceptions of GW depict interactions that induce individuals to assume that a company's environmental sustainability, practices, or items are too positive (Lyon and Montgomery, 2015).
Businesses sometimes overstate the environmental efficiency of their products, resulting in Greenwash (Parguel et al.