Impact of Environmental Knowledge on Green Purchase Intention: Examining the Mediating Effect of Young Business Executives’ Attitudes Towards Green Products in Developing Country Contex

Abstract

Green purchasing behavior, characterized by acquiring and consuming environmentally friendly products, has gained significant attention in recent years. However, scholars posit that transitioning to "going green" necessitates a fundamental shift in consumer behavior patterns. This study aims to enhance the understanding of green purchasing behaviour among young business executives (aged 24-39) in Sri Lanka's Western Province. It investigated the combined influence of environmental knowledge (both subjective and objective) and attitudes towards green products on green purchase intention. Specifically, the study examined the direct relationship between subjective and objective environmental knowledge with green purchase intention and the potential mediating effect of attitudes toward green products on this relationship. Employing a survey-based methodology, questionnaires were distributed through a convenient sampling technique to the target population within the Western Province. Data analysis utilized correlation and regression techniques via SPSS 26 software. The findings reveal that objective environmental knowledge exerts a greater influence on green purchasing decisions than subjective environmental knowledge. It is also found that more than environmental knowledge directly translating into green purchasing intention, it is the attitudes of the decision-makers toward the environment that act as a conduit. These findings, therefore, yielded valuable insights for marketers and others interested in promoting green consumption, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.