Environmentally concerned consumer behavior: evidence from consumers in Rajasthan

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to empirically indicate that environment-friendly products may be used as a consumption strategy for improving the environmental well-being of a sizable consumer base and show that there are great possibilities and opportunities available for companies to come up with the right marketing mix for consumers in the rural market. There is a great dearth of empirical research on consumer behavior facets on environment-friendly products for rural market in India. Design/methodology/approach Conclusive cross-sectional descriptive research design has been used to study the environmentally concerned consumer behavior (ECCB) for environment-friendly products with the help of a survey instrument relevant for empirical research. This paper adds to the existing literature by developing one model in the Indian context for the rural market. The research study used exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling approach to analyze the collected data from consumers. Findings The major finding of the study is that consumers living in rural areas are aware about the environmental movement, but marketers have probably not fully explored the potential for environment-friendly products. The study strongly argues that organizations should leverage on the rural market opportunity in India. It confirms the need to tailor marketing mix for rural markets for determining behavioral dimensions of consumer decision-making. Research limitations/implications This empirical research paper is developed and applied in the Indian context, with special reference to the rural market of the country. Results may change when applied to different rural locations in the same country and/or different countries depending on their demographic variables, psychosocial factors and socioeconomic conditions. The findings of this study need to be viewed within the context of certain limitations of location, social and economic issues. The study provides the initial base for further research on the theme, as there are no such studies available on environment-friendly products. Practical implications This research study is highly useful for the business firms deciding on marketing mix variables for environment-friendly products in rural market scenario in India, and it provides inputs for formulating major policy decisions in marketing. The study provides insights for managers, policymakers and organizations operating in rural markets and working on different facets of environmental protection issues in different forms. Social implications It has been investigated across global markets that human activities have altered the natural ecosystem, so to make natural resources available for the future generation, there is a greater need to achieve more sustainable forms of development. The study provides insights from the rural Indian market for better adoption of environment-friendly products and will motivate marketers to explore the rural market horizon. Originality/value The study has been conducted with consumers who are residents of one small town in India. So far, no study has been conducted, and it is first such attempt to analyze the rural Indian market for environment-friendly products and consumer behavior ever since such products were launched in the country. This study provides an early glimpse into the workings of marketing practitioners who work on consumer strategy formulation and rural marketing decision-making for environment-friendly products.