A longitudinal study on organic food continuance behavior of Generation Y and Generation Z: can health consciousness moderate the decision?

Abstract

Purpose This study examines the organic food continuance behavior (OFCB) of young (Generations Y and Z) Bangladeshi consumers as a part of green consumption for sustainable development. Based on the extended “Theory of Planned Behavior” (TPB), this study investigates the reasons for continuing organic food (OF) consumption. This research aims to create a model highlighting the characteristics influencing Bangladeshi consumers to continue eating OFs while considering the moderating role of health consciousness during the COVID-19 health crisis (CHC). Design/methodology/approach This is a longitudinal study, the first phase of which was conducted in 2020, whereas the second phase of data collection is completed on December 31, 2021. Thus, a longitudinal research design (N = 196) was used to investigate whether TPB element have the same impact over the period of time in two data collection phases. It also attempted to reveal if there is any change in the level of influences of Knowledge of organic food health benefit (HAK), and health consciousness on OFCB. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants of Generations Y and Z. Partial least square structural equation modeling validates the proposed research model. Findings Research results of phase two ensure that out of the five direct hypotheses related to social norm (SNRM), attitude (ATD), perceived behavioral control (PBRC), HAK and CHC, four (ATD, PBRC, HAK and CHC) significantly influence OFCB of Bangladeshi consumers. SNRM has no significant statistical influence on OFCB. On the other hand, all the direct hypotheses, including SNRM, were accepted during the first phase of the study. Hence, when people begin eating OF and recognize the health benefits, their firm behavioral control ensures that what others think has no significant influence on OFCB. Research limitations/implications Most of the data for this study came from those born after 1980, commonly known as Generations Y and Z. Thus, including more data from different age groups may result in different research conclusions. The survey contains a large proportion (62%) of respondents with an income of less than BDT 40,000 per month, a price-sensitive demographic in Bangladesh. The price of OF was not included in this study though price sensitivity may have impacted the study’s findings. Practical implications This research used one moderating and four exogenous variables to determine Bangladeshi consumers’ OFCB. HAK and PBRC are proven to be the strongest determinants. Though health consciousness, Knowledge and self-control are essential, Bangladeshi citizens’ awareness of OF and sustainable consumption is still far below compared to other countries. Consequently, this study urges policymakers to raise health awareness through various social efforts. Social implications The Bangladesh government has various initiatives to encourage sustainable development, including promoting OF consumption. Increased OF consumption will increase demand, resulting in an enormous need for organic production. This phenomenon will benefit society as bio-fertilizers are ecologically benign, resolving soil fertility issues and reducing disease risks while enhancing nutritional content. This study can serve as the foundation for developing a plan to boost the consumption of OFs, which can have a beneficial social impact. Originality/value Since no longitudinal study to explain the continuance of OFs has been observed in Bangladesh, this research uniquely contributes to predicting sustainable consumption behavior.