Theory of environmentally responsible behavior (TERB) to predict waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists: a case of Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the theory of environmentally responsible behavior by extending the theory of planned behavior to empirically examine waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach Through review of literature, in-depth interviews and survey, the study is conducted. Initial survey collects 355 data, which is used for exploratory factor analysis to develop constructs and its measurement items. After preparing the formal survey questionnaires, another survey is conducted and collected 403 usable responses. The subsequent valid responses are used for confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling, using Smart PLS 3.3.3. Findings The results of this study reveal that waste reduction behavior is significantly affected by waste reduction intention, and then subsequently waste reduction intention is significantly affected by environmental concern, climate change concern and healthy environmental norms of young coastal tourists in Bangladesh. Practical implications The findings of the study will benefit industry operators and policymakers by understanding the factors that are crucial for influencing young costal tourists’ environmentally responsible behaviors (i.e. waste reduction behaviors). Eventually, the findings may assist industry operators and policymakers to develop strategies to attract more young tourists to the coastal tourist destinations in Bangladesh. Originality/value The importance of environmentally responsible behavior has received a significant attention in present decade. Consistent with this phenomenon, this study uniquely develops the theory of environmentally responsible behavior and establishes the link between environmental concern, climate change concern, healthy environmental norms, waste reduction intention and waste reduction behavior in coastal tourism domain in Bangladesh.