A Study of Consumer Choice Behavior Determination Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) of Functional Cosmetics

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify consumer behavioral decisions based on the selection attributes of functional cosmetics. The structural relationship between consumers' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control was empirically examined for this purpose.Method: As a theoretical model, behavioral studies on the selection attributes of functional cosmetics were proposed based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22. After determining the selection attributes of functional cosmetics, a correlation analysis was performed to understand the correlation between consumer behavioral intentions leading to purchase.Result: It was verified that the higher the attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, which are sub-elements of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the higher the consumer behavioral intention of functional cosmetics. At this time, it was discovered that the higher the perceived behavioral control among the TPB, the higher the behavioral intention. Furthermore, as the behavioral intention increased, so did the preference for wrinkle improvement, whitening improvement and UV protection among the functional cosmetic selection attributes. In this case, wrinkle improvement was discovered to have the greatest influence on consumer behavioral intention in the structural relationship of functional cosmetic selection attributes.Conclusion: Recently, as the scope of functional cosmetics has expanded and consumer interest has increased, the needs and expectations of consumers for the use of functional cosmetics have diversified, as have the functional selection properties. Therefore, it is critical to carefully consider the characteristics of consumers to establish a marketing strategy for functional cosmetics. While most previous studies related to functional cosmetics focused solely on the purchasing behavior of consumers, this study is significant in that it identified the process of behavioral intention that determines consumer behavior leading to the purchase of functional cosmetics in greater detail.