The effects of goal intentions and perception of the continuity of commons on residents' environmentally-conscious behavior: The decision-making process of the residents of the coastal area of Lake Biwa for the preservation of the local environment

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of two particular types of goal intentions (local-environment focused and environmental-problem focused), and the perception of the continuity of the commons on environmentally conscious behavior. A questionnaire was administered to 335 residents living in the coastal area of Lake Biwa. Structural equation modeling revealed that the environmental-problem focused goal intention influenced behavioral intentions to a greater extent, especially personal behavioral intention. On the other hand, the local-environment focused goal intention influenced the environmental-problem focused goal intention, as well as indirectly influencing behavioral intentions. Perception of the continuity of the commons influenced both types of goal intentions as well as behavioral intentions. These results suggest that it is important to arouse perception of the continuity of the commons to encourage environmentally-conscious behavior among residents.