Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors: An Examination of the Antecedents of Behavior among Air Force Members at Work

Abstract

A questionnaire was randomly distributed to members of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, with 307 returned. The survey was designed to test the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model developed by Icek Ajzen, and the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) model explored in this research effort. Validation and measurement of the TPB in relation to an organizational setting was accomplished, with the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) developed. The behaviors and intentions individuals have towards recycling, energy conservation, and carpooling were examined, with the demographic variables of gender, age, and education also investigated. Regression analysis revealed that the TPB is supported by this research, while the OTPB is not well supported. However, the organizational commitment component of the OTPB does account for significant variance, and seems to support a portion of the OTPB. The demographic variables of gender, age, and education provide useful insight into the organization. Women show a greater tendency to carpool to work than men, and are more likely to participate in the behavior. Also, having some college education influences energy conservation behavior, energy conservation intention, and carpooling behavior at work. It was also shown that those who are older have a greater tendency to conserve energy at work, and are more likely to participate in the behavior