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The Malleability of Environmentalism

By: Kimberly A. Wade-Benzoni, Min Li, Leigh L. Thompson and M. Bazerman
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:45
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Abstract

In this paper, we predict and find that self-perceptions of environmentalism are changed by subtle manipulations of context and, in turn, affect environmental behavior. In Study 1, we found that people exhibit greater positive assessments of their environmental behaviors (1) in the context of denying harm to the environment than in the context of claiming to help the environment, and (2) in situations where behaviors are evaluated subjectively than in situations where behaviors are evaluated more objectively. In Study 2, we explored the relationship between self-perceptions of environmentalism and environmental behaviors. Our data suggest that environmentally friendly behaviors may be promoted by leading people to perceive themselves as good environmentalists.

Keywords

Perspective; Behavior; Identity; Environmental Sustainability

Citation

Wade-Benzoni, Kimberly A., Min Li, Leigh L. Thompson, and M. Bazerman. "The Malleability of Environmentalism." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 01-066, April 2001. (Revised August 2007.)

About The Author

Max H. Bazerman

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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