The impact of norms and assumed consequences on recycling behavior

Given the aim to motivate consumers to behave in an environmentally friendl y manner, there is a need to understand how consumers' environmental behavi or can be influenced and what variables predict environmental behavior. Thi s article applies structural equation models (path analyses) to investigate these issues, with experienced social norm, assumed consequences of behavi or and personal norm as independent variables of recycling behavior. The st udy is based on a Norwegian survey. As predicted, the social norm revealed no direct link to behavior. Rather, the effect of the social norm seemed to depend on an intervening personal norm. The possible social pressure exerc ised by family members was investigated. Assumed environmental consequences of behavior and reported behavior were found to be only loosely connected. Furthermore, assumed consequences of behavior revealed no mediating effect on the link between personal norm and behavior, which is contrary to what Schwartz's theory on altruistic behavior would imply.