Remanufactured products from university students’ perspective: a reflexive thematic analysis approach


Güngördü Belbağ A., BELBAĞ S.

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2024 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1108/ijshe-11-2023-0580
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Education Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: Higher education, Innovation resistance theory, Remanufactured products, Remanufacturing, Self-efficacy
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: Consumer skepticism hinders the growth of remanufactured products (RPs). Previous studies have explored factors influencing the intention to purchase RPs, overlooking consumer resistance. This study aims to address this gap by integrating barriers, personal factors and outcome expectations – drawing on innovation resistance and social cognitive theories – from the perspective of higher education. Design/methodology/approach: This study conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 34 undergraduates at higher education institutions in Türkiye, and analyzed the data with reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: Findings reveal that barriers (value, risk and image), personal factors (product knowledge and self-efficacy) and outcome expectations (green benefits, like-new quality and financial benefits) affect intention to purchase RPs. Originality/value: Although higher education boosts sustainability awareness, research on university students’ barriers and intentions to purchase RPs is scarce. Prior research has only addressed risk and value barriers, product knowledge and perceived green benefits. None examined image barriers, self-efficacy, financial benefits and like-new quality. This study fills this gap by addressing higher education’s role in overcoming adoption barriers and enhancing outcome expectations. It also explores personal factors like self-efficacy, an underexplored area, that can be enhanced through social persuasion and mastery experiences.