Short answer

To encourage the adoption of circular business models, prioritize interventions that build confidence and demonstrate feasibility, rather than solely focusing on the benefits.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Contemporary Economics (2023)
Method
Quantitative research using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).
Sample
321 firms
Evidence
Strong effect

A firm's belief in its ability to implement circular business models (CBMs) is the most significant factor influencing its intention to adopt them. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Contemporary Economics. Using Quantitative research using structural equation modelling (sem). with 321 firms, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To encourage the adoption of circular business models, prioritize interventions that build confidence and demonstrate feasibility, rather than solely focusing on the benefits.

Study
SustainabilityRecentStrong effect

Perceived Behavioral Control is the Strongest Driver for Circular Business Model Adoption

A firm's belief in its ability to implement circular business models (CBMs) is the most significant factor influencing its intention to adopt them.

Contemporary Economics · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Attitude towards CBMs positively influences intention to adopt.
  • 02Perceived behavioral control significantly influences intention to adopt CBMs.
  • 03Long-term orientation of the firm positively influences intention to adopt CBMs.
  • 04Social pressure positively influences intention to adopt CBMs.
  • 05Finance and knowledge are crucial for shaping perceptions of CBM implementation.
02

Application

Design takeaway

To encourage the adoption of circular business models, prioritize interventions that build confidence and demonstrate feasibility, rather than solely focusing on the benefits.

How to apply

When designing new products or services that promote circularity, include features or support mechanisms that make adoption feel easier and more achievable for businesses.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how your design project can empower users or businesses with a greater sense of control over implementing sustainable practices.
  • 02Investigate the resources and knowledge gaps that might prevent adoption of a sustainable solution and propose ways to bridge them.
03

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the critical factors influencing a firm's intention to adopt circular business models?
MethodQuantitative research using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).
ProcedureThe study surveyed 321 firms to assess the influence of various factors, including attitudes, perceived behavioral control, long-term orientation, and social pressure, on the intention to adopt circular business models.
Sample321 firms
ContextCorporate strategy and sustainability implementation.

Variables

IV["Attitude towards CBMs","Perceived behavioral control","Long-term orientation","Social pressure"]
DVIntention to adopt circular business models
CV["Firm characteristics (e.g., size, industry)","Availability of finance","Availability of knowledge"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Large sample size provides statistical power.
  • +Utilizes established theoretical frameworks (Theory of Planned Behavior, Resource-based View).

Limitations

Self-reported data can be biased. The study's findings might be specific to the economic and cultural context of the surveyed firms.

Reliability & validity

The use of SEM with a large sample size generally supports reliability and validity. However, the reliance on self-reported data might affect the external validity if intentions don't translate to actions.

Think critically

To what extent can 'social pressure' be a sustainable driver for change, or is it a temporary motivator that fades without genuine internal commitment?

05

Design Principles

"Enhance perceived behavioral control to drive sustainable innovation."

Understanding the key drivers for adopting circular business models is crucial for encouraging wider implementation. Focusing on enhancing perceived behavioral control can unlock greater engagement with sustainable practices.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Companies are more likely to go 'circular' if they feel they can actually do it, and if they have the money and knowledge to make it happen.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable design strategies or business models in your design project.
  • 2.Use the findings to justify why certain features or support systems in your design are critical for user adoption.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research indicates that perceived behavioral control is a primary driver for firms intending to adopt circular business models (Tran & Nguyen, 2023). This suggests that design interventions should focus on building user confidence and demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable practices to encourage uptake.

09

Source

Contemporary Economics

Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Firms’ Intent to Adopt Circular Business Models

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about perceived behavioral control is the strongest driver for circular business model adoption?
To encourage the adoption of circular business models, prioritize interventions that build confidence and demonstrate feasibility, rather than solely focusing on the benefits. Evidence: Contemporary Economics (2023).
Why does "Perceived Behavioral Control is the Strongest Driver for Circular Business Model Adoption" matter for design?
Understanding the key drivers for adopting circular business models is crucial for encouraging wider implementation. Focusing on enhancing perceived behavioral control can unlock greater engagement with sustainable practices.
How can designers apply this research?
To encourage the adoption of circular business models, prioritize interventions that build confidence and demonstrate feasibility, rather than solely focusing on the benefits.
What were the main findings?
Attitude towards CBMs positively influences intention to adopt.. Perceived behavioral control significantly influences intention to adopt CBMs.. Long-term orientation of the firm positively influences intention to adopt CBMs.. Social pressure positively influences intention to adopt CBMs.
What research method was used?
Quantitative research using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). with 321 firms.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Contemporary Economics.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing new products or services that promote circularity, include features or support mechanisms that make adoption feel easier and more achievable for businesses.
What are the limitations?
The study relies on self-reported intentions, which may not perfectly predict actual adoption. The specific context of the surveyed firms (e.g., industry, size) could influence generalizability.