Behavioral factors, SDG awareness and sustainable policies in academia

Abstract

Behavioral factors, SDG awareness and sustainable policies in academia. Successful implementation of sustainable activities in academic institutions requires an understanding of individual and organizational behavior as psychological factors can undermine technical solutions. We extend the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating SDG awareness to investigate how psychological factors influence the sustained activities of academic unit heads in European countries. The model is estimated using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM). The results support the use of behavioral models to explain the decision making process at the academic level. In particular, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and SDG awareness play an important role in shaping sustainable activities in science. In contrast, moral attitudes do not influence academic decisions.