Predicting public smog reduction behavior: Exploring the role of perceived risk and financial incentive policy

Abstract

Public smog reduction behavior is vital for controlling smog pollution. The study investigates the factors that influence individuals’ willingness to enact smog reduction behavior. The hypothetical model is empirically verified, applying survey data gathered in China. Findings indicate that individuals’ knowledge about smog positively affects perceived risk, information need, and smog reduction intention. Perceived risk significantly impacts information need, information seeking, and smog reduction intention. Information seeking positively determines smog reduction intention. Findings also reveal that financial incentive policy positively impacts smog reduction intention. This study also discusses policy implications for enhancing individuals’ smog reduction intention and recommendations for future research.

Keywords:

• Smog reduction behavior
• smog knowledge
• perceived risk
• financial incentive policy

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Chinese National Funding of Social Sciences (Grant number 17CGL046).