Consumer Perception of Shipbreaking Products in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Economic, Environmental, and Regulatory Impacts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47654/v30y2026i2p332-363Keywords:
Consumer perception, Environmental sustainability, Laws and regulations, PLS-SEM, Shipbreaking products, BangladeshJEL Classifications:
D12, L51, M14, Q53, Q56Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the factors influencing consumer perceptions of shipbreaking products in Bangladesh, focusing on economic benefits, environmental hazards, product features, and compliance with laws and regulations, with organizational climate as a mediating variable.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative, descriptive research design was adopted. Data were collected from 415 Bangladeshi consumers across Chattagram, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh via a structured questionnaire using purposive sampling. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for hypothesis testing using SmartPLS 4.0.
Findings: Economic benefits and regulatory compliance significantly and positively influence consumer perceptions, and organizational climate itself exerts a strong direct effect on consumer perception. Environmental hazards and product features did not produce significant direct effects. The mediating role of organizational climate between economic benefits, product features, laws and regulations, and consumer perception could not be conclusively established and warrants further verification.
Originality/Value: This study is among the first to empirically examine consumer perceptions of shipbreaking products in Bangladesh through an integrated model incorporating organizational climate as a mediator, extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to an industrial by-product market in a developing country context.
Implications: The findings offer actionable guidance for industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to improve public trust and promote sustainable practices within Bangladesh's shipbreaking sector.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Meher Neger, Bulbul Ahamed (Author); Mohammad Rashed Hasan Polas (Corresponding Author)
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