ENVIRONMENTAL SELF-IDENTITY AND ENERGY SAVING BEHAVIOUR OF HOTEL EMPLOYEES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

Abstract

The emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through energy (electricity) consumption by firms is one the significant drivers of climate change. Energy conservation is one of the ways to achieve a cleaner, healthier environment and manage climate change. Energy conservation in firms is to a large extent dependent on employee participation and personal factors are significant determinants of pro-environmental behaviour. The aim of the paper is to examine the relationship between environmental self-identity and energy saving behaviour of employees of hospitality firms. In addition, the study investigates whether intrinsic motivation (measured by obligation-based intrinsic motivation and enjoyment-based intrinsic motivation) mediates the relationship between environmental self-identity and energy saving behaviour. The study uses the quantitative research design and the cross-sectional survey method is adopted for data collection. The hypotheses of the study are tested using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation modelling (PLS SEM). The results of the empirical study indicate that environmental self-identity is positively related to energy saving behaviour. The mediating effects of obligation and enjoyment-based intrinsic motivation are significant. The results suggest that intrinsic motivation is a mechanism through which environmental self-identity can affect employee energy saving behaviour.