From Awareness to Action: Linking Knowledge and Attitudes to Sustainable Behavior

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of the College of Business Administration students for the 1st Semester of School Year 2024-2025 at Notre Dame of Marbel University and how these factors influence their intention to engage in sustainable practices. Data collected from 787 business students reveals an extensive level of knowledge and understanding of sustainability concepts, indicating a broad awareness of sustainability, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. Students also demonstrated a positive attitude toward sustainability, with particular concern for climate change and the role of personal and governmental responsibility in fostering sustainability. Furthermore, the intention to engage in sustainable practices was high, suggesting that increased knowledge and favorable attitudes contribute significantly to the likelihood of adopting sustainable behaviors. Results show that enhancing students’ knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward sustainability can substantially increase their intention to engage in sustainable practices. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the College of Business Administration formally integrate sustainability topics into its core curriculum, emphasize practical applications through sustainability-focused internships, and foster sustainability-related research opportunities for students. For NDMU, the study calls for a campus-wide sustainability integration strategy and stronger collaboration with local communities fostering sustainability development. The study also emphasized the need for higher education institutions to recognize sustainability as a core competency, establish interdisciplinary programs, and create global sustainability networks to prepare students for the complex challenges of sustainable development and in shaping sustainable behaviors among future professionals.