Reverse logistics in Vietnam: Factors affecting e-waste return intention for recycling

Abstract

The severity of the e-waste (or electronic trash) crisis can be attributed to the lack of consumer involvement in assuring the correct disposal of such materials. Additionally, recycling properly is a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development. In business management, electronic technology manufacturers or eretailers are making efforts to encourage the behavioral intention to return e-waste in their reverse logistics operations. Therefore, this study aims to examine factors affecting the intention of Vietnamese consumers with e-waste returning. In this study, the Valence Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior are combined as theoretical foundation to construct a research framework that explain the relationship between (1) attitude, (2) subjective norm, (3) perceived benefit, (4) perceived risk, (5) value compatibility, (6) openness to change, (7) environmental concern and e-waste returning intention. Mixedmethod is employed with qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative research was conducted through an in-depth business interview process. As a result, two moderators namely (1) financial support and (2) non-financial values were added to the research model. After that, quantitative research was conducted via a questionnaire survey. Based on 351 responses, structural equation modeling was used to test the research model. The analytical results on direct effect show that intention to return is significantly influenced by attitude, subjective norm, perceived benefit, value compatibility, openness to change, and environmental concern. Regarding moderating effects: financial support positively moderates the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived benefit and intentions to engage in e-waste return. This study not only enhances empirical insights into the dimensions underlying consumers’ e-waste recycling intentions but also broadens the comprehension of how subjective values, especially the reverse logistics operations in the Vietnamese market for e-waste, shape consumer values and influence behavioral intentions.