Can the participation of a citizen act as an agent for behavioral change? Perceptions from the transportation industry
Turunen, Outi (2018)
Pro gradu -tutkielma
Turunen, Outi
2018
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe201803286247
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe201803286247
Tiivistelmä
In 2012 Finland joined a global “Open Government Partnership” program to enhance work towards citizen participation. One key element of sustainable development is the participation of citizens on development, which is also in the core of democracy. However, collective action problem (free riding) known in democratically lead countries has had its negative affect on public interest to participate on development. This thesis aims to study could the participation of citizens on transportation planning act as behavioural change driver. Study draws a picture of transportation industry and government representatives’ perception. Democratic decision-making tool “participating” is discussed and various societal marketing studies affecting citizen-consumer’s behaviour are introduced.
Sustainability marketing actions are to increase the awareness and allow all stakeholders engaging in discussions. Societal marketing studies psychology behind consumer’s behavioral change. These theories and studies form the theoretical framework for the study. The empirical part of the research was conducted using a cross-national online questionnaire. It collected mostly quantitative data from 42 respondents. Respondents represent European Union, North America and Oceania where the governance is based on democracy.
The results indicate how participating citizens to decision making is a desirable method to create behavioural change. Statistically significant differences were found in some opinions between the genders. For males the financial and females, the social incentives create behavioural change. Results indicate the need for equal amount of men and women in decision-making roles. Thesis provides a practical starting point for futures participatory actions.
Sustainability marketing actions are to increase the awareness and allow all stakeholders engaging in discussions. Societal marketing studies psychology behind consumer’s behavioral change. These theories and studies form the theoretical framework for the study. The empirical part of the research was conducted using a cross-national online questionnaire. It collected mostly quantitative data from 42 respondents. Respondents represent European Union, North America and Oceania where the governance is based on democracy.
The results indicate how participating citizens to decision making is a desirable method to create behavioural change. Statistically significant differences were found in some opinions between the genders. For males the financial and females, the social incentives create behavioural change. Results indicate the need for equal amount of men and women in decision-making roles. Thesis provides a practical starting point for futures participatory actions.