Affordances-based behavior change for energy efficiency among Malaysians: A conceptual model

• Main Authors: Ijab, Mohamad Taha, Hariri, Hamizah Mohamad, Nayan, Norshita Mat, Salleh, Mohd Azul Mohamad, Hamid, Suraya
• Format: Article
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2024
• Subjects: QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/44990/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects countries worldwide. To mitigate its impacts, reducing carbon emissions is crucial. One approach is minimizing energy consumption, including among domestic consumers. Understanding the driving factors influencing consumer behavior change is essential, and Information Systems (IS) have been proposed as intervention tools. However, research on how IS’s functional affordances influence behavior changes in residential energy consumers is lacking, along with comprehensive models for explaining behavior change. The need to address climate change has prompted the search for strategies to reduce carbon emissions. Energy consumption reduction, particularly in households, is pivotal. This demands an understanding of factors driving consumer behavior change, wherein Information Systems (IS) can play a role. However, research gaps exist concerning the influence of IS functional affordances on residential energy consumers’ behavior change. The research aims to achieve several objectives. First, it seeks to study the factors that shape behavior change in energy efficiency, specifically those enabled by IS. Second, the goal is to formulate an affordance-based model that elucidates behavior change towards energy efficiency. Lastly, the research aims to evaluate and validate this proposed model. To address the objectives, a multi-faceted approach leveraging key theories is adopted. The Affordance Theory, Sensemaking Theory, Belief-Action-Outcome Framework, and Energy Informatics Framework will provide valuable insights. By integrating these theories, a preliminary Affordance-based Behavior Change Model for Energy Efficiency is conceptualized. This research holds significant potential outcomes. It can shed light on the factors influencing behavior change in the context of energy efficiency, facilitated by IS. The development of an affordance-based model could offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and predicting consumer behavior changes. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.