Water conservation by managers at the workplace: Examination of attitudes and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour

Highlights

• Water conservation is not only a household issue but also a workplace concern.
• Perceived positive change of attitude posits positive intention to conserve water.
• Water conservation messages and education targeting behavioural change could enable water saving practices at the workplace.

Abstract

Understanding the behavioural drivers of water conservation in public spaces is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of water resources management and water use especially in water scarce environments. This study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour to determine the contributing factors of water conservation attitude and behaviour among managers at work. Data were collected from 72 managers at North-West University – Mahikeng, South Africa through self-administered survey questionnaire. Results showed that behaviour practices of reporting water leakages and closing taps were prevalent among the managers. Furthermore, positive correlations including length of service (r = 0.791); training on water issues (r = 0.542); gender (r = 0.509) and speaking about water conservation (r = 0.091) emerged as significant predictors of a water conservation attitude and behaviour. Promotion of water conservation attitude and behaviour through education and training would have a greater tendency among managers to conserve water at work.