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Influencing Behavior: Four Strategies

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Social Influence and Sustainable Consumption

Part of the book series: International Series on Consumer Science ((ISCS))

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the book and suggests four strategies as a means to improve sustainable consumption. They are punishment (penalties), rewards (incentives), persuasion, and behavioral change through a combination of techniques or methods. It is suggested that the latter is probably the most effective. Behavioral change is more difficult than it appears especially if it involves overcoming or changing a behavior that is, at least initially, rewarding. According to part of the ancient Great Law of the Native American Iroquois people, “In every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation.” Understanding social influence is critical to our daily lives and our futures.

Tell me and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.

Confucius 551-479 BC

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Correspondence to Elizabeth B. Goldsmith .

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Goldsmith, E.B. (2015). Influencing Behavior: Four Strategies. In: Social Influence and Sustainable Consumption. International Series on Consumer Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20738-4_10

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