Exploring the Environmental, Social, and Governance Dimensions of Students’ Online Shopping Behaviour: A Case Study of Kelantanese Students in Malaysia

Issues about the environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
ramifications of the rise of e-commerce have surfaced as the sector
continues to expand around the globe. In this study, we will look
at how Kelantanese students in Malaysia’s state of Kelantan shop
online in terms of environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
considerations. The study intends to shed light on this population’s
understanding, attitudes, and actions concerning ESG aspects in
the context of online buying by analyzing their online shopping
behaviors. The study used a mixed-methods strategy, with
quantitative data collecting as one component. In the quantitative
stage, students in Kelantan are surveyed to learn more about their
online buying habits, preferences, and knowledge of environmental,
social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Students’ motivations, values,
and opinions on ESG dimensions associated with purchasing goods
online are better understood thanks to the qualitative phase›s
comprehensive interviews and focus group discussions. The study’s
f
indings reveal important insights into the ESG characteristics of
students’ online buying activity. Based on our preliminary data, we
may infer that Kelantanese students who buy online do so with
a focus on convenience, cost, and product variety; yet we also
observe signs of concern and understanding of environmental,
social, and governance (ESG) issues. Key issues influencing their
purchasing decisions include packaging waste, greenhouse gas
emissions, working conditions, and product authenticity. The investigation investigates how schooling, individual values, and
extracurricular activities interact to form students’ ESG awareness
and actions. The report also finds challenges and possibilities
for encouraging responsible behavior in internet buying among
Kelantanese students. This study’s findings fill a gap in the literature
by providing new information about the environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) aspects of students’ online purchasing habits.
Legislators, educators, and businesses can use the research findings
to create more effective tactics for encouraging responsible and
environmentally friendly online shopping. The research also
educates students and the public on the value of ESG considerations
while shopping online, which helps to create a more sustainable and
socially responsible e-commerce industry.