A qualitative study of factors influencing employee ecological behaviour of academics in higher education

The most crucial component for facilitating higher education institutions’ moves towards becoming low-carbon campuses is employee ecological behaviour (EEB) of the academics. It is important to determine how EEB can be influenced by other factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine how EEB of academics at Malaysian universities is influenced by environmental, organisational, and individual factors. Using focus group discussion method, data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with selected academics from Malaysia’s top four research universities. Results showed that under each of three major factors, several themes were identified as influencing EEB. In addition, under the theme outcomes and benefits of EEB, subthemes identified were sustainability and economic, social, and nvironmental benefits. This study provided useful insights into current green practices at Malaysian universities that may indicate their feasibility of becoming low-carbon campuses.