The impact of protection motivation and place attachment on Gen-Z’s intent to participate in world heritage site preservation using ICT

Purpose This study presents a theoretical model that aims to investigate the factors that determine Gen-Z’s intention to participate in crowdsourcing for the preservation of world heritage sites using internet and communication technology (ICT). Specifically, the proposed model utilizes constructs from protection motivation theory (PMT) and place attachment to gain a deeper understanding of Gen-Z’s motivation to participate in this preservation effort. Design/methodology/approach This study uses respondents from the Indonesian Gen-Z population who possess knowledge of the world heritage sites (WHS) in Indonesia and their preservation to validate a theoretical model using the analysis of SEM (structural equation modeling). Findings The results reveal that Gen-Z’s willingness to support the world heritage sites preservation (WHSP) has the most significant impact on their intention to use ICT to preserve them. Meanwhile, the perceived usefulness of ICT, on the other hand, has a relatively less significant impact. The study also found that response efficacy and destination attachment had a significant direct effect on Gen-Z’s willingness to support WHSP. However, the direct impact of subjective norm on their willingness to support WHSP and the direct impact of facilitating conditions on their intention to use ICT for WHSP were not significant. Originality/value Prior studies have not extensively explored the involvement of Gen-Z volunteers in crowdsourcing, along with the use of a comprehensive theory that proposes a model based on PMT and place attachment theory. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap and provide a better understanding of the factors that influence Gen-Z’s intention to use crowdsourcing based on ICT for preserving world heritage sites.