Dynamic TPB-BN framework for construction waste reduction: a behavior-environment synergy-driven multidimensional intervention study based on Chinese evidence

Purpose This study aims to identify the key factors of construction waste reduction behaviors (WRB) and quantify the influencing mechanism. A model was constructed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and Bayesian network (BN) to explore the multidimensional synergy between internal cognitive factors (willingness to reduce [WR], behavioral attitudes [BA], subjective norms [SN] and perceived behavioral control [PBC]) and external environmental factors (governmental supervision [GS] and economic cost [EC]). Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire survey was used as a quantitative research method to collect 1,274 sample data, and the TPB-BN model was used to perform parameter learning, sensitivity analysis and multi-dimensional intervention evaluation on the sample data, systematically revealing the relationship and influence mechanism between internal and external factors. Findings The findings show that WR is the key driving factor for improving WRB. Multidimensional intervention strategies combined WR with external environmental factors demonstrate significantly better improvement effects on WRB, compared to internal cognitive factors. The dynamic framework of “cognition-environment-behavior” is formed, which provides a systematic theoretical model and practical path for construction waste reduction management. Originality/value This paper provides a solid theoretical foundation for future research on the management of WRB. It not only expands the theoretical boundary of the TPB to form a “cognition-environment-behavior” dynamic framework but also provides an empirical basis for developing countries to formulate high-efficiency reduction policies and opens new research perspectives for the design of future behavioral intervention strategies.