Measuring sustainability-oriented consumption values: developing and validating a scale

Purpose The main objective of this study was to develop and validate the Sustainability-Oriented Consumption Scale (SOCS). This scale was designed to assess the multidimensional values that consumers associate with purchasing sustainable products. This study fills an important gap in the literature by combining consumption values and sustainability aspects in a unified framework. This study uses comprehensive multi-phase psychometric testing to provide researchers, marketers and policymakers with a reliable tool for understanding and promoting sustainable consumption behaviour. Design/methodology/approach The process was carried out in three studies. The initial pool consisted of 163 items, generated through literature review. The items were subjected to content validation with experts, subsequently followed by exploratory factor analysis (n = 276) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 474). The multi-stage validation assessed reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and predictive and nomological validity. Findings The final SOCS consists of 27 items scattered across eight value dimensions. It includes functional, emotional, social sustainable, environmental, economic, prestige, informational and promotional. The model accounts for 67% of the variance in sustainable purchase intention and demonstrates robust psychometric properties. Originality/value The SOCS framework contributes to theoretical understanding by addressing the conceptual gap present in current sustainable consumption scales. It differs from previous scales in that it includes social sustainable welfare and economic viability, offering a multidimensional perspective rather than focusing solely on environmental value. The scale offers researchers a unified framework that enables marketers to develop value-driven strategies and assists policymakers in drafting targeted sustainability policies.