Sustainability consciousness in higher education: Construction of three-dimensional sustainability and role of locus of control
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Abstract
This study aims to analyze the level of sustainability awareness among university students, especially focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to sustainability across three main dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. Additionally, the study explores whether these behaviors are influenced by individuals’ beliefs about their ability to effect change. This study employed a quantitative approach involving all active students enrolled in the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Semarang. A samples of 233 respondents was selected using a non-probability sampling method. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square method. The study findings reveal that attitude towards sustainability have stronger influence on behavior than knowledge. Respondents' demonstrated a higher level of understanding of sustainability compared to their attitudes and behaviors towards it. Furthermore, concerns to economic aspects were found to impact sustainability behaviors. Most respondents expressed a belief that events around them are beyond their control. This article is expected to significantly contribute to aligning policies and practices, particularly in fostering sustainability awareness, and serve as a basis for achieving sustainable development initiatives.
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