Inertia as a concept in the natural sciences has been used since Newtonian times. However, the social science literature still struggles in defining inertia and its many variations. In current...Show moreInertia as a concept in the natural sciences has been used since Newtonian times. However, the social science literature still struggles in defining inertia and its many variations. In current social science literature, numerous definitions exist that define inertia differently; consequently, not much is known about inertia (Bozzo, 2002). Furthermore, inertia is often confounded with related phenomena, such as procrastination and status-quo bias (Cui et al., 2020). This ultimately hinders the effective study of inertia, as the quality of a theory or research is only as good as the quality of the definition that is used for the studied phenomenon (Rozin, 2009). The current study adds to the inertia literature by utilizing a prototype approach in defining “financial inertia”. For the purposes of this study “financial inertia” is viewed as inertia in a financial setting. Compared to classical definitions, a prototype definition is more encompassing and is not hindered by absolutes. Through a prototype analysis, we asked laymen in the United States of America and United Kingdom about their thoughts, views, and feelings regarding financial decision making. Afterwards, using this data we identified a list of features related to financial decision making (Study 1) and used these features to calculate their centrality in relation to financial inertia (Study 2). Centrality refers to the relatedness of these features to financial inertia and was used to divide the features into central features (more related) and peripheral features (related to a lesser extent). Using the gathered data, this paper proposes a working definition of financial inertia in the hopes of clarifying inertia literature and aiding the creation of an instrument that measures financial inertia. As we assume that all that applies to “financial inertia” reciprocally 4 applies to inertia itself, the current findings will contribute to future research on this topic as well.Show less
Although many gardeners desire a green oasis, most have a concrete jungle. This behavioral misalignment in domestic gardening is an example of the intention-behavior gap. Facilitating factors of...Show moreAlthough many gardeners desire a green oasis, most have a concrete jungle. This behavioral misalignment in domestic gardening is an example of the intention-behavior gap. Facilitating factors of this gap are poorly understood. This study aims to: 1. establish an intention-behavior gap in domestic green gardening, and 2. provide insight in impeding factors in the translation of green intention into gardening behavior. Two inertia-inducing factors were considered: goal conflict and procrastination. I tested whether intending to perform greening activities positively influences garden greening behavior when conflict between garden goals (H1) and procrastinating garden adjustments are low (H2). An online survey was distributed to garden-owners in Leiden (N=146). Multiple Response Analysis confirmed that intention mainly predicts greening behavior whilst leaving 63.6% of variance unexplained, showing a gap. Goal conflict and procrastination were not significant moderators. Strategies to increase garden greening are discussed and future research should continue studying intention-behavior gap moderators.Show less
