The Effect of Three Different Generation Types on Prosocial Consumption Behavior

Purpose - This study aims to examine differences in donation behavior as surrogates of prosocial consumption behavior among three generation types. Further, it attempts to examine the moderator roles that affect donation behavior influenced by the difference in generations. Research design, data, and methodology - This study used the statistical ANOVA technique to examine generational difference. Surveys were structured differently by ages, as 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, and 70th to classify generations into each group. A survey to measure the psychological distance was performed to identify whether the respondents intended to donate to a domestic or overseas target. Results - First, subjective judgment of psychological distance has no effect on objective donation behavior. Second, though the result of the relationship with moral identity is not statistically significant, it provides evidence that a higher moral identity level possesses more donation behavior. Further, groups with higher symbolization tend to donate more than the others. This was especially evident among the young and baby boomer generation. Conclusion - This empirical study suggests that marketers need to differentiate the market segment of the baby-boomer generation with high purchasing power of prosocial consumption.