Product Disposition in Consumer Households: A Behavioral and Typological Analysis
Synopsis
This monograph presents a comprehensive investigation into consumer product disposition within Indian households, addressing a long-neglected yet increasingly crucial facet of the consumer behavior cycle. Recognizing the global shift toward sustainable consumption and circular economic models, the study aims to unravel the complex behavioral, psychological, and situational factors that drive consumers to part with products. The key objectives include developing an empirically grounded disposition tendency model, identifying consumer typologies based on disposition tendencies, and examining how these tendencies influence actual and impulse disposition behaviors. Additionally, the research evaluates the moderating roles of demographic and situational variables such as gender, age, income, job transferability, family structure, and work status. The methodology adopts a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase involves semi-structured interviews with 30 experienced disposers to explore nuanced disposal practices, analyzed using content analysis to refine the theoretical model. The quantitative phase includes a large-scale online survey, leveraging convenience sampling through social platforms to gather data from Indian consumers aged 25 and above. Measurement items were structured using a 7-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the constructs and hypotheses. The research culminates in a validated model encompassing constructs like value seeking, innovation seeking, de-cluttering tendency, lifestyle and storage factors, product condition, and disposition channels, and it links these to disposition and impulse behavior. Key findings reveal that disposition behavior is significantly shaped by the interplay of psychological motivations and situational realities. Typological analysis identifies various consumer segments; those inclined toward value, innovation, or minimalism; each demonstrating distinct behavioral patterns in product disposal. Notably, innovation-seeking emerged as a novel and significant factor influencing disposition tendencies. The study also reveals the moderating influence of socio-demographic variables on disposition behavior, with specific findings suggesting that age, gender, income, and work-related mobility affect how consumers perceive and act upon their disposition motivations. This is the first study in the Indian context to provide empirical support for a multifactorial disposition tendency model while simultaneously offering a robust typology of disposers. The research has profound theoretical and practical implications: it bridges a notable gap in consumer behavior literature by focusing on post-consumption behavior, offers a validated model for future academic inquiry, and delivers actionable insights for marketers and policymakers. For businesses, it offers strategic guidance to leverage second-hand markets and tailor product design and communication for sustainability-conscious consumers. For policymakers, it contributes evidence-based insights to support initiatives tackling e-waste, landfill management, and sustainable consumption. However, limitations include reliance on convenience sampling and English-only online surveys, restricting generalizability. The study concludes by proposing directions for future research, such as cross-cultural comparative studies and deeper exploration of the emotional and identity-related aspects of disposition. In essence, this work shifts the discourse in consumer research from acquisition to responsible relinquishment, establishing product disposition as a vital arena for sustainable development.
Keywords:
Product Disposition, Thesis
Chapters
-
Chapter 1: Understanding Consumer Product Disposition: Scope and Rationale
-
Chapter 2: A Comprehensive Review of Disposition Literature and Theoretical Foundations
-
Chapter 3: Development of the Disposition Model: Hypotheses and Conceptual Framework
-
Chapter 4: Mixed Methods Approach to Disposition Behaviour
-
Chapter 5: Data Analysis & Typology of Disposers
-
Chapter 6: Synthesising Insights: Discussion, Implications & Conclusions
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Albinsson, P. A., & Perera, B. Y. (2009). From trash to treasure and beyond: The meaning of voluntary disposition. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 8(6), 340–353.
Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (Eds.). (2008). The Sage handbook of applied social research methods. Sage Publications.
Bressanelli, G., Adrodegari, F., Pigosso, D. C. A., & Parida, V. (2022). Towards the Smart Circular Economy Paradigm: A Definition, Conceptualization, and Research Agenda. Sustainability, 14(9), 4960.
Brosius, N., Fernandez, K. V., & Cherrier, H. (2013). Reacquiring consumer waste: Treasure in our trash? Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 32(2), 286–301.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Gregson, N., Metcalfe, A., & Crewe, L. (2007). Moving things along: The conduits and practices of divestment in consumption. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 32(2), 187–200.
Hanson, J. W. (1980). A proposed paradigm for consumer product disposition processes. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 14(1), 49–67.
Jacoby, J., Berning, C. K., & Dietvorst, T. F. (1977). What about disposition? Journal of Marketing, 41(2), 22–28.
Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017).Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 127, 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005
Krauss, S. E. (2005). Research paradigms and meaning making: A primer. The Qualitative Report, 10(4), 758–770.
Madhuhansi, W. H. T., Ozanne, L. K., & Kennedy, A.-M. (2025).Consumer disposal behaviour of durable and semi?durable products: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 49(2), e70032. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.70032
Maxwell, J. A. (2008). Designing a qualitative study. In L. Bickman & D. J. Rog (Eds.), The Sage handbook of applied social research methods (2nd ed., pp. 214–253). Sage Publications.
Phillips, B. J., & Sego, T. (2011). The role of identity in disposal: Lessons from mothers’ disposal of children’s possessions. Marketing Theory, 11(4), 435–454.
Roster, C. A. (2001). Letting go: How consumers discard possessions and the impact of disposition decisions on consumer behavior. Advances in Consumer Research, 28, 425–430.
Widmer, R., Oswald-Krapf, H., Sinha-Khetriwal, D., Schnellmann, M., & Boni, H. (2005). Global perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 25(5), 436–458.
Agovino, M., Crociata, A., & Quaglione, D. (2022). Psychological drivers of sustainable product disposition: An empirical investigation. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 180, 106216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106216
Antonides, G. (1990, November). Psychological factors in the lifetime of a durable good. In Royal Netherlands Academy colloquium on the Timing of Consumption and the Consumption of Time, Amsterdam.
Bagozzi, R. P., & Lee, K.-H. (1999). Consumer resistance to, and acceptance of, innovations. Advances in Consumer Research, 26, 218–225.
Bayus, B. L. (1991). The consumer durable replacement buyer. Journal of Marketing, 55(1), 42.
Bayus, B. L. (1994). Are product life cycles really getting shorter? Journal of Product Innovation Management, 11(4), 300–308.
Belk, R. W. (1975). Situational variables and consumer behavior. Journal of Consumer Research, 157-164.
Belk, R. W., Sherry Jr, J. F., & Wallendorf, M. (1988). A naturalistic inquiry into buyer and seller behavior at a swap meet. Journal of Consumer Research, 14(4), 449–470.
Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2004). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (Vol. 5). Pearson Boston.
Bianchi, C., & Birtwistle, G. (2010). Sell, give away, or donate: An exploratory study of fashion clothing disposal behaviour in two countries. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 20(3), 353–368.
Bianchi, C., & Birtwistle, G. (2012). Consumer clothing disposal behaviour: A comparative study. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 36(3), 335–341.
Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (Eds.). (2008). The Sage handbook of applied social research methods. Sage publications.
Birtwistle, G., & Moore, C. M. (2007). Fashion clothing–where does it all end up? International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 35(3), 210–216.
Boyd, T. C., & McConocha, D. M. (1996). Consumer household materials and logistics management: Inventory ownership cycle. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 30(1), 218–218.
Bradford, T. W. (2009). Inter generationally gifted asset dispositions. Journal of Consumer Research, 36(1), 93–111.
Brannen, J. (2005). Mixing methods: The entry of qualitative and quantitative approaches into the research process. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(3), 173-184.
Brosius, N., Fernandez, K. V., & Cherrier, H. (2013). Reacquiring consumer waste: Treasure in our trash? Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 32(2), 286-301.
Brough, A. R., & Isaac, M. S. (2012). Finding a home for products we love: How buyer usage intent affects the pricing of used goods. Journal of Marketing, 76(4), 78–91.
Bryman, A. (2006). Integrating quantitative and qualitative research: how is it done? Qualitative research, 6(1), 97-113.
Gregson, N., Metcalfe, A., & Crewe, L. (2007). Moving things along: The conduits and practices of divestment in consumption. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 32(2), 187–200.
Hart, S. L., & Milstein, M. B. (2003). Creating sustainable value. The Academy of Management Executive, 17(2), 56-67.
Hanson, J. W. (1980). A proposed paradigm for consumer product disposition processes. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 14(1), 49–67.
Jacoby, J., Berning, C. K., & Dietvorst, T. F. (1977). What about disposition? Journal of Marketing, 41(2), 22–28.
Khetriwal, D. S., Kraeuchi, P., & Schwaninger, M. (2009). Producer responsibility for e-waste management: Key issues for consideration–Learning from the Swiss experience. Journal of Environmental Management, 90(1), 153-165.
Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 127, 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005
Lenzen, M., Murray, J., Sack, F., & Wiedmann, T. (2007). Shared producer and consumer responsibility—Theory and practice. Ecological Economics, 61(1), 27-42.
Liu, R., & Meng, X. (2017). Consumer disposition behavior: A literature review and future research directions. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 41(5), 511–527. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12460
Madhuhansi, W. H. T., Ozanne, L. K., & Kennedy, A.-M. (2025). Consumer disposal behaviour of durable and semi-durable products: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 49(2), e70032. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.70032
O’Reilly, K., Rallapalli, K. C., & Venkatesan, M. (1984). Second order marketing: Waste reduction, convenience, and cost reduction. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 18(1), 77–96.
Raghavan, S. (2010). E-waste: Implications, regulations, and management in India and current global best practices. Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology, 5(3), 203–212.
Sabbir, M. M., Khan, T. T., Das, A., Akter, S., & Hossain, M. A. (2023). Understanding the determinants of consumers' reverse exchange intention as an approach to e-waste recycling: a developing country perspective. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 15(3), 411-439.
Widmer, R., Oswald-Krapf, H., Sinha-Khetriwal, D., Schnellmann, M., & Boni, H. (2005). Global perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 25(5), 436–458.
Islam, M. T., Huda, N., Baumber, A., Shumon, R., Zaman, A., Ali, F., & Sahajwalla, V. (2021). Young consumers’ e-waste awareness, consumption, disposal, and recycling behavior: A case study of university students in Sydney, Australia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282, 124490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124490
Bianchi, C., & Birtwistle, G. (2010). Sell, give away, or donate: An exploratory study of fashion clothing disposal behaviour in two countries. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 20(3), 353–368.
Boyd, T. C., & McConocha, D. M. (1996). Consumer household materials and logistics management: Inventory ownership cycle. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 30(1), 218–218.
Harrell, G. D., & McConocha, D. M. (1992). Personal factors related to consumer product disposal tendencies. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 26(2), 397–417.
Hanson, J. W. (1980). A proposed paradigm for consumer product disposition processes. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 14(1), 49–67.
Hibbert, S. A., Horne, S., & Tagg, S. (2005). Charity retailers in competition for merchandise: examining how consumers dispose of used goods. Journal of Business Research, 58(6), 819–828.
Liu, R., & Meng, X. (2017). Consumer disposition behavior: A literature review and future research directions. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 41(5), 511–527. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12460
Madhuhansi, W. H. T., Ozanne, L. K., & Kennedy, A.-M. (2025). Consumer disposal behaviour of durable and semi-durable products: A systematic literature review and future research agenda. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 49(2), e70032. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.70032
Maycroft, N. (2009). Not quite beautiful: The disposal of things. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 8(6), 302–312.
Price, L. L., Arnould, E. J., & Curasi, C. F. (2000). Older consumers’ disposition of special possessions. Journal of Consumer Research, 27(2), 179–201.
Raghavan, S. (2010). E-waste: Implications, regulations, and management in India and current global best practices. Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology, 5(3), 203–212.
Van Nes, N., & Cramer, J. (2010). Product lifetime optimization: A challenging strategy towards more sustainable consumption patterns. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(16–17), 1876–1886.
Vining, J., & Ebreo, A. (1990). What makes a recycler? A comparison of recyclers and nonrecyclers. Environment and Behavior, 22(1), 55–73.
Wallendorf, M., & Arnould, E. J. (1988). “My favorite things”: A cross-cultural inquiry into object attachment, possessiveness, and social linkage. Journal of Consumer Research, 14(4), 531–547.
Wilhelm, W. B., LaPlaca, P. J., & Parker, R. S. (2011). The silver lining: Re-examining assumptions about older consumers and the “senior” market. Business Horizons, 54(4), 357–366.
Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (Eds.). (2008). The Sage handbook of applied social research methods. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11(3), 255–274.
Hall, J. (2008). The architecture of research design. In L. Bickman & D. J. Rog (Eds.), The Sage handbook of applied social research methods (2nd ed., pp. 213–251). Sage Publications.
Jick, T. D. (1979). Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods: Triangulation in action. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24(4), 602–611.
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational researcher, 33(7), 14–26.
Krauss, S. E. (2005). Research paradigms and meaning making: A primer. The Qualitative Report, 10(4), 758–770.
Maxwell, J. A. (2008). Designing a qualitative study. In L. Bickman & D. J. Rog (Eds.), The Sage handbook of applied social research methods (2nd ed., pp. 214–253). Sage Publications.
Bening, C. R., Pruess, J. T., & Blum, N. U. (2021). Towards a circular plastics economy: Interacting barriers and contested solutions for flexible packaging recycling. Journal of Cleaner Production, 302, 126966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126966
Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (Eds.). (2008). The Sage handbook of applied social research methods. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Hatcher, L. (2005). A step-by-step approach to using the SAS system for factor analysis and structural equation modeling. SAS Institute.
Henseler, J. (2007). A new and simple approach to multi-group analysis in partial least squares path modeling. Retrieved from http://doc.utwente.nl/91756/1/PLS_07_Henseler_Multi-Group_Analysis.pdf
Henseler, J., Christain, M., Ringle, R., & Sinkovics, R. (2009). The use of Partial Least Square Path modelling in international Marketing. Advances in International Marketing, 20, 277-319.
Henseler, J., & Fassott, G. (2010). Testing moderating effects in PLS path models: An illustration of available procedures. In Handbook of Partial Least Squares (pp. 713–735). Springer.
Hulland, J. (1999). Use of partial least squares (PLS) in strategic management research: A review of four recent studies. Strategic Management Journal, 20(2), 195-204.
Iacobucci, D., & Churchill, G. (2009).
Klein, N., Ramos, T. B., & Deutz, P. (2020). Circular economy practices and strategies in public sector organizations: An integrative review. Sustainability, 12(10), 4181. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104181
Meißner, M. (2021). Repair is care?-Dimensions of care within collaborative practices in repair cafes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 299, 126913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126913
Moalem, R. M., & Mosgaard, M. A. (2021). A critical review of the role of repair cafés in a sustainable circular transition. Sustainability, 13(22), 12351. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212351
Mondejar, M. E., Avtar, R., Diaz, H. L. B., Dubey, R. K., Esteban, J., Gómez-Morales, A., ... & Garcia-Segura, S. (2021). Digitalization to achieve sustainable development goals: Steps towards a Smart Green Planet. Science of The Total Environment, 794, 148539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148539
Pedersen, J. T. S., & Manhice, H. (2020). The hidden dynamics of household waste separation: An anthropological analysis of user commitment, barriers, and the gaps between a waste system and its users. Journal of Cleaner Production, 242, 116285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.281
Roy, D., Berry, E., & Dempster, M. (2022). “If it is not made easy for me, I will just not bother”. A qualitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to recycling plastics. PLOS ONE, 17(5), e0267284. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267284
Spekkink, W., Rödl, M., & Charter, M. (2022). Repair Cafés and Precious Plastic as translocal networks for the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 380, 135125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135125
Sun, Y., Li, T., & Wang, S. (2022). “I buy green products for my benefits or yours”: Understanding consumers' intention to purchase green products. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, 34(8), 1721-1739. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJML-04-2021-0244
Wang, J., Shen, M., & Chu, M. (2021). Why is green consumption easier said than done? Exploring the green consumption attitude-intention gap in China with behavioral reasoning theory. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 2, 100015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clrc.2021.100015
Albinsson, P. A., & Perera, B. Y. (2009). From trash to treasure and beyond: The meaning of voluntary disposition. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 8(6), 340–353.
Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (Eds.). (2008). The Sage handbook of applied social research methods. Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Guba, E. G. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 105-117). Sage.
Gregson, N., Metcalfe, A., & Crewe, L. (2007). Moving things along: The conduits and practices of divestment in consumption. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 32(2), 187–200.
Raghavan, S. (2010). E-waste: Implications, regulations, and management in India and current global best practices. Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology, 5(3), 203–212.
Widmer, R., Oswald-Krapf, H., Sinha-Khetriwal, D., Schnellmann, M., & Boni, H. (2005). Global perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 25(5), 436–458.
PDF
- Table of Contents Table of Contents
- Front Matter Front Matter
Published
July 26, 2025
Details about this monograph
ISBN-13 (15)
978-81-984081-0-5
Series
Copyright (c) 2025 Usha Seshadri
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
