Categorizing 'Others': The Segmentation of Other Actors for 'Faith in Others' Efficacy (FIO)'

This conceptual paper provides an innovative categorization of "others" for the variable of "faith in others (FIO)". Adopted by pro-environmental and sustainability literature, FIO refers to faith in the efficacy of other actors. Examination and integration of theories on sustainable pro-environmental behavior leads to the proposition, that "others" can be segmented into two main categories. The two main categories are biospheric, and non-biospheric others, with non-biospheric others including the sub-categories of independent, and organizational others. How an individual perceives the efficacy of "others", and the influence which these perceptions may have upon an individual's behavior, is also addressed. Thus, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the underlying influences of sustainable behavior, providing keys to improving business and policy strategies for sustainability and sustainable behavior. [For full proceedings, see ED571459.]