Participant Consent Form Participants Name Asher Buck Researchers Name Miranda Craig Research Topic What influences consumer’s decisions when purchasing ethical products? About the Topic As the world’s population grows and resources become scarcer, ethical consumption has become a very important topic. Ample research has shown that there are many different impacts that affect a consumer’s decision to purchase ethical products. This research is being conducted as part of the unit, Applying Mixed Methods Research to Business (BBS301) at Murdoch University. The aim of this study is to collect primary research using face to face interviews to get an insight into what these influences are and how to overcome them. By participating you will help us learn more about consumer’s decisions when purchasing ethical products in your community. Consent I have been fully informed about the topic outlined above and discussed the research project and what is required of me during this process with the researcher. As the research involves sensitive and personal information I have been advised of the potential risks associated with this research and have had an opportunity to ask the researcher any questions I may have about the research and my participation. I understand that my participation in this research is voluntary and I do not receive any benefit by participating. I am free to refuse to participate or withdraw from the research at any time without giving any reason. Any personal information will not be shared to anyone outside of the research team. The information that we collect from this research project will be kept anonymous. If I have any queries or concerns about the research or the way the research was conducted, I can contact the researcher via email [email protected], Jessie Smart Unit Coordinator of BBS301 via email [email protected], or Murdoch University Ethics Department on 1300 687 3624. I give consent to participate in this research, and allow the information collected from the interview to be used for research purposes. By signing below, I have read and understood the terms outlined for this study. Participants Signature Asher Buck Date 5/05/2017 Researchers Signature Miranda Craig Date 5/05/2017 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Name: Asher Buck Sex: Female Age: 35 Ethnicity: Australian Number of dependants: 2 Combined Household Income: $320,000 Highest Level of Education: Year 12 Would you consider your day-to-day life style as one which practices ethical behaviour? Please explain your answer. Yes, both my husband and I work in education and ethics is a big part of this. Treating people equally in society is something I value highly. How would you describe your social status within the community? I work for the department of Education and belong to 2 sporting committees. I am widely known in the local community. What are your personal views on ethical consumption and sustainability? I think ethical consumption can always be a part of anyone’s lifestyle no matter the financial situation you are in. You can always choose to make more ethical decisions when shopping whether it is just one product or all of them. Every little bit helps. I believe that we as a society have a commitment to the environment to protect and preserve it for future generations. Have your views toward ethical produce and sustainability evolved over time? Yes, the older I have gotten the more aware I am. When purchasing products what do you believe are the biggest determining factors of what you purchase? Firstly price, secondly health factors and third where it is sourced from. When shopping is there a variety of ethical produce available to you? If so what are they? If not, why do you think this is? Yes, take milk for example. You can purchase a Ltr for $1 and it is from overseas, sub-standard suppliers, or you can buy 1 Ltr for $2.80 which is local and supports Australian farmers. The choice is clear and it is up the individual what to buy. How important do you think consuming ethically is? Why? For me it is, again I like to think that we should support local industry and industry which is environmentally sound. What do you believe prevents companies from producing in a more ethical manner? Cost, cost, cost! What do you believe could be done differently to better market ethical products to consumers? There is always ways to improve packaging etc, labels could always be clearer and advertising could be more direct. Do you feel guilt impacts your decision when shopping ethically, if so why? Yes, I don’t think I could buy something knowing it was from a factory which mistreated its employees. I remember watching a 4 Corners investigation on K-mart many years ago where a factory collapsed and they didn’t pay any compensation to the families, because of this I didn’t shop in K-mart for nearly 5 years!