The Factors Influencing Gen Z’s Behavioral Intention to Recycle E-Waste Using Motivation-Opportunity-Ability (MOA) Framework

Authors

Muhammad Izzul Amir Hasbullah

Johor Business School, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) (Malaysia)

Nornajihah Nadia Hasbullah

Faculty of Business Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) (Malaysia)

Ag Kaifah Riyard Kiflee

Faculty of Business, Economics & Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.923MIC3ST250017

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 9/23 | Page No: 199-204

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2025-08-12

Accepted: 2025-08-20

Published: 2025-10-24

Abstract

The rapid pace of technological innovation and shorter device lifespans have led to a sharp rise in electronic waste, or "e-waste", worldwide. Malaysia faces serious health and environmental hazards. Although Malaysians are very conscious, especially in the environmental aspect, their intention to recycle e-waste remains low. Technically, this generation (Gen Z) contributes more to e-waste. Reflecting on that, this research uses the Motivation Opportunity Ability (MOA) theoretical framework to investigate the factors that impact Malaysian Generation Z's behavioral intention to recycle electronic garbage, or "e-waste". This theoretical framework was adopted to find how Gen Z's recycling intentions are influenced by competence (knowledge and skills), opportunity (access to recycling facilities), and motivation (individual and collective). The expected findings are to offer insights for policymakers, academicians, and urban planners to design interventions that can stimulate e-waste recycling among Malaysian youth.

Keywords

E-waste Recycling, Behavioral Intention, Generation Z, Motivation-Opportunity-Ability

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