Changes Take Place in Stages! A Gradational Perspective on the Influence of Homeowners Associations on the Adoption of Wildlife-Friendly Landscape Maintenance

Abstract

Lack of demand for professional wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance (WFLM) is not well understood, and further complicated by institutional and non-institutional influences. Framed by the Transtheoretical Model of Change, this study evaluated behaviors and perceptions pertaining to WFLM. A cross-sectional research design with quota sampling gathered stage of change, perceived motivators and barriers, processes of change, and self-efficacy from 1,219 Florida residents who hired a professional for landscape maintenance services. Comparisons were conducted to disentangle the relationship between living in a homeowners association and requesting WFLM. More residents were in earlier pre-action stages than later behavioral stages. There were stronger perceptions of some external barriers and motivators among homeowners association residents with perceptions of neighbors’ expectations being the greater motivator and barrier among this audience segment. Findings reveal a need to support residents in earlier stages of behavior change and integrate social norms into behavior change programs, especially within homeowners associations.