An Exploratory Study of Factors that Influence Higher Education Students' Ironing Behaviour

Ironing is one of the household activities that consume considerable amount of energy with high financial and environmental implications. Even though ironing has adverse impact on energy consumption, studies on ironing, specifically, in the context of students' energy usage are limited. Hence this paper reports on an exploratory study with objective of exploring the factors that underlie ironing behaviour of residential students of higher education institutions. Data for the study were obtained through focus group technique and analysed using qualitative content analysis in MAXQDA 12 qualitative analysis software. The result of the study revealed that majority of the students in residential facilities do not practice bulk ironing which was attributed to attitude; perceived behavioural control; social factors; physical factors such as availability of space for hanging ironed clothes; availability of power; and background of the individual students. Our findings could help managers of institutions to formulate appropriate strategies and policy framework to address students' excessive energy consumption through ironing in their residential facilities. Practical implications of the study are discussed.