Factors Influencing Information-Seeking Intentions and Support for Restrictions: A Study on an Arsenic-Contaminated Frying Oil Event

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Keywords

News attention, News elaboration, Optimism, Information‐seeking, intentions, Supports of restrictions, Information searches, Edible oils, Contamination, Taiwan, Risk management

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1108/00070701111180030

Abstract

Purpose

– This study aims to examine factors influencing information‐seeking intentions and support for restrictions related to the threat of arsenic‐contaminated frying oil.

Design/methodology/approach

– A telephone survey using a systematic random sample of 566 respondents in Taiwan was employed to test all hypotheses proposed in this study.

Findings

– Results from the structured equation model show that news attention and elaboration significantly and positively predict information‐seeking intentions, while optimism significantly and negatively predict information‐seeking intentions; and information‐seeking intentions significantly and positively predict support for restrictions.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study imply that increasing risk perceptions and providing useful information while facing the threat of food safety are of central importance.

Originality/value

– The current study provides an appropriate opportunity for developing a model for better understanding the interaction among news attention, news elaboration, optimism, information‐seeking intentions, and support for restrictions as Taiwanese face the threat of arsenic‐contaminated frying oil.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

British Food Journal, v. 113, no. 11, p. 1439-1452

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