Residents' behavioral intention to participate in neighborhood micro-renewal based on an extended theory of planned behavior: A case study in Shanghai, China

Neighborhood micro-renewal (NMIR) plays a critical role in revitalizing old neighborhoods and urban sustainability. Public participation has attracted widespread concern to satisfy the multiple demands for social governance in China. Prior studies have underlined the promotion of communal participation, whereas collective characteristics and individual intentions of public behavior have been largely neglected. This study investigates determinants of residents' participation intention and behavior in a framework that incorporates the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the expectation-confirmation model (ECM). Based on structural equation modeling (SEM), the empirical analysis was conducted with questionnaires completed by 443 residents who dwell in a neighborhood undergoing micro-renewal. The results indicated that residents' participatory intention and behavior were predicted by subjective norms, behavioral attitudes, and perceived behavioral control. In addition, perceived usefulness positively affected behavioral intention, whereas the impact of satisfaction was not significant. Furthermore, community attachment could positively moderate the effect of intention on behavior. Accordingly, several targeted managerial implications regarding public participation in NMIR are proposed. This study extends the TPB into the practice of public involvement on a neighborhood scale and provides insightful ideas to promote residents' participation awareness.

Automated summary

Neighborhood micro-renewal is crucial for revitalizing old neighborhoods and achieving urban sustainability. This study investigates the determinants of residents' participation intention and behavior in micro-renewal projects using the theory of planned behavior and the expectation-confirmation model. The findings suggest that subjective norms, behavioral attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence participatory intention and behavior. Additionally, the perceived usefulness affects intention positively, while satisfaction has no significant impact on behavior. Community attachment moderates the effect of intention on behavior. The study provides insights for promoting residents' participation awareness in micro-renewal projects.