Behavior Modification Processes on Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Management of Entrepreneur’ Practices: A case study at Dang Yai Sub-district and Ban Pao Sub-district

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study behavior modification processes on waste from electrical and electronic equipment (E-waste) management of entrepreneurs’ practices according to occupational safety and health, a case study at Dang Yai Sub-district and Ban Pao Sub-district, Buriram Province. The participatory action research (PAR) was conducted using qualitative research methods and data collection using an in-depth follow-up with open-ended questions based on a specific research topic. Sample of 68 volunteer entrepreneur’ workers from Dang Yai Sub-district (33 people) and Ban Pao Sub-district (35 people), Buriram province. Purposeful sampling was used in qualitative research for the identification and selection of information-rich cases related to the phenomenon of behavior modification processes of entrepreneur’ practices. Data from the observation and in-depth follow-up interviews were validated for quality by checking for completeness, discrepancies, and inconsistencies. Data systematically obtained and analyzed using comparative and content analysis. Research findings and recommendations were contributed to grounded theory to explain behavior modification processes.

          The actual interview and behavior modification program were taken place for eight months (from September 2020 - April 2021). In addition, during the interview, observations, digital voice recorders and photos are utilized to collect data. The findings indicate that behavior modification processes in managing the electronic waste of entrepreneur’ practices consisted of four steps of processes including:

1) Raising awareness on health impact of the E-waste for entrepreneurs’ practices.

2) Role of the community concerned. Community’s realization on benefits of corporate social responsibility and encourages stakeholders (local governments, owners of private storage, treatment and disposal facilities; residents) to monitor E-waste management of entrepreneurs’ practices.

3) On-site monitoring and regulations to facilitate behavior modification processes. On-site visits during the intervention and implementation of behavior modification program. Regulation and encouraging on behavior change of entrepreneur’ practices by following up the routine practices and on-site visit to see actual practices by researchers and stakeholders regularly (schedule make-up for visiting several times a week).

4) Creating rules for putting the policy and law into practice. A preliminary version of draft agreement for provision of Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the local government, stake holders, and E-waste entrepreneurs were created for determining legal and regulatory E-waste management requirements, issues, and considerations.