Decoding the Dilemma of Consumer Food Over-Ordering in Restaurants: An Augmented Theory of Planned Behavior Model Investigation

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of over-ordering behavior in social dining as a significant contributor to food waste, utilizing an integrated conceptual model that combines the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM) with the moderating role of Mianzi. A total of 583 responses collected through an online survey are analyzed using partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility positively influence personal norm, while personal norm negatively affects consumers’ attitude towards over-ordering. Furthermore, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are positively and significantly associated with over-ordering behavior. Notably, Mianzi moderates the relationship between personal norms and attitude. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing consumers’ over-ordering behavior and provide valuable insights for addressing food waste in social dining contexts. The study’s limitations are discussed, and future research directions are suggested to advance the field of food waste reduction.