Millennial Generation Perceptions Surrounding the Wood Products Industry

Authors

  • Kassandra Stout Mississippi State University
  • Iris Montague U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station
  • Rubin Shmulsky Mississippi State University

Keywords:

millennial attitudes, industry perceptions, social media, millennial females, wood products industry

Abstract

The wood products industry faces increasing pressure to attract the interest of young consumers and potential employees, such as the millennial generation. This study was designed to illuminate perceptions held by the millennial generation towards the wood products industry. The millennial generation, or ‘millennials’, are defined in this study as individuals born from 1980 to 2000. In February 2018, an online survey was distributed to over 1,500 millennial-aged individuals and received 1,479 usable survey responses. Results from this study indicate that the respondents have neutral perceptions towards the wood products industry and over half of them (65%) were familiar with the industry before taking this survey. Certain topics, such as clear cutting and forest damages, received stronger attitude reactions from respondents. Approximately, 71 percent of millennials agreed it makes them sad to see cleared forest lands. Responses also indicated millennials possess weak overall knowledge regarding industry practices. Demographic groups that held significantly stronger attitudes were millennial females, all millennials ages 18-20, and all millennials who identified as Caucasian.  This information can be beneficial for developing future marketing strategies, engineering product designs, and improving overall industry success.

Author Biographies

Kassandra Stout, Mississippi State University

Graduate Student

Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Iris Montague, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station

Research Forester

U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station

201 Lincoln Green

Starkville, MS 39759

Rubin Shmulsky, Mississippi State University

Department Head

Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS 39762

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Published

2020-06-11

Issue

Section

Empirical Manuscripts