Factors Affecting Social Workers’ Action Competence on Climate Change

Climate change is threatening sustainability and deepening inequality. The purpose of this study is to identify social workers' action competences to respond to climate change and reveal the factors influencing this by applying the VBN (Value-Belief-Norm) theory developed to explain environmental behavior. To achieve the research purpose, data were collected online using a structured questionnaire targeting social workers in one region. The responses of 308 social workers were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation model verification using SPSS22.0 and PROCESS macro(Hayes, 2013). In addition, using the bootstrap method, we verified the sequential mediating effects and direct and indirect effects of value, belief, norm, and action competence on climate change. As a result of the analysis, it was found that there were differences in values, ideology, norms, and implementation capabilities for climate change response depending on the presence or absence of climate change related education and activities. Second, it was found that values, ideology, and ecological norms directly and indirectly affect social workers' action competence on climate change, Based on these results, suggestions applicable to social welfare education and practice were presented.