20.500.12556/RUL-179032 Beyond necessity how generation Z in Poland engages with informal markets for sustainable consumption Wychodząc poza konieczność Aim: This study focused on the interdependence of the informal economy and sustainable consumer behaviour. By using cluster analysis, it challenges traditional views that categorise the informal economyas marginal and economically backward. Methodology: A survey was used to collect the data from a group of respondents from Poland, representing generation Z (n = 115). Results: The research results made it possible to distinguish between two groups: one that actively chooses informal markets based on values, such as concern for the environment, social equality and identification with the global community, and another one that leans towards more traditional market approaches. The paper highlights that participation in the informal market involves a value-based choice influenced by ethical, environmental and ideological considerations, among others. Implications and recommendations: The findings offer valuable implications for policymakers and businesses, stressing the need for adaptive action that is in line with emerging consumer priorities and the changing role of the informal economy in sustainable development. Originality/value: This study links economic behaviour with psychological constructs. Previous research in this area focused on informal market participation to a very limited extent, mainly among marginalisedgroups (e.g. low-income populations). In turn, consumers with other characteristics, such as greater concern for the environment and a perceived need for equality, also engage in the informal economy, suggesting that ethical and sustainability considerations may guide informal market choices. consumption consumer behaviour sustainable development informal economy sustainability equality consumer resistance potrošnja vedenje potrošnikov trajnostni razvoj true false true Angleški jezik Poljski jezik Članek v reviji 2026-02-03 14:57:30 2026-02-03 15:08:12 2026-02-04 04:36:59 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 Str. 14-23 no. 1 Vol. 30 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 339.138 2080-5993 10.15611/fins.2025.1.02 247924739 138386_Beyond_Necessity_How_Generation_Z_in_Poland_Engage.pdf 138386_Beyond_Necessity_How_Generation_Z_in_Poland_Engage.pdf 1 5F6B8D0A435F85A9A5CB78D590C30958 f8d475e899a4ba0b760c247ad9dcb8288f56430db0ad5af2be8618f74aecb6d8 ae3626ea-0108-11f1-a1ba-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=227125 https://dbc.wroc.pl/publication/177145 0 a948a8c3-0108-11f1-a1ba-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=227124 Ekonomska fakulteta 0 0 0