| This thesis is an exploration of the outcomes related to engaging in environmentally significant behaviour (ESB) among ecological professionals. A grounded theory approach and a semi-structured interview instrument were used to gather data from eight ecological restoration professionals in the Guelph, Ontario, region of Canada. The demonstration of competence, a construct from the literature, was found to be an important motivating factor for ecological professionals. Frustrations related to involvement in ESB; the importance of having a sense of being connected to nature prior to engaging in ESB; and a mediating factor---scale of action---are new findings from this study that should be incorporated into theoretical constructs that explain ESB, and should be a part of future research initiatives related to ESB. |
