During the early stages of the pandemic, people adapted to changing situations by making new and different choices. But how did they make these decisions? Motivation theory can explain the process.
Hoarding, stockpiling and panic buying have all increased during the pandemic.
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Melbourne’s return to stage 3 restrictions has precipitated another round of grocery stockpiling. But supermarket shelves won’t be empty as long as last time.
Toilet paper stock at a Woolworths supermarket in Melbourne on June 26 2020.
James Ross/AAP
What motivates people to panic buy and stockpile goods like toilet paper? The COVID-19 pandemic has given us the chance to find out.
When word of COVID-19 spread, consumers started stockpiling goods like toilet paper in their homes, both disrupting the supply chain system and creating living spaces crammed with paper products. It isn’t necessary.
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Modern supply chains have become increasingly efficient, but as a result are more susceptible to disruptions like the one caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law’.
EPA/ Salvatore Di Nolfi