This research applied Ajzen´s theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to investigate\ud
the payment behaviour of over-indebted consumers within the German mailorder\ud
industry. Both imprisoned (N=41) and not-imprisoned (N=97) consumers´\ud
attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), its correspondent\ud
beliefs, and payment intention were analysed using structural equation\ud
modelling with the partial least squares approach. Although the sample size\ud
was small, the fit of the models were statistically valid and no statistical\ud
difference between imprisoned and not-imprisoned consumers was ascertained.\ud
The main predictor variables were analysed regarding gender specification and\ud
were enriched with moral norms and past behaviour. Subjective norm was the\ud
strongest predictor of payment behaviour of the not-imprisoned sample. Gender\ud
had a statistically relevant impact on payment intention.\ud
In sum, the main constructs of the TPB explained 35.8% of the variance in\ud
intention (R²) to pay further mail-order invoices on time. PBC increased the\ud
accuracy and the model was therefore superior to the theory of reasoned action\ud
(R² = 28.5%). The extension of the TPB with moral norms led to an increase of\ud
R² to 47.0%, with past behaviour to 39.5%, and with both to 49.0%. Therefore,\ud
this supports the extension of the basic model of the TPB in order to strengthen\ud
the explanation of the behaviour under consideration.\ud
In general, the outcome of this study identifies further related factors concerning\ud
payment behaviour, beyond those previously present within research and\ud
practice. From a practical perspective this study adds significant value to the\ud
understanding of over-indebtedness in Germany and its implication for the mailorder\ud
industry. It demonstrates the alarming debt situation of individuals over\ud
the last several years and the ambivalence regarding the normality of having\ud
debts in Germany. It emphasizes the complexity of payment behaviour and its\ud
personal influences. Payment of a mail-order invoice on time has no single\ud
specific causation, but typically is caused by more factors than previously\ud
thought