The impacts of economic and environmental factors on sustainable mega project development: role of community satisfaction and social media

This study examines the impacts of different economic, environmental, and social factors on sustainable China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development in the context of the CPEC, a multi-billion-dollar mega project. By applying the social exchange theory, this study tested the relationship between economic and environmental impacts through community satisfaction on sustainable CPEC development. This study used social media use as moderator in the relationship between community satisfaction and sustainable CPEC development. The quantitative methods were applied in this study. The data were collected through an online survey from 254 residents along the CPEC route in Pakistan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied for analysis. Results suggested that economic benefits are positively related with community satisfaction which is related with sustainable CPEC development; however, environmental impacts were not significant. Furthermore, social media use related to CPEC development moderated the relationship between community satisfaction and sustainable CPEC development. Findings of this study suggest how economic benefits and community satisfaction can enhance the reputation of sustainable CPEC development resulting in a positive image of this mega project in the minds of local population. Furthermore, positive impact of this mega project can be created by using effective social media policies.