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Harmony rules in Chinese backpacker groups

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  • Cai, Wenjie
  • Cohen, Scott A.
  • Tribe, John

Abstract

Despite recognition that Chinese backpackers travel in small, self-organised groups, studies have yet to examine how group dynamics affect the travel experience. Multi-sited ethnography and netnography were deployed to follow Chinese backpackers in Europe to explore their group dynamics. The findings reveal that Chinese backpackers sustain hierarchical group relations by applying cultural attributes of ‘respect for authority’ and ‘keqi’. A conflict-free status is achieved by following the codes of ‘guanxi’ and ‘conformity’. Harmony is practiced to either develop harmonious relationships or resolve potential discord. This study contributes to the literature on harmony by synthesising relevant cultural attributes to understand their applications in group dynamic. It furthermore contributes to the literature on backpacker tourism and self-organised travel group dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Cai, Wenjie & Cohen, Scott A. & Tribe, John, 2019. "Harmony rules in Chinese backpacker groups," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 120-130.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:75:y:2019:i:c:p:120-130
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2018.12.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Jingru & Tucker, Hazel & Morrison, Alastair M. & Wu, Bihu, 2017. "Becoming a backpacker in China: A grounded theory approach to identity construction of backpackers," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 114-125.
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    7. Tribe, John & Mkono, Muchazondida, 2017. "Not such smart tourism? The concept of e-lienation," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 105-115.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhu, Jinsheng (Jason) & Airey, David & Siriphon, Aranya, 2021. "Chinese outbound tourism: An alternative modernity perspective," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    2. Chen, Xiaolian & Mak, Barry, 2020. "Understanding Chinese girlfriend getaways: an interdependence perspective," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    3. Gao, Xiongbin & Cohen, Scott & Hanna, Paul, 2020. "Hitchhiking travel in China: Gender, agency and vulnerability," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    4. Jiang, Ting & Miao, Li & Fu, Xiaoxiao, 2022. "Tourism and Yuan-based strangership," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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