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The Corporate Responsibility Paradox: A Multi-National Investigation of Business Traveller Attitudes and Their Sustainable Travel Behaviour

Author

Listed:
  • Philip R. Walsh

    (Ted Rogers School of Business Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Rachel Dodds

    (Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Julianna Priskin

    (Intitite of Tourism and Mobility, Lucerne School of Business, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland)

  • Jonathon Day

    (School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Oxana Belozerova

    (Department of Socio-Economic Geography and Tourism, North-Caucasus Federal University, 355017 Stavropol, Russia)

Abstract

The implementation of sustainability practices in the tourism system requires the participation of a variety of actors. While much research has focused on supply-side issues associated with sustainable tourism, there has been less focus on supply-side issues associated with consumer behaviour and business-related travel. This paper addresses the behaviours of this significant market segment. As behavioural change is seen as a key mechanism for achieving emission reduction, this paper focuses on behaviours of business travels from four countries: Canada, Switzerland, Russia and the U.S., using values-attitudes-behaviour (VAB) theory. We employ Principal Components Analysis to reduce the variables down to four factors and related factor scores. Stepwise multiple linear regression was then used to measure causal associations. The findings show how national cultures, demographics and values influence (although at different levels) the sustainable attitudes and behaviour of business travellers. These results have implications for future corporate travel policy. The recent impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic is also addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip R. Walsh & Rachel Dodds & Julianna Priskin & Jonathon Day & Oxana Belozerova, 2021. "The Corporate Responsibility Paradox: A Multi-National Investigation of Business Traveller Attitudes and Their Sustainable Travel Behaviour," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4343-:d:535676
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