Abstract
Background: This article presents findings from research conducted before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on companies located in the Zurich airport region of Switzerland, regarding the needs for global business travel and its impacts. Methods: The study involved a mixed methods approach. Five hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics on data obtained from pre-tested closed questions in a web-based survey. Deeper context was explored through an interview-based case-study conducted at a Swiss pharma company. Results: Supporting alternative hypothesis 3 (Ha(3)), a significant positive relationship was found between travel frequency and business growth, F(1, 100) = 11.31, p = 0.0011. Supporting Ha(4), corporate culture had a significant positive relationship with business travel frequency (F(1, 100) = 15.50, p = 0.0002) and average trip length (F(1, 100) = 6.39, p = 0.01). And thirdly supporting Ha(5), corporate social responsibility had a significant relationship with global business travel (91%). Ho(2) and Ho(3) were accepted. The case study found that smart corporate travel policies and regulations should be instantiated to enhance our environment, which would also benefit employee wellbeing. Travel can be reduced significantly despite being demonstrated that physical co-presence is important for building trust. The case study suggests tools to support the monitoring and management of global business travel by organizations. Conclusions: COVID-19 has impacted travel for business significantly, and future research will be necessary to assess its impact. The article explores the ongoing research in this area, and several relevant implications are proposed for future leaders. The case study found willingness to pay both corporate and individual green taxes, and a deficiency in corporate communication around the environment. Business travel is needed to build trust; however, it can be reduced.
Highlights
Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global air travel had never been more popular
The gap in the literature linking the environment with corporate social responsibility (CSR) was clearly identified as early as 1994: “this concern for the environment serves as a new, unifying theme for the study of international business, which will no doubt continue to deepen and grow in importance” (Wright & Ricks, 1994, p. 699)
In some areas it has received attention – there are a range of studies on resource use, production-based pollution, and the range of responses firms can take from internal policies to engagement with regulatory bodies
Summary
Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global air travel had never been more popular. There are two areas in which that preference is to an extent backed up by research: the transfer of knowledge, and trust-building Both are better accomplished in some circumstances by face-to-face communication, and the ensuing associated travel, than through any of the available virtual alternatives (Tani M, 2005; Welch, Welch, & Worm, 2007). In some areas it has received attention – there are a range of studies on resource use, production-based pollution, and the range of responses firms can take from internal policies to engagement with regulatory bodies. These were often prompted by large-scale and widely reported disasters, along with responses to governance issues en-vogue at various historical moments. Awareness remains sparse and further studies are needed to highlight options that might work in particular settings (Kolk, 2016)
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