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

Philip R Walsh,Rachel Dodds,Julianna Priskin,Jonathon Day,Oxana Belozerova

doi:10.3390/su13084343

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.

Highlights

Published: 14 April 2021Facing increasingly significant global challenges, both environmental and social, there is a growing urgency for the adoption of sustainable development practices
A single ioural factors: sustainable behaviour negative behaviour attitudes andofthree distinct behavioural factors: behaviour pre-trip, negarelated tofactor the use transportation and energy duringsustainable the trip and sustainable tive sustainable behaviour related to the use of transportation and energy during the trip behaviour related to reducing waste during the trip, were identified
In adding a comparative dimension that involves four different countries, this study found that national cultures, demographics and values influence the sustainable attitudes and behaviour of business travellers

Summary

Introduction

Facing increasingly significant global challenges, both environmental and social, there is a growing urgency for the adoption of sustainable development practices. A global phenomenon that generates significant social, environmental and economic impacts, has been called upon to adopt sustainability practices and contribute to broader sustainability goals. While conceptual appeal of sustainable travel to academics and policy-makers has been well documented [1,2], there has been frustration with the slow rate of adoption of these principles [3]. The implementation of sustainable travel is a complex activity requiring the action of a large number of actors, each undertaking a variety of actions. The impact of travel and tourism on climate change, as one of a number of important sustainability challenges to which it contributes, provides important insights on the implementation of effective interventions. Travel and tourism have been reported to be between 2.5–3% of global

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