Understanding behavioural motivations for travel-based multitasking: A case study in Singapore

Abstract

This study investigated three theoretical frameworks based on Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour (TIB), and revised TIB, respectively, to examine the causality of travel-based multitasking behaviour. Using structural equation model, we validated the effects from intention, habit, and addiction on the behaviour, with empirical data of 500 respondents from travellers in Singapore. TIB and revised TIB are found with higher explanatory power compared to a standard TPB framework. Herein, effects of habit are found with stronger impacts on travel-based multitasking behaviour. Norm is found to significantly affect both people’s habit formation and smart device addiction formation. We therefore suggest policy-makers to consider the differences among intention, habit and addiction when designing interventions to alter people’s daily repeated behaviour. The impact from smart device addiction on multitasking is found to be less than expected despite the significant level, meaning the adverse effects in enabling travel-based smart device use could be less disruptive than anticipated.