Exploring Disagreement Prevention and Resolution in Travel Decision-Making of Young Chinese Travelers

ABSTRACT

This study examines the decision-making processes of young Chinese travelers, with a particular interest in understanding points of disagreement and resolution processes. On the basis of interviews with 25 young Chinese travelers, this study found that while a small number of travelers did not perceive any disagreement, or did not voice their disagreement, the majority of interviewees described the decision-making process as being characterized by periods of disagreement. It was found that Chinese cultural values including “forbearance” and “authority” influence travelers’ disagreement prevention. The strategies for disagreement resolution were primarily influenced by two Chinese cultural values: “reciprocity” and “conformity”.

KEYWORDS:

• Disagreement prevention
• disagreement resolution
• travel decision-making
• young Chinese traveler
• Chinese cultural values

Additional information

Funding

The first author appreciates the support received under the award of a Publication Assistance Scholarship (February–April 2015) from Griffith University, Australia [grant number: Hanqun Song, 2814366]. This work was also supported by the Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University, Australia.

Notes on contributors

Hanqun Song

Hanqun Song, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Logistics, Operations and Hospitality Management, The Business School, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom (E-mail: [email protected]).

Beverley A Sparks

Beverley A. Sparks, Professor, Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia (E-mail: [email protected]).

Ying Wang

Ying Wang, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4215, Australia (E-mail: [email protected]).