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ABSTRACT
This research investigates how the work spouse, a common yet overlooked close personal relationship, may influence individual and household leisure decisions. We propose and empirically investigate the influence of the work spouse relationships on consumers’ pursuit of a range of leisure activities, including travel, hospitality, and media. To do so, we build on the established literature to theoretically identify areas of personal and household leisure activities where one’s work spouse may serve as a significant agent of knowledge or influence. Our results suggest that work spouses appear to play a significant and previously unknown role in how consumers spend their leisure time. Further, our data indicate that this influence is likely to grow as the work spouse relationship strengthens and the partners grow increasingly comfortable introducing non-work-related topics into their relationship. Finally, we offer conclusions and calls for further research.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
L. Jean Harrison-Walker
L. Jean Harrison-Walker (Ph.D., Florida State University), Professor of Marketing at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, has published in numerous academic journals. Her primary research interests include services marketing, WOM, forgiveness, emotions and marketing strategy.
James A. Mead
James A. Mead (Ph.D., University of Kentucky) is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of West Florida. His research interests include emotion, memory, pricing, satiation, and consumer well-being.