Developing a Typology of Chinese Shopping Tourists: An Application of the Schwartz Model of Universal Human Values

ABSTRACT

This study aims to develop a typology of Chinese shopping tourists based on the Schwartz values. As a medium for investigating rich segmented markets, values emerge as an alternative variable for personality, lifestyle, and other demographic and socioeconomic segmentation variables. Convenience sampling is adopted in this study, and 511 usable responses in China are obtained. Results of the factor analysis reveal the following five dimensions of personal values among Chinese shopping tourists: self-enhancement, universalism, assurance, self-direction, and benevolence. The cluster analysis, which used the aforementioned five dimensions, identify the following clusters: uncertainty (Cluster 1), passion (Cluster 2), balance (Cluster 3), and conservation (Cluster 4). This study provides insights into the nature of personal value of Chinese shopping tourists by applying the Schwartz values, and identifies the shopping travel characteristics of Chinese shopping tourists. The results of this study are expected to assist destination marketing organizations in creating strategies to provide better shopping environments and services for tourists, and to achieve higher levels of tourist satisfaction.

KEYWORDS:

• Shopping tourism
• shopping tourist
• tourist typology
• Schwartz values

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mi Ju Choi

Mi Ju Choi is a PhD Student, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, TH842, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong (E-mail: [email protected]).

Cindy Yoonjoung Heo

Cindy Yoonjoung Heo is Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, TH815, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong (E-mail: [email protected]).

Rob Law

Rob Law is Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, TH829, 17 Science Museum Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong (E-mail: [email protected]).