Business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications : a generational analysis

Abstract

Generational differences in the workplace, particularly in the area of technology usage, have become an area of increasing interest, both for academia and industry. Mobile travel applications have found a distinct role in business travel and support the business traveller at any stage of the travel cycle. The dynamic nature of the business environment, business travel and mobile technology requires research to ascertain the nature of the use of mobile travel applications by business travellers, how this usage differs between generations, and how these applications should be developed in future to meet the needs of the changing workforce. An internet based survey was completed by 232 business travellers with the results showing that mobile travel applications are currently more frequently being used by older generations than younger generations, but that younger generations are more likely to use certain applications in the future than older generations. This study answers the call by previous researchers for future research to focus on emergent transaction channels and communication platforms (such as mobile computing) that could affect different generations by providing a generational analysis of business travellers’ use of mobile travel applications. It should also assist managers in better understanding their travellers, especially in terms of their technology usage, enabling them to manage the company’s travel programme more effectively.