Evaluating travel website motivational communication using a structural equation modelling approach

This study examines online information value structure and its motivational communication competence using the motivational language theory (MLT). MLT explains how communication acts directed by managers to employees generate a greater motivation for work. Five information value dimensions — functional, hedonic, innovation, aesthetic and sign — were identified through literature on the subject of MLT and applied to online information. This study confirmed the multidimensionality of online information and proposed four online information dimensions: experiential (hedonic–innovation), sign, functional and aesthetic. The findings also suggested that experiential (hedonic–innovation) and functional information values have significant effects for travel motivation, including exploration, family togetherness, novelty, escape and socialisation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Activity participation as a mediating variable to analyze the effect of land use on travel behavior: A structural equation modeling approach

As activity based approach is receiving increased attention over the past decades, a variety of studies have explored the impacts of land use patterns not only on travel behavior but also on activity participation. Using data from the Tengzhou Household Travel Survey, this paper tests the relationships among land use patterns, activity participation and travel behavior, by comparing results from two structural equation models: one model without activity participation and a second model which adds activity participation as a mediating variable between land use patterns and travel behavior characteristics. The results suggest that the indirect effects through activity participation decision play important roles, which may reinforce the direct effects of land use patterns on travel behavior. Moreover, ignoring activity participation as a mediating variable may also lead to insignificant effects of land use patterns. We conclude that the intermediary nature of activity participation should be taken into consideration.     

Housing mobility and travel behaviour: A process-oriented approach to spatial mobility: Evidence from a new research field in Germany

During recent years, some effort has been made to understand the location changes in the life course underlying travel demand in Germany. Such studies have presented travel behaviour and long-term housing mobility as intertwined decision flows within the life course. This perspective calls for new methods, for example comparisons of travel behaviour before and after relocation, or comparisons between different ‘relocation types’. A number of studies have taken on this new perspective. Although there are certain methodological problems arising, notable progress has already been achieved towards a more precise understanding of travel demand. This includes the investigation of the use of transport modes as well as travelled distances and activity spaces. This contribution provides an overview on these studies. Theoretical groundwork, empirically validated aspects, and deficits and blind spots of research are being discussed.