Examining family cohesion’s influence on resort vacation satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose Although much satisfaction research examines the role of demographics, few examine the phenomena of family cohesion or travel party composition and the role they play in influencing satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to leverage the two to further understand satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Data from 400 vacationing families were analyzed to examine the factors of family cohesion, activity satisfaction and overall vacation satisfaction. Findings Contrary to previous research, the results suggest that family cohesion is comprised of two primary factors: emotional bonding and decision making, family boundaries and coalitions. The findings suggest that family cohesion and activity satisfaction contributed to overall vacation satisfaction. However, as an addition to extant research, the findings demonstrate that travel party size moderated this relationship. Research limitations/implications This research challenges findings of extant research on family cohesion and extends satisfaction research by introducing the effect of family cohesion and travel party composition. Both suggest and offer opportunities for future academic research. Practically speaking, this research also provides insight for practitioners as to why “travel party composition” should be regarded as an operative, rather than a descriptive term. Practical implications Practically speaking, this research also provides insight for practitioners as to why “travel party composition” should be regarded as an operative, rather than a descriptive term. Given the results of this research, the moderating effect of travel party composition is an interesting academic finding. Operationalizing this component in practice is challenging. However, practitioners can take the knowledge of the positive relationships between family cohesion, participation in activities, and overall vacation satisfaction, as well as the moderating effect of travel party composition, into account when evaluating guest satisfaction scores, programming activities, and resolving guest issues. Originality/value In addition to challenging findings of prior research, this research utilizes data gathered during family vacations; therefore not relying on recall or issues with memory effect. In addition, it extends existing research through the exploration of moderating variables. Finally, the research has practical implications for practitioners to attend to satisfaction of the increasing global family leisure market.

Role of coffeehouse brand experiences (sensory/affective/intellectual/behavioral) in forming patrons’ repurchase intention

“…Both satisfaction and perceived value have shown to be useful predictors and antecedents of behavioral intentions (Cronin et al, 2000;McDougall and Levesque, 2000;Murphy, 2018;Petrick and Backman, 2002;Tamn, 2000). The compelling amount of studies regarding customer satisfaction outcomes in the service industry indicates a precedent positive relationship between customer satisfaction and repurchase intention (Anderson and Sullivan, 1993;Cronin and Taylor, 1992;Ihtiyar et al, 2018;Kivela et al, 1999;Gregory and Fu, 2018;Zeithaml et al, 1996). Additionally, Chen and Chen (2010) found that although both perceived value and satisfaction have a significantly direct positive effect on customer's behavioral intentions, the effect of experience quality was conversely insignificant on behavioral intentions.…”

The influence of travel companionships on memorable tourism experiences, well‐being, and behavioural intentions

“…Travel companionship has a significant moderation effect on the relationship between MTE and behavioural intentions.Previous researchers have also linked travel companionships andMTEs with tourist well-being. For example,Gregory & Fu (2018) concluded that people who travel with family members enjoy enhanced overall well-being. A link was also identified between family size and well-being, with smaller families experiencing greater sense of wellbeing(Gregory & Fu, 2018).…”

“…For example,Gregory & Fu (2018) concluded that people who travel with family members enjoy enhanced overall well-being. A link was also identified between family size and well-being, with smaller families experiencing greater sense of wellbeing(Gregory & Fu, 2018). It has been further shown that travel experiences are significantly influenced by activities which affect positive emotions(Olsson et al, 2013) Zhu and Fan (2018).…”