Tourists’ Goal-Directed Behaviors: The Influences of Goal Disclosure, Goal Commitment, and Temporal Distance

Abstract

Through the lenses of construal-level theory and goal-directed behavior theory, this study proposed and tested a conceptual model of tourists’ goal-directed behaviors. The proposed model depicted the impacts of tourism goal disclosure on tourists’ goal-directed behaviors through the mediation of goal commitment. The moderating role of temporal distance was also investigated. Two experimental studies were conducted to test hypotheses. Study 1 revealed that goal disclosure (vs. nondisclosure) on social media would enhance tourists’ commitment to tourism goals, which in turn would elicit more goal-directed behaviors. Study 2 further showed that the findings of study 1 are only applicable to the condition of short temporal distance. However, when it comes to the condition of long temporal distance, there is no significant difference in goal commitment and goal-directed behaviors regardless if the goal is disclosed or not. The findings of this study provided valuable theoretical and managerial implications.

The impact of online reviews on destination trust and travel intention: The moderating role of online review trustworthiness

“…Tran and Strutton (2020) verified that the e-servicescape positively impacts trust and that trust positively influences eWOM and customer loyalty. The temporary nature of many tourism activities and visits to an unfamiliar locale can act to increase tourists’ risk perceptions associated with a destination (Su et al, 2021). As such, eWOM can be utilized by tourists as an important reference indicator to help avoid travel risks, with the valence and emotional intensity of eWOM providing a significant impact on tourists’ decision making (Abubakar and Ilkan, 2016; Jalilvand et al, 2012).…”

How Destination Social Responsibility Shapes Resident Emotional Solidarity and Quality of Life: Moderating Roles of Disclosure Tone and Visual Messaging

“…Manipulation effectiveness was measured with a two-point scale (Yes/No) “is the DSR continuous” (in G con ) or “is the DSR one-time” (in G one ), this method has been used in published articles and has been shown to be effective (Klein et al 2020; Su, Yang, and Huang 2021). The authenticity of the scenario was measured by asking participants to indicate Yes or No to whether the provided scenario “could happen in real life” (Liao 2007).…”

Diamond Model of Green Commitment and Low-Carbon Travel Motivation, Constraint, and Intention

“…The concept of commitment is primarily used to explain a consistent pattern of behavior among individuals and to express a willingness to engage mentally and physically to participate in an activity [ 34 ]. Su, et al [ 35 ] defined commitments in terms of attitudes and behaviors. According to Buchanan [ 36 ], although the promise does not involve how and why individuals begin to participate leisurely, once it is inspired it will indeed indicate the cause of behavioral consistency.…”

“…Zhao, et al [ 50 ] pointed out that the main effect of the promise is to make behavior and cognition more resistant to change. Su, Yang and Huang [ 35 ] believed that the more committed people will recognize and resist change. Lalot, Quiamzade, Falomir-Pichastor and Gollwitzer [ 39 ] confirmed that most consumers show partial commitment to green issues, followed by consumers with more or very high green commitments, and a few consumers have low or no green commitment.…”