CONTEXTS AND DYNAMICS OF SOCIAL INTERACTION AND INFORMATION SEARCH IN DECISION MAKING FOR DISCRETIONARY TRAVEL

Abstract

A number of tourism decision models draw on consumer psychology. These focus on intrapersonal mental processes, attitudes, values, sociodemographics, some aspects of experience, and information use. The dynamics of information search and social interaction by an individual as part of travel decision making have received little attention. Here the dynamic interaction of an individual with the external environment for social interaction and information search purposes and an individual's style of being involved with some travel decision options are emphasized. The article relates decision making to an operator model. Implications of information search and social interaction potentially occurring over time resulting in interim decisions on what to do are discussed. A final decision on taking a trip is seen as an end that depends on a process. Matters discussed include decisions being interpreted and modeled as involving a single compensatory decision when the final decision can depend on interim decisions, some of which may not be compensatory. A simple question answer approach is used to show implications of the ideas presented and their application to survey research.