Always best or good enough? The effect of 'mind-set' on preference consistency over time in tourist decision making. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Qiuyun; Li, Chunxiao (Spring); McCabe, Scott; Xu, Hong
• Is Part Of: Annals of tourism research. Volume 75(2019)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Destination choice -- Temporal distance -- Construal level theory -- Satisfying and maximizing mind-set; Tourism -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2019.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-7383

Abstract

Highlights: Examines how temporal distance influences tourist's destination preferences. Integrates construal level theory (CLT) with mind-set theory for the first time. Utilizes four choice experiments to examine and segment destination preferences. Reveals the moderating role of "mind-set" on tourists' preference inconsistency. Explores the reasons behind individual differences on preference change. Abstract: Where a lengthy period is available for the choice of tourist destination, people's tendency to change their minds can be pronounced. This makes the investigation of preference (in)consistency of great interest. Here, we integrate construal level theory (CLT) with mind-set theory, for the first time, to explore the moderating effect of an internal factor (i.e. mind-set) on preference shifts from desirable to feasible attributes over time. The results of four choice experiments suggest that, compared with people with a satisficing mind-set, people with a maximizing mind-set are reluctant to sacrifice desirability for feasibility, which counters the inclination to alter preferences as the decision time approaches. Furthermore, we found that different preference patterns between maximizers and satisficers are not connected to desirability but result from maximizers' consistency in placing less importance on feasibility. Implications for future studies and destination marketers are outlined.