An exploratory study of the factors that influence the management of international business air travel (IBAT)

The researcher undertook a qualitative exploratory case-based study and interviewed 34 business travellers, travel organisers and executives involved in International Business Air Travel (IBAT) from ten organisations in differing industries. The Research Problem, What factors influence the management of International Business Air Travel (IBAT) was addressed and it was found that there are a multitude of factors influencing IBAT management. Some of the most influential factors included the professionalism and job satisfaction of travellers and the achievement of organisational goals including carrying out successful international ventures or operating effectively in international markets. Four Research Questions were designed to address the Research Problem. Research Question 1 asked about the characteristics of business travellers in this study. Research Question 2 asked about what influenced travellers in the management of IBAT, Research Question 3 asked about what influenced organisations in the management of IBAT and Research Question 4 asked about the influence of the IBAT environment. From the research findings several models were developed, including: The Management of IBAT Model - which gives an overall snapshot of the management of IBAT in organisations; The Predominant Influencing Factors in IBAT Management Model - which captures three key areas of influence in IBAT management: traveller, organisation and environment; The Threshold of Tolerance Model – which illustrates the potential point where both organisational goals are most likely to be met and where IBAT is most likely to be well managed for both travellers and organisations. Further, the IBAT Factors Lists were also designed; the lists note potentially influential factors for discussions in organisations on IBAT management.