South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences (Sep 2013)

Travel or technology? Business factors influencing management decisions

  • Anneli Douglas,
  • Berendien Lubbe,
  • Inger Fabris Rotelli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v16i3.362
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 3
pp. 279 – 297

Abstract

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There is an on-going debate on the use of technology as an alternative to business travel, with industry and academia differing in their views on such substitution. This study investigates the trend towards substitution and identifies the factors and barriers that play a role in either supporting or limiting such substitution. The results provide management with an evaluation of the benefits of replacing business trips with videoconferencing and other alternatives, against the potential disadvantages of using these alternatives.