The New Strategic Imperative: Understanding the Female Business Traveler

Abstract

This paper explores the characteristics, needs, and behaviors of women who travel on business and analyzes the data for potential segmentation. The study focuses exclusively on the female business traveler. The sample consists of 235 female business travelers from a variety of industries. The statistical methods include correlation analyses, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings show that 6 factors explain 60.4% of the variance in characteristics, behaviors and needs of female business travelers. Cluster analysis further identifies 3 clusters: the Connective, the Empowered, and the Productive. The results show that there are three distinct types of women who travel on business. Strategies are suggested for organizations to use the findings to respond to female business travelers.