Empowerment in the context of user-generated content in the travel industry: a research model proposal

Abstract

When people use the Internet to obtain travel information, they do research about the trip on the Internet, and read and generate content and reviews. Such user-generated content (UGC) can empower the traveler by giving them the opportunity to receive and pass on recommendations based on their travel experiences. However, our understanding of the role of empowerment in the UGC context in the travel industry is limited. The aim of this theoretical paper is to conceptualize the UGC issue using an empowerment concept derived from the psychological empowerment theory. By employing the psychological empowerment model, it is proposed that a research model of empowerment in the context of UGC in the travel industry can be formed through competence, self-determination, meaning, and impact. The main significance of this research is the conceptualization of empowerment in the context of UGC in the travel industry. What makes this empowerment distinct to the existing perspectives is its measurable context