arbiter
JournalsAccount

When rewards turn risky: the hidden dangers and risk reduction strategies in case of incentive travels

Krisztina Keller et al.

International Journal of Event and Festival Management2026https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-08-2025-0120article
AJG 1ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Purpose This study examines the risk perception and risk reduction strategies of incentive travel participants from a human–destination interactions approach. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methods were used in this research with a total of 47 employees who participated in incentive travel. Findings Six distinct dimensions of risk perception were identified: weaknesses in public safety, threats to health, concerns regarding performance effectiveness, insufficient access to information, apprehensions associated with air travel and mobility, and uncertainties surrounding the inherent characteristics of the incentive travel experience. Moreover, three mitigating factors were observed to attenuate perceived risks: trust in the employing organization, trust in local service providers and an individual's self-efficacy. Research limitations/implications Main limitation to a study covering a larger geographical area is the need for more nationalities among the research team. Practical implications The companies must involve outstanding employees in preparation for the incentive travel or even to gather the experiences of those who have participated in journeys in previous years with a view to the future. Another dimension is to increase and support the self-confidence of employees before the travel. Social implications Involvement of the employees can increase the motivational value of incentive travel, and participation can even have an outright prestige value for a broader range of employees. Originality/value The role of companies in increasing trust is the crucial point. It raises employees' engagement and performance in the workplace and reduces the risk perceptions of employees who benefit from incentive travel. During an incentive travel, both the human interaction and destination factors must be managed.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-08-2025-0120

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{krisztina2026,
  title        = {{When rewards turn risky: the hidden dangers and risk reduction strategies in case of incentive travels}},
  author       = {Krisztina Keller et al.},
  journal      = {International Journal of Event and Festival Management},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-08-2025-0120},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

When rewards turn risky: the hidden dangers and risk reduction strategies in case of incentive travels

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.